Stay hydrated

Do you drink enough water every day? Research shows that only 1 in 15 people drink the minimum amount of water per day. However, it is very important to stay hydrated.

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Facts about water

• An adult's body is 60 percent water and blood 90 percent.

• Water is essential for the kidneys and other body functions.

• Dehydration can make the skin more vulnerable to skin conditions and wrinkles.

• Drinking enough water can help you lose weight.

How much water should you drink?

You have drink to get enough fluids. Because you lose about 2 to 3 liters of fluids every day, through urination and bowel movements, skin (sweating) and breathing. You have to compensate for what you lose. Solid foods such as fruits and vegetables contain a fair amount of fluids. But you get most of the fluids through drinks. However, it is best not to drink just anything. If you are thirsty, it is best to drink water.

It is recommended to drink an average of 1,5 to 2 liters of water per day. This can of course vary from certain factors. There are times when we need more fluids:

• in warm weather

• after sports or heavy physical activities

• after a long time in heated air-conditioning air

• during pregnancy or during breastfeeding periods

• in case of illness: fever, diarrhea and vomiting cause a greater loss of fluids

• when eating a very high fiber diet: in combination with little drinking this can cause constipation

But how do you know if you drink enough? Take a look in the toilet. What color is your urine?

• colorless or light yellow: then you drink enough

• dark yellow: take more drinking breaks

The feeling of thirst warns you that it is time to drink.

Health benefits of drinking water

• it supplies oxygen throughout the body

• it makes minerals and nutrients accessible

• it improves the health and beauty of the skin

• it regulates body temperature

• it helps to maintain blood pressure

• it improves physical performance

• weight loss

• it reduces the chance of a hangover

Tips to drink water more easily

• Start early in the morning: You have not absorbed any fluids during your sleeping hours and your body can use some water.

• Take a bottle with you on the road: Make sure to bring a water bottle with you as standard.

• Put the water in front of you: Put your drinking bottle or glass in your vision. That way you automatically drink a lot more.

• Go for healthy alternatives: Is it cold outside and you don't feel like drinking water? Then drink tea or coffee to warm up. Or are you simply tired of drinking water? It is better not to reach for (light) soft drinks, but add flavors to your water such as fresh mint and lemon.

• Place a carafe of water on the table

• Install a water app: Do you want to drink more water, but just forget it? Then install an app that reminds you it's time for a glass of water.

Ways to pimp your water

By adding different fruits, vegetables or fresh herbs to your water, you get a lot of extra benefits, such as vitamins or extra hydration (like cucumber or watermelon). And above all, it tastes better and makes it much more pleasant to drink!

What can you add?

• fresh or frozen fruits

• ice cubes made from fruit juice

• cucumber

• herbal infusions or herbal teas

• crushed ice

Filter water

Most water filters make your drinking water less hard. This means that there is less lime in the water. In addition to softening, water filters provide a better taste, less heavy metals and often healthy minerals are also added. It is also economical and environmentally friendly.

There are different ways to filter your water, such as a jug with filter or a tap with which you can directly tap chilled and filtered water.

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