How do you keep hydrated?
Day 3 of our Health and Wellbeing Fortnight and we are focusing on Water. Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons such as:
- carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
- flushing bacteria from your bladder
- aiding digestion
- preventing constipation
- normalising blood pressure
- stabilising the heartbeat
- cushioning joints
- protecting organs and tissues
- regulating body temperature
- maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.
- improving sleep quality and mood
Giving your body enough fluids to carry out those tasks means that you’re staying hydrated.
The NHS recommends that the average adult consume 6-8 glasses or cups of hydrating fluid each day. This includes lower fat milk, and low sugar or sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee. However, this may vary dependent on your age, gender and activity levels. For example, you may need more water if you are exercising or when the weather is hot.
Making sure you have a bottle of water with you throughout the day will help keep you hydrated. It is important for kids, so build it into your family routine by having a cup of water by their bed so they can drink it before they fall asleep and when they wake up. Have a cup waiting for them in the morning when they come into the kitchen and at every meal, and make sure everyone has a cup or bottle all day around the house and when you head out.
