Keeping hydrated is important for overall health
Dehydration is a constant state of living for three quarters of Brits who aren't drinking the recommended daily suggestion of 1.2 litres of liquid, according to new research.
The study, conducted by coconut water company Vita Coco, reveals a fifth of Brits do not think they are drinking enough liquid with 15% of respondents saying they are confused about the amount of water they should be drinking per day.
Dehydration can negatively affect our day-to-day lives with 90% of Brits who admit to not drinking enough say they feel less productive at work and are unable to concentrate, whilst two in five respondents say they wake up in the middle of the night thirsty.
Independent nutritionist Anita Bean BSc RNutr says: “Make a habit of drinking regularly, a glass of water first thing in the morning and scheduling drink stops during your day will help you stay hydrated and alert. Aim for 6 - 8 glasses (1.2 litres) daily, and more in hot weather or after exercising.”
Despite many Brits waking in the night thirsty, the research also shows that the average person goes for 12 hours at a time without a drink, and one in ten people don’t have their first drink of the day until after 10am.
Giles Brook, European CEO of coconut water firm Vita Coco: “The research shows that the benefits of staying hydrated are not well known or understood across the UK population. We commissioned the research to show how just a couple of extra glasses of fluid across the day can improve productivity and concentration, as well as promoting a better night’s sleep. Furthermore, we want raise awareness around the importance of staying hydrated so that the issue gets as much focus as other health and nutritional campaigns.”
A further two-thirds of Brits say their first drink in the morning is a cup of tea or coffee with just one in five saying they’d opt for a glass of water.
Routine and habit play a major role with 62% of Brits saying their drinking patterns are never altered regardless of their activities for that day. Only 19% of respondents said they would take extra liquid after being exposed to a change in atmosphere like being the tube or on a plane.
Tips for healthy hydration
- Exactly how much fluid you need depends on several things, including the weather and how active you are but, as a rough guide, you should aim to have around 1.2 litres (6 – 8 glasses) of fluid daily, according to the Dept of Health and British Nutrition Foundation.
- It’s better to drink little and often rather than gulping large amounts in one go, which promotes urination and a greater loss of fluid.
- Make a habit of drinking regularly. Have a glass of water first thing in the morning and then schedule drink stops during your day. Aim for 6 - 8 glasses (1.2 l) daily, and more in hot weather or workout days.
- Carry a drink with you everywhere. To the gym, to the office, in the car. It’ll be a constant reminder to drink.
Top five signs of dehydration
The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration appear when the body has lost about 2% of its total fluid. These mild dehydration symptoms include:
- Feeling thirsty
- Headache
- Poor concentration and reduced alertness
- Increased tiredness and fatigue
- Dark coloured urine – smaller volume and less frequent trips to the loo
It's time we all start putting more liquid into our bodies.
Tagged in Health Healthy Body Hydration