Why do I need to drink?
Water is necessary for life. We need it to get rid of waste products from the body, and to replace fluid we lose from breathing and sweating. If we don’t replace this fluid, we can run the risk of becoming dehydrated. As a result you may feel tired, suffer from nausea and constipation, or have headaches.
How can I tell if I am drinking enough?
You will know if your urine is pale and straw-like in colour (see colour chart below). If you regularly pass darker coloured urine, it is a good idea to drink a little more. First thing in the morning, it is normal for urine to be a little darker in colour due to being stored in the bladder overnight.
How much fluid should I have in a day?
It can vary depending on age and weight. For most people 8-10 cups per day is enough. This fluid can include water, tea, milk and fruit juice. You don’t have to drink bottled or filtered water; tap water is fine. If you have a fever, or the weather is warm or you have sweated more than usual due to exercise, have an extra couple of glasses per day.
I don’t have like water – what else can I drink?
If you like hot drinks try weak tea, add a slice of lemon to warm water, or be adventurous and try some fruit or herb teas like camomile or peppermint.
If you like cold drinks water is a good start. Milk and fruit juices are also options. If you don’t like drinking plain water, try using some diluted squash or a dash of fruit juice for extra flavour.
Are there any drinks I should avoid?
- Strong coffee, strong tea, and some fizzy drinks (particularly the cola types) contain caffeine. Taking a lot of drinks containing caffeine can cause you to go to the toilet more often, and become dehydrated.
- Sugary, fizzy drinks can also cause tooth decay, extra gas and weight gain. So, if you drink a lot of these types of drinks try swapping to some of the other ones mentioned above.
- As with any lifestyle changes, do it gradually. If you don’t drink much at the moment, build it up over a few weeks with fluids you enjoy!
