Have you drunk enough today?

This is a Sponsored Post, but with a difference. There are no brand links. I'm not going to talk about a product. Instead, it's a bit more like a public service announcement. Today I'm being sponsored to talk about hydration.

Did you know there's a 2nd Annual Hydration conference happening? I certainly didn't. In fact, I didn't know there was a first. But over 400 experts will be getting together to discuss the scientific background of hydration. I wonder what they think of the latest EU ruling that says you can't put in an advert water rehydrates…which is, of course, ridiculous. Water, and other drinks, as many of them are made up mostly of water, hydrate us well. Which is why not all of the recommended 2 – 2.5 litres a day has to be water. I daresay there are drinks that work against this, as some have a diuretic effect, but probably even those help a little. Perhaps I should get someone at the congress to enlighten me on that point.

Personally I've recently found it difficult to drink enough. I'm pregnant, and while in pregnancy and while breastfeeding staying hydrated is even more important, it can be so difficult to drink enough when you're feeling nauseous and nothing much appeals. In fact, the effects of dehydration can be present long before thirst sets in. I even went off my favourite drink of (decaffeinated) tea. About the only thing that appealed was beer, and that's a no no when you're pregant unfortunately! All of which is rather a shame, as when you start to dehydrate, it adversely affects your cognitive ability and performance, and that happens long before you are feeling thirsty. In fact by the time you get to that point you are already well on the way to dehydration, making it a good idea to keep drinking as a habit, instead of as a reaction.

This is important for elderly ppl too – as they have lower water content in their bodies, the thirst reaction doesn't set in til later, making it even easier for them to dehydrate.

Of course, keeping hydrated isn't the only benefit of keeping drinking. If you do indulge in caffeine in your drink – tea, coffee, lots of soft drinks – it will help to keep you alert. Sugar gives you energy, and having a drink often gives you a break and chance to socialise. So all in all, we should drink more – anyone for a cuppa?