The healthy hydration glass we should use as a template
New research has indicated that we are underestimating the amount of sugar in our drinks which are perceived to be healthy, so what exactly should we be drinking as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Working with the British Nutrition Foundation, the Natural Hydration Council has created a visual, easy-to-follow 'Healthy Hydration Glass', see the picture, to which we should all be following.
Water is the only fluid which the British Nutrition Foundation recommend drinking 'plenty' of/
Kinvara Carey, general manager from the Natural Hydration Council, says: "Adults are recommended to drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day to prevent dehydration. Specifically, that's 1.6 litres of water for women and 2 litres for men, according to The European Food Safety Authority.
"Water is the only fluid which the British Nutrition Foundation recommend drinking 'plenty' of, yet the average Briton drinks 200ml of water a day.'
Nutritionist and author of the Natural Hydration Council's factsheets, Dr Emma Derbyshire offers these top tips for staying hydrated:
1. Make sure you always have access to water, even when out and about
2. Bottled water is handy when you are at work or on the move
3. Drink an amount of fluid that is right for you.
4. Drink water at regular intervals throughout the day
5. Quench your thirst with water first before going on to enjoy other beverages such as tea, coffee, squash and fruit juices
6. Remember that water-containing foods can contribute to your daily fluid intake, for example yoghurt, soups, stews, fruit and vegetables
7. Alcohol is dehydrating and should be balanced with plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, such as water. Avoid binge drinking.
8. Excessive amounts of caffeine can also be dehydrating
9. Remember to drink more when you exercise or spent time in hot environments
10. Young children and older people can dehydrate quickly
Femalefirst Taryn Davies