10 tips for drinking enough water
Whatever the time of year, skin and cells need to be hydrated, waste needs to be eliminated and body temperature needs regulation… This is why water is so vital for the body.
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As health professionals advise us to drink between 1 to 1.5 litres of water a day, Doctissimo has 10 tips to help you ensure that you’re drinking enough every day.
1. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty: Thirst is your body’s warning sign. When you feel this sensation, the body is already dehydrated, and it is almost too late. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water – make it a regular habit. Sipping smaller quantities throughout the day is better than gulping down a large quantity in one go as you keel over from thirst!
2. Have a bottle with you for the day: When you are at work or occupied during the day with other activities, it is often easy to forget to drink regularly. Our tip? Get a water bottle ready every morning at home and keep it in your bag or at your desk, which will ensure you drink regularly throughout the day.
3. Drink as much as you like: 60% of your body is made up of water, and this gives an idea of how important water is for keeping your body in good working order. Perspiration, urination and even breathing are all ways in which the body expels water permanently. This is why the most health professionals recommend drinking as much water as you want to throughout the day. And don’t worry, it’s difficult to drink too much water… your stomach has a natural limit after all.
4. Vary what you drink: Does the idea of drinking 1 to 1.5 litres of water a day repel you? Mix it up a bit with tea, herbal infusions and coffee, which will also hydrate you. And don’t forget about broths and other light soups – great for chilly autumn/winter drinking. Oh and by the way, alcohol, especially hard liquor, doesn't really count, as alcohol actually contributes to the dehydration of your body.
5. Adjust your consumption of water according to your activities: During increased physical effort, the body dehydrates faster because of perspiration. Even if you are not thirsty, make yourself drink beforehand. After this, drink regularly during and after sporting activities.
6. Drink some fruit: ‘Drink’ by eating fruit! To mix hydration and nutrition, go for fruits rich in water like melon, watermelon, pears, peaches and oranges…
7. Give your water a flavour boost: If you find water really bland, don’t take to drinking flavoured waters, as these are often sugary; make sure you go for the ones that are sugar free. Otherwise, add a slice of lemon, orange or some mint leaves to your glass of water to give it a boost.
8. Alternate different types of water: Tap, spring, mineral or sparkling… There are many different types of water. So you don’t let yourself get bored, switch between them regularly.
9. Drink plenty when you’re not well: Diarrhoea, vomiting or fever can mean your body loses large quantities of water. The risk here is of dehydration. So be particularly careful about drinking enough when you are ill. If you have a fever, for example, drink half a litre more for every degree higher than a temperature of 37°C.
10. Adjust your consumption of water according to the weather: From 30°C upwards, the body dehydrates more rapidly due to perspiration. This is why it is recommended that you drink more when it's hot.
Copyright © 2011 Doctissimo
Posted 08.09.2011
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