The importance of staying hydrated

It’s important that we keep our bodies hydrated. However not m any of us know how to do it properly. Research has shown that a staggering 93% of people (that’s 2 in every 3!) who work in offices have no idea to check whether their bodies are hydrated. What’s more, 96% of office workers are affected by habitual dehydration on a daily basis. Essentially, when we drink any less than 2 glasses of water per day, we run the risk of headaches, energy slumps, poor concentration levels and overeating.

Because our bodies and brains are 70% made up of water it’s recommended that we drink 6-8 medium glasses of water per day- which equates to 1.5-2 litres. However, most people only think they’re dehydrated when they become thirsty. At this point though, it’s too late and your body is already 2% dehydrated, which can reduce your energy levels by as much as 30%.

Hitting your daily water quota comes with a number of health benefits including the fact you’ll be more alert at work. Your brain will work quicker, your kidneys will expel toxins faster, your body will be able to regulate its temperature better and  you stand less of a chance of being costapated. The icing on the proverbial cake is that fat stores will be metabolised and your overall skin condition should improve.

The best way to tell if you’re properly hydrated is not whether you feel thirsty, but by looking at the colour of your urine.  A national consumer campaign has recently been launched in response to the recent findings. The ‘Keep it light’ campaign, backed by Sir Steve Redgrave is raising awareness about the dangers of dehydration and is urging people to gauge how hydrated they are by the shade of their pee. If it’s a light straw colour you’re hydrated, and if it’s a darker yellow colour you’re dehydrated. They advise that you should keep a constant eye on the colour of your urine throughout the day, and consciously make an effort to maintain hydration levels.

When the temperature soars its vital you’re properly hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion. It’s recommended that you carry a water bottle or sports drink with you at all times, to sip little and often. At this time of year the tube can be a troublesome spot for passengers, with temperatures climbing as high as 46 degrees. As your body loses water through perspiration, it’s essential you drink water before, during and after your journey to stay hydrated.  Likewise if you’re exercising its also important to drink enough water before, during and after your workout.  Studies have shown that when you’re properly hydrated you’ll be able to exercise for longer, especially if you sip icy drinks before working out.  If you exercise for an hour or more, you may also need to sip 8-24oz of sports drink (use your thirst as a guide of how much you need) after exercise to replace any sodium, potassium and other electrolytes you’ll have lost.