The Hydration Hype

Our bodies are made up of a whopping 70% water and it's essential for the efficient transport of nutrients and elimination of waste. It plays a massive role in the chemical reactions that occur in the body, regulates body temperature and is responsible for how alert you feel.

On average the body loses 2.5 litres per day, therefore it’s important to consume sufficient water to replace these loses. Current guidelines recommend a total consumption of 2 and 3 litres of water per day, people who are physically active or who live in hot countries may need more than this. A good way to gauge if you are drinking enough water is by the colour of your urine. If it is light in colour, like pale straw, then you are drinking enough. If it is dark in colour, then you should drink more.

The source of your water is also important to consider. Chlorination of public water has eliminated diseases such as typhoid fever however there is evidence to suggest that it is also associated with the rise in bladder and rectal cancers. Water filters, either tap or jug, effectively remove contaminants and chlorine from our water and are inexpensive.

Alcoholic beverages, caffeinated teas, coffee and soft drinks are arguably sources of water however, caffeine and alcohol are diuretics increasing how frequently you urinate, not necessarily allowing the body time to absorb the water consumed.

Ultimately good old-fashioned water is your best source of hydration and there are many ways to make it more interesting if plain water is not your thing.

Add a bit of Sparkle

Fizz it up: Carbonated water is a great way to make plain water special and interesting, however people that suffer with reflux should avoid or consume in moderation, as carbonated water is acidic and can irritate the gut lining.

Naturally Flavoured Water

Fresh fruit: Adding fresh fruits such as lemon, lime or orange are classic flavourings. Other fruits such as crushed raspberries, grapefruit or watermelon are great summer flavours and cucumber and mint, so refreshing!

Fruit juice: In moderation, adding natural juices that are free of added sugar are great, especially tart juices like apple, grape, pomegranate and cranberry and as a bonus they contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants.

Herbal teas: We are spoilt for choice these days with the vast array of fruit and herbal flavour tea combinations, delicious hot or ice cold! Steep your favourite tea bag in a little boiling water to make a concentrate for diluting with cold water and ice cubes or make up a big jug of boiling water with a few tea bags and leave to cool.

Nutrient Rich Bone Broth

Broths: In winter a great way to add easy nourishment and water is from broths, vegetable or meat based, whatever your preference. Miso soups are a fantastic way of adding fermented foods to boost your gut health, important in winter or at the change of seasons to keep those pesky colds at bay.

Homemade Kombucha

Kombucha: is a variety of fermented, lightly effervescent sweetened black or green tea drink containing good bacteria strains to help maintain gut health. These are now widely available in supermarkets in a variety of flavours.