Am I dehydrated?
Are you prone to constipation?
Are you often thirsty?
Do you have a joint problem?
Are you overweight?
Do you often feel tired or lethargic?
Do you have difficulty concentrating?
Do you have dry mouth, skin or lips?
Do you get frequent infections?
Do you have dry, brittle hair?
If you answered yes to 1 or more of these questions there is a good chance you are suffering from dehydration.
Another good indicator is the colour of your urine. If it is strong coloured, unless you have consumed excessive riboflavin (vitamin b2) you are not drinking enough.
How much should I be drinking?
During a 24 hour period the average person will lose 1.5 litres through urine, 750ml through the skin, 400ml through the breath and 150ml in the faeces.
During the same 24 hours, they will make 300ml per day metabolising food and gain 1litre per day from the food itself.
This leaves a deficit if 1.5litres which is 6 glasses. Hot weather, exercise and stress cause the body to lose more than this so 8 glasses is the recommended amount.
|
Does tea and coffee count?
Whilst it is true that caffeine does have a diuretic effect on the body this is actually reduced the more a person drinks as they become accustomed to it.
HOWEVER, tea, coffee sugary drinks and juice do have other negative effects on the body such as blood sugar disruption and mineral depletion. Sugary drinks and juices also provide calories without substantial nutrients. (Diet drinks are no better)
Alcohol is a major diuretic and also provides calories without nutrients so consumption should be limited.
Which is the best water?
Natural mineral water is the best due to the nutrients included such as calcium, etc. Fizzy drinks that contain phosphorous can inhibit calcium absorption as can caffeine. (Cola contains both!)
If you only drink pure, distilled or filtered water make sure that you are obtaining enough minerals from your diet and supplements (covered in later workshop).
Tap water can vary from town to town and does contain chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine but on the whole it is safe and better than not drinking water.
Summary
Drink 8+ glasses of water per day.(herbal teas can be included)
Limit nutrient robbing beverages such as caffeine, alcohol, sugary and fizzy drinks.
Eat plenty of vegetables that contain water on a daily basis. |
