In The Drink

Last updated: 02/07/2008 - 16:22

Water is essential - for starters over half the human body is made of it!

Drinking plenty of water will bring a sea of benefits to your mind and body. On a basic level, water is necessary for digestion, lubricating your joints and balancing your body temperature.

Both the World Health Organisation - the United Nations special agency for health worldwide - and The British Dietetic Association are in agreement on the subject of water intake recommend an intake of eight glasses of water a day (1.8 - 2 litres).

But don't worry, that doesn't mean you have to spend the whole day gulping down glass after glass of water. In reality, we already get about one third of our fluids from food, mainly fruit and veg. And don't be fooled into thinking that going over the top and drinking vast quantities of water, supermodel style, will give you skin, nails and hair like Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell. The sad truth is that drinking excessive amounts of water will not improve your looks.

Fluid Facts

  • Caffeine and alcohol both have a serious dehydrating effect on the body - and should be avoided if you are already dehydrated (after a night on the town, for instance!) or if you are likely to become dehydrated (when on aircraft, working in air-conditioned workplaces etc...)


  • Three quarters of Brits don't drink enough water every day, according to a Gallup poll carried out for the Natural Mineral Water Information Service.


  • Drinks expert Jilly Goolden, speaking on BBC TV's Health Watchdog, recommends drinking natural mineral water.


  • Children and elderly people can easily become dehydrated, as they do not recognise the signs of thirst readily.


  • Dehydration is common amongst athletes, as little as 2% of body weight lost as water impairs performance. Research has demonstrated that water alone is not the best solution for fluid replacement during or after vigorous exercise. Try isotonic drinks instead.


    • For more information the following links may be useful:

  • The World Health Organisation


  • The United Nations


  • The British Dietetic Association


    • PSP Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.

    More information available in Drink, Healthy Alternatives, In Your Kitchen

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