Drinking water is vital for everyone, as not having enough can seriously worsen people’s quality of life. New research commissioned by Britvic family brand Robinsons found 34 percent of Brits do not drink any water at all. The study, which quizzed 1,500 Brits throughout July 2019, found 46 percent of people also admitted they disliked drinking water, and 10 percent confessed they did not trust the purity of their water. Parents also struggle to get their children to drink water over other beverages, and men drink water the most.
How much water should you drink?
The recommended daily allowance of water is one to 2.5 litres.
This is roughly four to four-and-a-half pints of the clear stuff per day or nine cups.
According to the study by Robinsons, 62 percent people do not take this much.
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Drinking water allows people to avoid the symptoms of dehydration, which can include headaches, dry skin and even vomiting or diarrhoea.
Water also offers certain enhances to the body and mind.
Studies have found drinking water boosts mood, physical and mental performance.
Drinking more can also help offset feelings of hunger and tiredness, helping to relieve these where eating food or sleeping may make matters worse.
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Hydration Expert Dr Emma Derbyshire said it is most important to live by the daily quota of water during the summer months.
She explained: “Keeping hydrated, especially during the warm, summer months is important for so many reasons.
“The research shows that half (50 per cent) of Brits suffer from headaches as a result of being dehydrated and many also feel sleepy (41 per cent) if they haven’t had enough fluid.
“As well as the short term impact, dehydration may also contribute to more long-term effects such as constipation, reduced kidney function and kidney stones, urinary tract infection and mental confusion – so it’s vital to ensure fluid intake is in line with recommended guidelines for men and women.”
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“The simplest way to tell if you are dehydrated and keep track throughout the day is to look at the colour of your urine.
“A wearable hydration monitor with immediate results would be hugely beneficial – especially for children and the elderly who are particularly susceptible to the effects of dehydration.”
People should also be careful not to drink too much water, as this can cause damage to the body.
Too much water associated with kidney damage and a condition called Hyponatraemia, characterised by dangerously low sodium levels.