25/07/2025
***IMPORTANT POST***
As the country enters drought there are visible signs in rivers, canals and reservoirs of the impact of lack of prolonged rainfall during Spring and Summer. But many of us are also becoming dehydrated - often silently until our bodies simply cannot cope any longer.
Did you know that you need to drink at least 1.5 litres of water daily (and preferably nearer to - 2 litres) in order to function properly? Water is required for so many functions within the body and we all lose water through simply breathing, sweating, going to the loo, crying or even producing saliva. Tea, coffee and caffeinated drinks (even the decaff versions still contain caffeine) are diuretics so speed up our water loss. So the best way to take on water is to simply drink water itself - cold, hot, room temperature, with or without a cordial if you don't like it plain.
Water is stored in our muscles so as we get older and our muscle mass reduces, so does our ability to store water. This is why we become at greater risk of dehydration as we get older. In hot weather we need to increase our water intake to ensure that we don't become dehydrated. And we need to be more aware of the signs of dehydration in ourselves and in those around us:
💧 Check your urine. If it isn't pale or virtually colourless then you need to drink more water.
💧 If you feel thirsty, tired or have a headache and/or irritability, these are signs of MILD dehydration, so you need to drink more water
💧 If you notice signs of dizziness/light headedness, forgetfulness, lacking concentration, dry lips or mouth, sunken eyes, dry sagging skin or loss of strength or stamina then these are all signs of MODERATE dehydration. Increase water intake immediately and monitor the situation
💧 If you notice confusion, lack of balance/coordination, cold hands/feet, rapid heart rate, weak pulse and changes in blood pressure these are all signs of SEVERE dehydration and action needs to be taken immediately. Seek urgent medical help.
Dehydration can be avoided by simply drinking water throughout the day and monitoring our fluid intake. Don't get caught out. Just drink more water. Vicki x