Healthy Hydration
The body's need for water is second in importance only to its need for oxygen. Fluid affects every part of our body, right down to a cellular level and there are real health benefits if we are adequately hydrated. For example by keeping ourselves hydrated we would see an improvement in our ability to concentrate, in our energy levels, our digestive fitness and our general wellbeing.
The trouble is that many of us are not drinking enough. People simply forget to drink and commonly mistake the feeling of thirst for feeling hungry - we eat when our body really craves water.
Our bodies are 70% water
| Blood |
95% water |
| Brain |
75% water |
| Bones |
22% water |
| Skin |
70% water |
| A 65kg/10 stone adult has 40 litres of water in his/her body |
Each day, we lose fluid as part of our normal bodily functions:
- 1.25l via urine
- 0.5l via breath
- 0.5l via sweat
- 100ml via faeces
We lose more when active or in hot temperatures during the summer or in centrally heated rooms.
- In order to replace this water and keep our bodies working properly, we need to drink at least 6-8 glasses (2 litres) of fluid a day. This is in addition to the fluid we obtain from the foods we eat.
- Ideally, this should be spread throughout the day – approx. one drink every two waking hours.
- We don’t have to restrict ourselves to water. Flavoured soft drinks play an important part in hydration, particularly among children who can often be more easily persuaded to drink enough when they like what they are given!
- Caffeine containing drinks such as tea, coffee and cola can be included, but best to restrict them to no more than 3 per day.
- Variety is key – drinks are not only about hydration but also about taste enjoyment and some can provide energy and vital nutrients too.