The Australian Government-owned not-for-profit organisation Health Direct recommends that as a general rule, men need about 10 cups of fluids every day and women need about 8 cups. At 250mls per cup, that’s over 2 litres of water each of us should be drinking. Even as a GP I can tell you that can be a challenge.
What I do know is that it is a great goal as water does wonders for your body, and your brain. Water is well known to improve mental balance, sleep and cleanse your body of harmful chemicals through your intestines and also throughout your urine tract. Drinking more water can also reduce the likelihood of kidney stones and some forms of cancer. To show how important water is for us the human body can survive for weeks without food, but only a matter of days without water. If our body is an engine then think of water as the oil that lubricates it and food as the petrol that makes it move.
One thing I do know is that we all need to drink more water, me included. So, here are 3 quick tips for taking in more water.
1. Always have water available.
I like to reuse 1 litre bottles of water. Whenever I go to the gym I grab a bottle. On my way out the door to work, I grab a bottle. Before a trip that will be 30 minutes or longer, I grab a bottle. When I watch a movie, I grab a bottle.
Whenever I am sitting watching TV or a movie, I will keep the bottle in my hand with the lid off. I take a lot of little sips until the bottle is gone. A great way of making sure you drink more water is to make sure it is easily accessible.
2. Don’t make it too cold.
I don’t know many people who like to drink room temperature water, I sure don’t. If you keep your water cold, you will drink more. But try not to make it too cold, your body uses energy to bring water up to body temperature. Make water too cold and your body won’t efficiently opperate. A glass of room temperature water with ice to cool it is far better than a bottle of water out of the fridge, and it’s better for the environment too.
3. Chose water when eating out.
Whenever I go out to eat, I always drink water with some lemon. Lemons are also rich in antioxidants and are the perfect paring with water. After a short time you will stop craving your old drink of choice and will begin to appreciate the taste, or lack of taste, that water provides.
Give water a shot and your body will be thankful for it.
Dr Rob’s Top Tip.
Get yourself a “Motivational Water Bottle”. You can now buy refillable drinks bottles that are graduated to show you how much you should be drinking. Saves on plastic and is a great way to keep yourself accountable. Many on the market to choose from, but here in the office we’ve been enjoying this one. Check it out here.
