Do you suffer from chronic constipation? If the answer is yes, then you should drink up.

One of the main causes of chronic constipation is dehydration. The reason why? Because drinking enough water keeps your intestines smooth and flexible. It also helps keep the food you eat moving through your intestines and ultimately allows food waste to exit the body. If your body doesn’t have enough water, then stool will become hard and difficult to pass.

Before we go any further, check out the following infographic to see 11 signs that you’re not drinking enough water and why hydration is critical to your health.



What Causes Dehydration?

You become dehydrated when you’re body is getting rid of more fluid than you’re absorbing. When you breathe, sweat, urinate and pass a bowel movement, your body is getting rid of fluid. If you don’t drink enough to replenish your body with the necessary amount of H2O, then your body doesn’t function properly. We’ll talk about tips to stay hydrated in just a minute.

How Much Water Should I Drink?

The Institute of Medicine recommends women drink 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water daily. For men they recommend 13 cups (3 liters) daily.

It’s important to note that everyone’s body is different. Depending on your lifestyle, body size, and general health, you may need more or less than the recommended amount. Along with listening to your body, talk to a doctor about how much water you should be drinking in a day.

Tips To Hydrate

Always carry around a bottle of water and keep refilling it throughout the day. You should have to refill your water bottle several times.

Drink a glass of water with every meal

Drink more water when you’re exercising

Drink more water when you’re outside in hot weather

Eat your water (see below)

Eat Your Water

Along with drinking water, you can also boost your H2O consumption from the foods you eat. A lot of fresh fruits and vegetables have an extremely high water content, helping with hydration. Check out the following infographic for a list of popular foods with a high water content.



What To Avoid When You’re Dehydrated

Not all drinks will help keep you hydrated. If you’re dehydrated you should stay away from alcohol and caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and caffeinated sodas. These beverages are diuretics, which means they rid water from the body.