Tired? Don’t let it be due to dehydration…

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It’s National Nutrition and Hydration Week. Did you know that a leading cause of tiredness is dehydration? A recent study by the National Hydration Council reveals that dehydration is actually the cause of 1 in 10 visits to the GP for tiredness and fatigue! 

Dehydration can be a trigger to eat and therefore a cause of an excess calorie intake and therefore weight gain too. This is because our brains often get the sensation of thirst mixed up with hunger. So try to ‘think drink’ before you grab an extra snack!

With busy lives it’s easy to forget to drink enough. I imagine we’re all guilty at some point of only remembering to drink when we’re feeling really parched or even when we’ve got a head ache already as a result of being dehydrated. 

So what can we do to help prevent needlessly feeling unwell? It simply comes down to drinking regularly throughout the day. Starting with a couple of glasses / cups first thing and then a steady intake through the day rather than lots during the evening can help to stop your sleep from being interrupted by toilet trips 😂

Here are some top tips to help keep hydrated:

– Have a drink with every meal and snack. 

– Keep a water bottle with you, especially if you’re out and about. 

– Cold water 💦 tastes better, so try keeping a jug in the fridge, use a water cooler if you’ve got one in the office or add some ice. 

– Hot drinks count in your fluid intake, just be mindful of how much caffeine you’re having, especially in the afternoon. 

– To make water more interesting try adding a slice of cucumber, a spring of mint mint, or a slice of fruit e.g. strawberry, lemon, lime or orange. 

– Try herbal teas like peppermint, lemon and ginger, camomile or red bush. I love these both hot and chilled. 

If you’re really struggling to get into the habit if regularly drinking (I’m not talking about alcohol!) then there are Apps out there that prompt you to drink and so can be useful reminders when you’re trying to make new habits. 

Start them young and be a good role model..! My girls love herbal teas. I always make sure they’re cool enough before giving and only offer non-caffeinated drinks. Young children are dependent upon you for their drinks so make sure you offer regularly throughout the day. We often have a straw cup or similar to hand when playing indoors so the girls can just help themselves. 
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