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Why Drink More Water

Increasing Your Water Intake

By Vicky Hall BSc Nutritional Medicine BSc Biology mBANT

Water is essential for life and we need to replace water that we lose each day through urine, sweat and breathing otherwise we are likely to become dehydrated.

It is recommended that you drink about 8 glasses of water a day, which basically means having a glass of water every two hours while you are awake.

It is best to do this at regular intervals throughout the day, rather than waiting until you are thirsty, although drinking more in the first part of the day is perfectly acceptable if

you are concerned about being up all night! If possible, drink filtered or bottled water, which will contain less contaminants.

Why is water so important?

Water has many vital functions in the body and is essential for maintaining optimum health.

.Many nutrients dissolve in water so they can be easily absorbed during digestion.

.Water can help reduce constipation and improve digestion.

.Water is an important component of blood, which is needed to transport hormones, chemicals and nutrients to all parts of your body.

.Many of your cells' biochemical processes need to take place in water - including metabolising fat!

.Water carries waste material away from your cells to your kidneys for elimination.

.Water absorbs and transports heat, helping maintain your body's temperature.

Dehydration jeopardises the most basic processes in the body and can provoke a diverse array of symptoms including: fatigue; headache; light-headedness; dry skin, mouth and eyes; and lack of concentration.

Tips for increasing your water intake.

.Drink a glass of water as soon as you get up to rehydrate your body.

.Adding lemon to hot water first thing in the morning will help cleanse your system.

.Don't wait until you are thirsty to have a drink - you are already dehydrated by then.

.Fill a large bottle of water each morning and keep it where you work.

.Take a small bottle of water with you whenever you go out.

.Set the timer to remind you to establish a habit of drinking water.

.If you drink a lot of tea and coffee, drink extra water to compensate for the diuretic effect of these beverages. Tea and coffee don't count towards your water intake.

.Try herbal and fruit teas to replace tea and coffee - these do count.

.In winter, drink warm water with a slice of ginger in place of tea or coffee.

.Drink before you eat - you may be thirsty rather than hungry!

.Keep track of your water intake by using Nutracheck's water meter in your food diary.

And remember to increase your water intake in hot weather and when you exercise.