There’s also one way to find out if you’re dehydrated
That we need to drink more water on the regular is a well-known fact.
While we might consume enough liquids during the day, coffee, tea, soft drinks and a few pints after work don’t quite cut it.
But why do we need to make sure we’re constantly drinking water?
That’s because our bodies consist of 50% water, and we lose some of this each day through breathing and sweating.
And we wouldn’t survive for more than a few days, if we didn’t.
According to experts, not replenishing enough water each day can cause us to become dehydrated, and this can can have a major impact on our health and well-being.
As he spoke to Metro, Dr Jonathan Webster said that there are several nasty side effects of dehydration, including headaches, confusion, tiredness, constipation, lack of concentration and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
But how much water should we drink, really?
If we want to avoid health issues, the NHS says that most of us need between 1.5 and two litres per day.
While plain old water is the best thing for this, it can also be consumed through various foods and drinks that contain water, such as tea and coffee, as well as things like milk, melon, soups and stews.
Dr Webster has shared a more detailed breakdown of how much we should be drinking each day, depending on the stage of life we’re at.
It should be noted that the exact amount of fluid a person requires can vary by age and gender.
1.2 litres per day – for children
According to Dr Webster, young children under the age of eight should aim for about 1.2 litres of fluids per day.
That means they should drink the equivalent of six to eight 200ml glasses.
He says that “their bodies are still developing, and hydration is crucial for brain function, digestion and regulating body temperature”.
1.6 to 1.9 litres for boys and 1.5 litres for girls per day – for teenagers
Teenagers, especially those aged between 14 and 18, should drink more than most of us, it turns out.
Their hydration needs rise and water is essential for helping them maintain energy, support their metabolism and aid in muscle function, during this key period of their growth.
1.6 litres for women and 2 litres for men per day – for adults under 60
For adults under the age of 60, the general advice for men is to drink two litres of water per day, while women should drink 1.6 litres.
Dr Webster notes, however, that factors like exercise, climate and diet will make a difference on the needs of each person.
“Proper hydration helps with temperature regulation, kidney function and concentration”, the doctor says.
1.6 litres to 2 litres per day – for adults over 60
The older adults, those aged over 60, should drink between 1.6 and two litres per day, and this applies to both men and women.
This is because as they get older, it is important that everyone drinks enough water.
According to Dr Webster, dehydration is more likely with older age groups, since our thirst sensation decreases with age.
The expert adds that what is key is a “conscious effort to drink regularly”.
This is because staying hydrated is a must as it supports joint health, digestion and helps to prevent urinary tract infections.
Signs that you are dehydrated
The NHS says that the colour of your urine is the best way to find out if you are dehydrated or not.
Your pee should have the colour of white wine if you are drinking enough liquid, while you should definitely go pour yourself a cup if it is darker.
Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it’s not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem, as per the NHS.
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