Staying hydrated is so important for your health and wellbeing. It can help prevent constipation, urine infections, headaches and other illnesses.
A new NHS campaign, ‘It All Counts’, aims to raise awareness of the importance of hydration, in particular in those over the age 65 living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Staying hydrated isn’t just about drinking water. Hot drinks, fruit juices, even bowls of soup and other fluid rich foods such as yoghurts, jelly, ice lollies and some pieces of fruit can all help keep you hydrated – it all counts.
So whether that is having a glass of juice at breakfast, extra milk on your cereal, having soup or a yoghurt with your lunch or enjoying an ice lolly whilst out in the garden – all of these drinks or fluid rich foods can help keep you hydrated throughout the day.
The recommended minimum amount of fluid intake for an adult is between 1,600 and 2,000 mls (3-3.5 pints) which is around eight glasses or mugs of fluid per day. All fluids count apart from alcohol, which can actually cause dehydration.
For those taking regular medicine, it’s important to take with a full glass of water to help wash them down and ensure they are absorbed as intended. Always ask your pharmacist for advice if you are unsure on how you should take your medicine.
Find out more about the importance of good hydration online at www.cpics.org.uk/it-all-counts
