Drink water, love water!
Our bodies are 60% water so keeping water levels topped up can really make a difference in how we feel and how our bodies function. Dehydration, or lack of sufficient water in our bodies, can affect our organs, including our skin, muscles, bones and brains. Drinking enough water daily can support us in being our best healthy selves. At Ingeus, we’re keen to spread the power of staying hydrated; here’s how.
Keep water front of mind
It’s easy to say ‘just drink more water’ but with today’s busy lives, drinking enough water daily can easily drop off the list. A minimum of six to eight glasses of water a day for an adult is about right, but think about your activity levels or the weather, and increase it as necessary. The same goes for anyone you might be responsible for – children and adults may need to be reminded – it’s your chance to share the message that water is more than good for you.
Keep your water levels up
It’s always good to drink a few sips of fresh still water at the start of the day. Your body won’t have had any water for the length of time you’ve been asleep so a small glass is a great way to start the day. It is not essential to buy mineral water, our tap water is clean and fresh, and with added fluoride, it can benefit our teeth. Every time you eat, whether that’s a healthy snack, or you sit down to eat a main meal, a glass of water aids digestion and refreshes your system. Pop a jug of tap water in the fridge each morning for a chilled top up through the day. Cleaning up? Been busy? Every time you’re at the sink, take a sip – it’s an easy way to have little and often.
Children need water
Whatever the weather, and however active your children or grandchildren are, it’s important to keep them hydrated. Fizzy drinks can give children a taste for sweet drinks, so try fresh water as a real thirst quencher. If you need to add some no-added-sugar fruit concentrate then that can be much better than a carbonated drink. Many sports drinks include caffeine as well as added sugar so to avoid any doubt, go for water. By the time children are thirsty, they are already dehydrated so make sure you get them to drink before they ask for water. Teen boys need up to 1.7 litres per day (that’s around seven glasses of water), teen girls need a little less at 1.5 litres (six glasses) per day. Younger children may need a little less. There’s no need to measure out your water, just ensure you have a glass or two at regular intervals throughout the day. You’ll feel better for it and so will they.
Use our online checker to find out if you’re at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes: https://www.stopdiabetes.co.uk/know-your-ris