I've got something to confess.
I don't drink nearly enough to stay hydrated.
How about you? It’s so easy to forget to drink, isn’t it? Funnily enough, we rarely forget to eat!
So let’s bring some balance back to our daily diet with a little more liquid.
In these warmer months I'm setting myself a challenge and I'd like you to join me in my QUEST TO QUENCH!
So here it goes, starting today, I'm going to follow the Eatwell Guidelines and aim to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid per day.
Who’s with me?
Did you know that our body is nearly two-thirds water?
This miracle liquid transports crucial nutrients, electrolytes and other substances to our muscles and organs and is necessary for muscle repair and growth. If we're dehydrated, our body may even start breaking down muscle tissue, weakening muscles. Not good if you’re undergoing physio treatment or if you’re an active person engaging in regular exercise.
Water helps our kidneys flush out waste, supports our digestive system, regulates our body temperature and it lubricates our eyes and joints. It’s pretty important stuff; thankfully in the UK this precious liquid is freely available in every kitchen!
Our body loses water through sweating, breathing and even simple digestion, so to maintain a healthy constitution it’s vital that we incorporate more liquids into our daily routine.
What happens to our body if we don’t drink enough liquid?
● We’ll feel tired and lethargic
● Our concentration levels can drop dramatically
● Dehydration can cause nasty headaches
● Lack of liquid may result in dizziness
● Dehydrated skin will look crepey and dry
● Long-term, dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, kidney stones and constipation.
● Our urine will be dark and emit a strong smell - this is a very clear sign of dehydration.
How much water should we be drinking?
Now that we know how helpful water is for everyday bodily functions, we should be aiming to drink 6-8 glasses a day, around 1.5 litres. Your mileage may vary however so don’t drink too much if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Drinking an insane amount of water can be very dangerous so measure your daily intake instead of chugging water at every opportunity. It’s not a competition to see who can be the most hydrated!
If you’re training, you’ll obviously need more liquid than if you’re sitting at a desk, so be sensible and gauge how much water you’ll need to feel clear-headed and healthy. Your urine will act as a helpful indicator. No, really! If it’s dark in colour, you’re still dehydrated but if it’s close to clear then you’re healthily hydrated!
Grab a cool, refreshing glass of water when you’re thirsty and even when you’re not! Our body needs a top-up of water to keep everything running smoothly, just like our car. So, build in regular sips of water throughout the day and try not to wait until you’re gasping. Again, refrain from gulping litres in a single go; that will definitely do more harm than good.
What should we be drinking?
Ideally, crystal clear, delicious water. Whether sparkling or still, this is the best and healthiest way to quench your thirst and keep your body happy.
However, we’d recommend you stick to tap water when you can. Why? For the environment, of course! Businesses have made a fortune out of convincing us that bottled water, encased in single use plastic, is preferable to tap. Not true! Some bottled waters are high in sodium and we have the issue of unnecessary plastic - a single bottle can take up to 500 years to decompose. So, do yourself and the planet a favour and drink from the tap. There are oodles of lovely drinking bottles, made from recycled plastic and other sustainable materials, you can use to transport your revitalising liquid. If you’re at home, stick it in a glass and refill when necessary...simple.
Not everyone is a plain water fan and that’s OK. Infuse your water with some fresh fruit for a hit of flavour. Squashes are fine in moderation but the added sugar and sweeteners can be problematic. The same applies to fizzy drinks. We’re not saying avoid them altogether but keep them as a treat if you can.
Fancy something hot? Herbal teas and unsweetened teas are perfect! Even better, opting for decaf versions will do wonders for your wellbeing. Just leave out the refined sugar!
QUEST TO QUENCH
So, are you ready to love water again?
Fill a bottle a couple of times a day, sip it slowly and monitor how you’re feeling over the next few weeks. If you’re engaging in exercise always remember to bring a full bottle of water with you.
There’s no easier way to improve your health and the results will speak for themselves!
Let us know how you get on!