The amount of water that someone should drink depends on how your individual metabolism works, the climate, what you eat, your age and whether you have a medical condition.
We get about one fifth of the water we need from food and the rest from drinking fluids. The body gets rid of water throughout the day through breathing and sweating, and by going to the toilet.
Based on Aust. averages, men need about 10 cups of fluids every day and women need about 8 cups (add a cup a day if you are pregnant, breastfeeding). Children need between 4 cups (for 1-year-olds) and 6 to 8 cups a day (for teenagers). 1 cup is equivalent to 250ml.
You can get water from any fluids. Australian tap water is always the best choice— including tea and coffee, fruit juice and soft drinks. But be careful as too much adds calories, damage your teeth.
IS BOTTLED WATER HEALTHIER THAN TAP WATER?
Bottled water has no more health benefits than tap water. Tap water is just as safe to drink, and the fluoride in tap water is also important for healthy teeth. Studies have shown that bottled water can have less magnesium, potassium and calcium than tap water.
HOW DO I STAY HYDRATED?
To stay hydrated, it’s important to drink before you feel thirsty.
You can tell if you are well hydrated by the colour of your urine. If it is pale yellow or straw-coloured, you are probably hydrated. If it’s darker, you need to drink more water.
Older people are at greater risk of dehydration because they naturally feel less thirsty and their kidneys may not work as well.
YOU CAN STAY HYDRATED BY:
-always carrying a water bottle with you
-choosing water rather than tea, coffee
-keeping chilled water in the fridge on hot days
-flavouring water with lemon, or mint to add flavour
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DRINK TOO MUCH WATER?
In some people, drinking too much water can lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, where levels of sodium in the blood become too diluted.
REGISTER FOR UPDATES
Recent Comments