Are you drinking enough water?

As reported on Sky News, "More than a billion people, a sixth of the world's population, do not have access to clean drinking water and in Africa the average person spends five hours a day collecting water".

But although you have 24/7 access to all the water you need and want, are YOU drinking enough?

• Many people believe they don’t need water because they don’t get thirsty, but this is not a safe way to gauge your levels of hydration. Thirst is slow to develop and by the time you get to feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated
• Every part of your body needs water to function properly
• Dehydration is high on the list of reasons for kidney stones and disease
• Hunger pangs are often just a cry for water – try it some time….drink a glass of water if you think you are hungry
• Coffee and tea don’t count – they both dehydrate you, due to caffeine
• Tap or bottled? There is no need to buy bottled water but it does make a good alternative to alcohol, which also dehydrates you
• How much? A good rule of thumb is 1.5 to 2.5 litres per day, depending on temperatures and exercise
• Pregnancy is another reason to up your water consumption
• Fruit juice is not a good substitute for water and can cause tooth decay
• Drinking water does NOT cause cramps during exercise, unless taken in excessive quantities
  
• Make drinking water a family habit
• Be very grateful for the safe drinking water that is only a tap turn away
• Support a charity that strives to provide safe drinking water in developing countries

Image Source=Georgia Tech Research News
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