How much water should I drink?

Warmer weather means we are drinking more….but how much more?

As per the Continence Foundation of Australia, it turns out there’s just one simple rule:

drink to satisfy your thirst – no more, no less.

Adelaide-based urogynaecologist Dr Ian Tucker, who advises the Continence Foundation of Australia on a range of health issues, says ‘there is absolutely no scientific evidence to suggest there are health benefits to drinking more water than that required to satisfy our thirst. In fact, excessive fluid intake can be dangerous if taken to extremes.’

Dr Tucker describes it simply; ‘we need to take in enough fluid to make up for the amount we lose each day, which is normally around two litres’ . This is via urine and water lost via sweat.

Fluid intake also takes into account the food we eat, approx one litre, based on a normal diet of (fruit, vegetables, cereal, soup etc.). To make up the difference,  about six cups of tea, coffee or small glasses will help you replenish your water.

Other notes from Dr Tucker:

• Increase of fluid on hot days and with significant exercise
• Urine colour should be a pale lemon colour
• Any fluids count, this includes coffee and tea, which have the common misconception of being diuretics.
• Alcohol is a diuretic, so is an exception to being counted in daily fluid intake.
• Warning that excessive fizzy drinks or caffeine based drink, can trigger urge incontinence in some people with bladder dysfunction.

Dr Tucker’s recommendations are backed by Kidney Health Australia, which has a position statement on the issue.

For any advice on continence, bladder or bowel issues, phone the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66).

Have a great day!