Are You Drinking Enough Water?

Staying hydrated is important for our bodies in numerous different ways..in fact..up to 60% our of whole body is composed of water! Additionally, even as much as 73% of our brain is water.

Often we find ourselves reaching for hot caffeinated drinks thinking "ahh this is a water-based drink, surely it's helping keep me hydrated".. well unfortunately, not so much. Hot drinks like coffee and tea (although they are made up using water) dehydrate the body. Caffeine is a mild diuretic, which means the body is encouraged to lose more water by urination. You then end up feeling like you need another drink, and the cycle goes on!

Staying hydrated is also very important for the health of your spine and joints, as well as maintaining energy levels. Water can also help to not over indulge during big meals, and make you feel fuller for longer.

The recommended amount of water for the average adult is at least 2 litres a day, but can also go up to 4 litres a day if you are very active. How close are you to these amounts?

Need some help? Here are some top tips to keep on track with your water intake:

- There are a few reusable water bottles on the market that have hourly markings on to remind you to drink a certain amount, they are amazing for keeping you on track!

- Buy 2x litre jugs and fill them up at the start of the day so you know by the evening if you have finished all the water you need for the day.

- If you don’t fancy ice cold water from the tap, pour a jug of water the night before and leave it overnight so it is room temperature the next day.

- Place a slice of lemon or some strips of cucumber to give water a delicate fruity flavour if you find the taste a bit boring!

- If you’re drinking alcohol, make sure you re-hydrate with lots of water before going to sleep. Try alternating between one alcoholic drink and one small glass of water.

- Stick to 2 cups of caffeine a day maximum, and not after 5pm!

Thank you for reading and good luck!

Anna