10 Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water

Mica Sood, Pediatric NP at Tangipahoa Community Health Center in Hammond, LA, says that drinking adequate amounts of water is essential for maintaining hydration as it helps to improve the function of your brain, heart and muscles.

The top five benefits of drinking water include –

Drinking water relieves fatigue and increases energy
It promotes weight loss
Water flushes out the waste and toxins from the body
It improves the complexion of the skin
Water helps in the digestion of foods and prevents constipation

Drinking water helps in the overall functioning of the human body. Therefore, every individual needs to drink an adequate amount of water daily to avoid the diseases caused by drinking less water.

Team Digit

What is Dehydration?
Causes of Dehydration
List of Diseases
Harmful Effects of Diseases
Risk Factors Associated
How to Diagnose?
Treatment Methods
Preventive Measures
Does Health Insurance Cover?
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it has taken in, thereby leading to insufficient water for normal functioning. In addition, it can result from drinking less water than your body needs, mostly in hot weather or during some physical activity.

Early signs are thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine. If uncorrected, dehydration can cause dizziness, tiredness and confusion. Drinking enough water daily to maintain overall health and stay hydrated is important.

What are the Causes of Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs primarily when the body loses more water than it takes in. The major cause of this is failure to drink enough water, which can occur due to several reasons:

Insufficient Water Intake: Failing to drink an adequate quantity of water all day long, especially in hot weather or during exercise, may result in dehydration.
Increased Fluid Loss: Exercising, sweating and spending time in a hot environment cause fluid loss. This is because lost fluids must be restored.
Infection: Diseases such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and extensive urination might make a person lose more water than usual during these periods.
Dietary Factors: Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine can also dehydrate you by acting as diuretics that promote excessive fluid loss from the body system.
Age: Aging often leads to less drinking as not feeling thirsty anymore with age reduces intake of liquids among old people.

When someone drinks below his/her hydration needs, an imbalance of fluid results, leading to dehydration with its potential consequences.

10 Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water in Humans

Drinking insufficient water can lead to several serious health conditions. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining bodily functions and preventing diseases that arise from dehydration. The diseases caused by drinking less water and their symptoms are:

1. Eczema

A human body requires an adequate amount of water for sweating out 500-700 ml of water. The sweat secreted by the sweat glands, carry out the toxins and waste from our body. If you do not drink enough water, these waste products do not come out of the body and cause skin irritation such as eczema.

Symptoms – Dry and itchy skin, bumps on the skin, red rashes, scaly and leathery patches of skin, crusting skin and swelling.

2. Fluctuation in Blood Pressure

needs an adequate amount of water for overall functioning. Blood pressure fluctuations can result from stress, lifestyle changes, or underlying health conditions. These fluctuations can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and require careful monitoring

.Symptoms – Severe headaches, nosebleeds, fatigue, chest pain, vision problems, irregular heartbeat, blood in urine, and difficulty breathing.

3. Urine Infection

One of the significant side effects of drinking less water is urine infection. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A urine infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing pain, frequent urination, and discomfort. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications, such as kidney infections.

Symptoms – Burning sensation during urination, dark and smelly urine, strong urge to urinate and urine appears cloudy.

4. Gastritis and Ulcers

When the body is dehydrated, the production of digestive juices is lower. This results in diseases like gastritis and ulcers. Gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining, often leading to discomfort and indigestion. Ulcers are open sores that develop in the stomach or intestines, often due to excessive acid production.

Symptoms – Nausea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, burning feeling in the stomach, hiccups and loss of appetite.

5. Obesity

Due to the lack of water, there is a loss of energy, and the body feels tired. To cater to this feeling, we tend to eat more, leading to weight gain, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It is often linked to lifestyle factors and requires comprehensive management.

Symptoms – Excess body fat, shortness of breath, snoring, trouble sleeping and not being able to perform simple physical tasks.

6. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals like calcium and oxalate to stick together, causing severe pain and discomfort when they pass through the urinary tract. They can be influenced by diet, dehydration, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms: Severe pain in the lower back or side, blood in the urine, nausea, and frequent urination.

7. Chronic Constipation

Water is essential for smooth bowel movements. When the body is dehydrated, the colon absorbs more water from waste, leading to hard and dry stools. This can cause chronic constipation, making bowel movements infrequent and difficult.

Symptoms: Persistent fatigue and swelling in the feet and ankles. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and changes in urination patterns.

8. Skin Disorders

unhappy-young-woman-scratching-her-irritated-skin

Dehydration reduces skin elasticity and moisture, leading to dry, flaky, and irritated skin. Chronic dehydration can exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Proper hydration keeps the skin healthy and resilient against environmental stressors.

Symptoms: Dry, flaky, or itchy skin, often accompanied by redness. Cracked, rough patches and increased sensitivity to environmental factors.

9. Headaches

Dehydration can cause headaches due to reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It can also lead to the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain, triggering a headache. Staying hydrated can prevent these headaches from occurring.

Symptoms: Throbbing or pressure-like pain, often around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. It may be accompanied by dizziness or sensitivity to light and sound.

What Are the Harmful Effects of Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water?

In this section, we are going to throw some light on the harmful effects diseases caused due to drinking less water -

Eczema – Higher odds of skin and other infections, depression, anxiety, sepsis and infection in the cornea of the eye may lead to blindness.
Fluctuating blood pressure – Atherosclerosis, heart attacks, stroke, and significant changes in blood pressure can affect blood vessels in the brain.
Urine Infection – Recurrent infections, kidney damages, kidney scars and hypertension.
Gastritis and Ulcers – Stomach ulcer, stomach bleeding, stomach cancer anaemia, MALT lymphoma, stricture, renal problems, bowel obstruction and gastric cancer.
Obesity – Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, sleep apnea, hypertension, liver and gallbladder diseases and certain cancers.

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water?

Inadequate water intake increases the risk of various health conditions. Understanding these risk factors helps in the prevention and management of dehydration-related diseases.

Risk Factor	Description
High Temperature	Exposure to high temperatures can increase water loss through sweat. This leads to an elevated risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses without adequate hydration.
Physical Activity	Intense physical activity increases fluid loss through sweat. Failure to replenish water can cause dehydration, affecting performance and overall health.
Medical Conditions	Certain conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can exacerbate dehydration. These conditions may increase fluid loss or reduce the body’s ability to retain water.
Age	Both the elderly and very young are at higher risk due to reduced ability to sense thirst or changes in body fluid regulation. This increases their susceptibility to dehydration.
Dietary Factors	High salt and caffeine intake can lead to increased fluid loss and dehydration. Consuming such substances without sufficient water intake heightens the risk of related diseases.
Inadequate Fluid Intake	Regularly consuming less water than the body needs can lead to chronic dehydration. This long-term insufficient intake increases the likelihood of developing related health issues.
Climate	Living in hot or arid climates can increase fluid loss through sweating. In such environments, drinking more water is crucial to maintain hydration and prevent heat-related illnesses.
Pregnancy	Pregnant women require more water for proper foetal development and to support increased blood volume. Insufficient hydration can lead to complications for both mother and baby.
Alcohol Consumption	Alcohol is a diuretic that increases urine production, leading to potential dehydration. Excessive alcohol intake without adequate water can exacerbate dehydration symptoms.
Medications	Certain medications, such as diuretics, increase fluid loss. Individuals on these medications must carefully monitor their water intake to avoid dehydration-related issues.

How to Diagnose Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water?

Understanding the signs that you are not drinking enough water is the key to preventing the diseases caused by drinking less water.

Let us see how to diagnose the diseases arising due to drinking less water –

Diagnosis	Description
Eczema	There is no lab test to diagnose eczema. The doctor will identify the disease by reviewing the patient's medical history and examining the skin.
Fluctuating Blood Pressure	The doctor diagnoses fluctuating blood pressure by simply checking your blood pressure.
Urine Infection	Medical experts identify the disease by analysing the patient’s urine sample under a microscope.
Gastritis and Ulcers	A series of X-rays, known as endoscopy, is used to identify ulcers. Doctors use upper GI endoscopy to diagnose gastritis.
Obesity	The Body Mass Index is used to diagnose obesity. Generally, if anyone has a BMI of thirty and above, they are obese.
Skin Turgor Test	A simple test where the skin is pinched and released to observe how quickly it returns to normal.
Hydration	Review the patient’s daily water intake, physical activity, and environmental factors like climate.
Heart Rate Evaluation	An increased heart rate can indicate dehydration as the body works harder to maintain blood flow.
Cardiovascular Infection	Examine the heart and circulation, as dehydration can cause increased heart rate and reduced cardiac output.

What Is the Treatment for Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water?

Treatment for diseases caused by drinking less water focuses on restoring adequate hydration and addressing related health issues. The diseases caused by drinking less water can be treated in the following ways:

Eczema: Moisturising the skin twice daily, applying anti-itching cream to the affected regions, avoiding scratching, taking warm baths and using mild soaps without perfumes or dyes.
Fluctuating Blood Pressure: Losing weight, exercising daily, consuming less sodium, avoiding stress, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake and cutting down on tobacco. A proper alternative is consuming foods that are rich in these minerals or supplements.
Urine Infection: Antibiotics and cranberry juice. Flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract and preventing another infection can be aided by taking enough water. One should aim to consume between 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Gastritis and Ulcers: Taking antacids to reduce stomach pain, avoiding spicy and hot foods, vitamin B12 shots, proton pump inhibitors, triple therapy, bismuth and H2 blockers produces less mucus, which protects the stomach lining from acidic digestive juices.
Obesity: Healthy and balanced diet, daily physical activity, weight-management programs, weight-loss medicines and bariatric surgery. One’s metabolism and appetite control could be affected, hence contributing to weight gain and obesity.

What Are the Preventive Measures to Control Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water?

The side effects of drinking less water can be prevented by drinking adequate amounts of fluid every day. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine suggest that an adult male should drink 3.7 litres of water daily. In contrast, an adult woman should drink at least 2.7 litres of the same every day to avoid discrepancies due to lack of water consumption.

Bowel movement, precipitation, breathing and urination causes loss of water from the human body. Therefore, it is essential to replenish the loss of water by drinking an adequate amount of fluid every day. This helps in the smooth and proper functioning of all the body parts. Failing to abide by this can lead to the aforementioned diseases caused by drinking less water.

Does Health Insurance Cover Disease Caused by Drinking Less Water?

Coverage of health insurance for diseases resulting from reduced water consumption varies with the specific policy in question and the nature of the ailment. Most health insurance plans cover medical treatment for diseases that occur as a result of dehydration, such as renal stones, urinary tract infections and heat stroke, since these are considered to be severe medical emergencies or essential, contributing cases.

However, routine treatments or preventive care related to hydration might not be covered. Read through your policy details or consult an agent who will advise you on what is included.

Some policies may include nutritionist consultations or preventive health services if they are medically necessary.

Drinking less water can result in dehydration, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and electrolyte disorders. Early identification of symptoms is vital for good health. Diseases can be avoided by lifestyle changes such as drinking more water and helping one’s body perform its crucial functions. Periodic testing and knowledge about how much you need to drink are the key to preventing the consequences of insufficient hydration over a long period.

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Drinking Less Water

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Does drinking water help the brain to function better?

Yes, drinking water improves the functionality of the brain. Furthermore, it also carries nutrients to the brain.

How much water should an adult male drink in a day?

An adult male should drink at least 3.7 litres of water every day.

3. What are the common diseases caused by drinking less water?

Drinking insufficient water can lead to conditions like dehydration, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease.

4. How does dehydration affect the body?

Dehydration can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion, and in severe cases, can lead to kidney failure and seizures.

5. Can drinking less water cause urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Yes, inadequate water intake can lead to concentrated urine, which can irritate the urinary tract and increase the risk of UTIs.

6. How does inadequate water intake impact digestion?

Not drinking enough water can lead to constipation and difficulty in digestion, as water is essential for breaking down food and moving it through the digestive tract.

7. What are the cardiovascular risks associated with low water consumption?

Dehydration can cause a decrease in blood volume, leading to low blood pressure, dizziness, and an increased risk of heart attack.

8. How does low water intake impact physical performance?

Insufficient hydration can lead to reduced stamina, increased fatigue, and muscle cramps during physical activities.

Can drinking less water lead to urinary retention?

Yes, inadequate water intake can cause the bladder to become less efficient at emptying, leading to urinary retention.

What role does water play in regulating body temperature?

Water helps in maintaining body temperature through sweating and respiration. Low water intake can impair this process, leading to overheating.

How can dehydration affect pregnancy?

Inadequate water intake during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm labour, low amniotic fluid, and urinary tract infections.

Can dehydration cause headaches or migraines?

Yes, dehydration is a common trigger for headaches and migraines due to decreased blood flow and tension in the brain.

How does drinking less water impact blood sugar levels?

Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels by causing the kidneys to work harder to filter out glucose, potentially leading to imbalances.

What is the impact of low water intake on kidney function?

Chronic dehydration can lead to kidney damage and impaired kidney function over time, increasing the risk of kidney disease.

Can inadequate water consumption affect joint health?

Yes, water is essential for lubricating joints. Low water intake can lead to joint pain and stiffness.