Hydration

It is as important at this time of year to keep yourself well hydrated as it is during the summer.  Cold weather and central heating can be drying to the body internally and externally, and it is easy to top up on cups of tea and coffee which are diuretics and encourage the body to lose water.  Signs of dehydration are:

• Dry, sticky mouth

• Sleepiness or tiredness

• Thirst

• Muscle weakness

• Headaches

• Dizziness or light-headedness

People often ask how much and how can they incorporate it? A useful guide to hydration is the colour of your urine, which ideally should be very pale yellow to almost clear.  If it looks darker you are most probably dehydrated.  There isn’t one measurement that fits all.  

It depends on your build, your age, your diet¸ your physical activity and general health.  Usually between 1 – 1.5 litres of water per day are good for women and around 2 litres for men.  This equates to at least 2 small bottles of water for women and one large bottle for men. 

I suggest taking a bottle of water whenever you go out, to the shops, to work or on a walk.  Substitute a big glass of water for one cup of tea or coffee mid morning or mid afternoon.  Have some herbal teas or well diluted squash such as Rocks if you struggle with water on its own, and take a glass of water to bed with you to drink if you wake in the night.  

Your colon and liver will thank you for it.  Finally a glass of hot water with a big slice of lemon and a squeeze of lemon is a fantastic body cleanser first thing.

Note: - water in plastic bottles has been linked to hormone disruption because of the chemicals that can leach into the water from the plastics, especially in very hot weather.  If this concerns you, buy glass bottles or fill a suitable reusable sports bottle.

If you would like help on various health issues including weight loss, digestion, hormones, depression, healthy eating, and general healthy eating call to book an appointment on 01235 760079