Why is drinking water so important?
The easiest thing you can do to feel better today is to keep your body hydrated. Your body is about 60% water, and you won’t feel as well as you could if you don’t keep your water levels right throughout the day. Water is the single most important thing you can put in your mouth for your mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Fluid is so important in the body that even when levels drop only slightly, we begin to feel the consequences. Low levels of fluid in the body can cause headaches, feelings of dizziness, lethargy, poor concentration and a dry mouth. Over a longer term, dehydration can cause constipation and can be associated with urinary tract infections and the formation of kidney stones. Regular and adequate intakes of fluid can help to address these.
How much do I need?
Adults need to drink around 1.5–2 litres of fluid a day. A typical mug or glass is about 200 millilitres (ml) so this equates to 8-10 drinks a day. Children need slightly less and should aim for around 6-8 drinks a day, but once they reach teenage years their requirements are similar to adults.
Don’t forget that fluid needs can vary depending on various factors including level of physical activity and climate, so it is best to remember to drink regularly to keep thirst at bay.
Get hydrated
Fancy kick-starting your 2022 hydration goals whilst also raising money for charity? You can sign up to WaterAid's January Just Water campaign by clicking this link.