Britons are not having enough water with over three quarters of them not drinking the recommended two litres a day, a survey has found.
The survey by SodaStream UK involved 1,000 Britons found that just one in four (25 per cent) drink enough water and a whopping four million haven’t had a glass of water since a week. The survey found that instead of water 50 per cent Britons have either tea or coffee while 30 per cent saying ‘they need caffeine more’. The survey also found that nearly a third of Britons were in fact not aware about the recommended daily water intake.
Further, nearly three million Britons thought soft drinks and energy drinks were better for them than water.
However, all is not lost as people revealed during the survey that they have felt the benefits of drinking water. 43 per cent said that drinking water makes them feel more energised and 40 per cent said that water improves their complexion. Over half of the respondents said they wished they drank more water.
Water is one of the most important components that makes up two-thirds of a healthy human body and is the best way to keep yourself hydrated. It is known to energise us and also aids in the digestion process and helps in losing weight as well.
Don’t drink when not thirsty
If you fall in the category of a water dodger, it is recommended that you give that up and start drinking the daily recommended amounts; however, there is a warning as well for all those who feel that drinking more water will amplify the benefits and help you more.
According to a recently published study by Loyola University Medical Center, one should not drink water when not feeling thirsty as too much water or sports drinks intake could lead to a condition called Hyponatremia. Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) occurs when drinking too much overwhelms the ability of the kidneys to excrete the excess water load. Sodium in the body becomes diluted. This leads to swelling in cells, which can be life-threatening.
Some of the symptoms of mild EAH include lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, puffiness and gaining weight during an athletic event. Symptoms of severe EAH include vomiting, headache, altered mental status (confusion, agitation, delirium, etc.), seizure and coma.
