5 easy ways to drink more water

Not everyone likes water or finds it easy to fit in the recommended six to eight glasses per day

That’s why we’re taking the time to make sure you understand exactly how and why water is important to your health and wellbeing and the potential side effects of not getting enough of it.

And luckily, we’ve got Nutritionist Leila Weller-Kis, to help us stay refreshed.

Although water is the simplest and purest way to reach this intake, your daily liquids can also include milk, juices, tea, coffee and even the food you eat. Though it’s important to remember that caffeine is a diuretic², which can cause dehydration.

Leila says, “Listen to your body, if you're thirsty, make sure you drink. Make sure you don't mistake the signals for hunger as often that can happen. You might think you're hungry, but actually you just need a glass of water. And if you’re not feeling thirsty, you could still be drinking water, but I wouldn't say you need to make sure every hour you're gulping down a glass of water.”

On that note, did you know that science has proved sipping water is better than chugging down water?³ This is because when you drink a large amount of water in one go, your body will soon tell you that it needs to urinate, meaning that it absorbs less water overall. Taking frequent sips of water throughout the day is meant to be the best way to drink your daily recommended allowance.

It’s important to keep at it, however, as dehydration is at the root of many common health complaints such as headaches, constipation and dry skin. So, let’s dive in – including a few tips from Leila...

You’re also closer to understanding what diuretics you might want to avoid such as alcohol and (too much) caffeine, which can make you pass urine more and worsen dehydration.

For every last drop of info, read all about the importance of hydration.

Yes, some people might find your ‘water cooler chat’ a bit tedious, but if you make drinking water your thing then you’re less likely to forget about it.

So, choose a re-usable water bottle you love and will use, buy a water filter if you want to be sure your water is crystal clear and extra-pure,^3,4 and try adding ice cubes in the morning if you find cold water tastes fresher. You can have more than one where you need it – car, desk, wherever – and even try an app to remind you when to drink. Soon drinking water will become second nature.

Want an easier option? You could also try sugar-free cordial, sparkling water (a great alternative to fizzy drinks, which commonly include high sugars or artificial flavourings) or a fruit or herbal tea.

Not only has your body gone for about eight hours or so without a drink but drinking a glass of water when you first wake up it can also help to make you feel more awake.⁵

And drinking water about an hour before bed can help prevent dehydration and support temperature regulation,⁶ a study even found it could potentially reduce bad breath the next morning.⁶

Not only will your body thank you, but so will whoever else is in the house...

Leila says, “For some people, they may find it difficult to consume a large volume of liquid. So, they might be struggling with dehydration because they’re not getting the appropriate volume. Frequently drinking small amounts can help. And not just focusing on the liquid itself, but foods that are rich in in water, as they can help with hydration as well.”

On average your body gets about 20% of the water it needs from the foods you eat throughout the day.⁸ For example, cucumber and strawberries are both composed of more than 90% water.

And with that little snack-sized fact in mind, check out 5 hydrating foods for some tasty ways you could stay hydrated.

Luckily, there are a lot of ways to drink more water, whether it’s as simple as setting daily reminders, always keeping water nearby, or even by adding fruits and herbs to it.

Check out next some of the biggest hydration myths busted.