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Water is
perhaps the most important component of complex
living organisms. It has a huge number of
functions, but above all it forms the basic medium
in which life processes take place - from the
intricate biochemical reactions inside cells to
the removal of waste products from the body.
Even the smallest degree of water
loss can impair physical and mental function.
Thirst is a poor measure of dehydration and many
drinks taken to quench your thirst are themselves
dehydrating, eg alcohol and caffeine-containing
drinks. You become dehydrated long before you feel
thirsty so it's always a good idea to drink water
often. Alternatively, choose fruit teas or herbal
blends, coffee substitutes and water flavoured
with fresh fruit juice, but water should always be
your first choice.
The average adult requires
approximately 2 litres (six to eight glasses) of
water a day. This increases if you exercise or
exert yourself physically, or if it's really hot
inside or out. Illness and fever increase your
water requirement, and adequate water replacement
is an essential part of many medical treatments.
Water - putting
advice into action
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Try to
keep a bottle of water at your desk and close by
if you are sitting and relaxing at home.
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Start
the day with a mug of freshly boiled water and a
slice of lemon. In summer add a fresh sprig of
mint and fresh lemon slices to a jug of cold
water.
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De-scale your kettle on a regular basis.
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Replace some of your tea and coffee at work with
either drinking water or one of the many herb or
fruit teas.
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To
make sure you meet your target of 2 litres a
day, try to get into the routine of drinking
water with your breakfast and other meals, drink
after you have cleaned your teeth and before you
go to bed.
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