Be in the know about H2O

Hydration explained.
Published March 9, 2017

Have you paid any attention to your hydration levels lately? To keep your whole body – including your skin and digestive system – healthy, it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough fluids

Our bodies are two-thirds water, so it’s no surprise that H2O is a crucial part of our health and wellbeing. If you don’t replace the water you lose throughout the day – especially during intense exercise or in hot weather – you can become at risk of dehydration, which can cause tiredness, confusion, and dizziness. Losing even a small amount of water can have a negative impact on your body, so it’s important to regularly keep your fluid levels topped up.

Q: How much should I drink?

A: On average, you should aim to drink between six and eight glasses of fluid a day, but this does vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age and activity levels. A good rule of thumb is to regularly drink enough fluid to stop you feeling thirsty. When the weather is particularly hot, drink even more than you normally would.

Q: Can I only drink water?

A: The cheapest, easiest and most obvious way to keep your fluids in check is to drink lots of still tap water. But plain teas and coffees without added sugar can also count towards your daily intake. You can also try sugar-free juice, sparkling water, or skim milk alongside regular water.

Q: What about water-dense foods?

A: Some fruit and veg also have a high water content, which means they can help keep you hydrated as you snack. You’ll still need to drink plenty of fluids though, but nibbling on foods such as cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, spinach, strawberries and melons, will help keep you hydrated, too.