My girlfriend does not drink enough water.
Typically, if I do not get her to drink a cup of tea or a drink of squash she will almost go without water in a day and often she will only drink about a pint of water a day max.
What are the dangers of this and how much liquid should you drink?
It would certainly be a good idea to continue encouraging her to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day as this has been shown to be essential for continued good health.
Although I know of nobody who has ever seriously deprived their bodies of fluids without meaning to, drinking between one and a half and three litres of fluid a day is the current recommendation.
I mention the word 'fluid' instead of water, as fruit juices are 'fluid' and do contain water but are just as important for our health as straight-forward water.
Do remember that foods contain fluids as well as drinks, particularly vegetables and fruit.
It may help to remind your girlfriend that keeping up a good level of fluid intake will help to prevent such common problems as constipation, kidney stones, certain types of gallstones, some arthritic conditions and is felt also to help with skin problems and general well-being.
With regards to kidney stone prevention, some authorities advise limiting hard water to two litres a day and avoiding tea as this contains oxalic acid, which is an ingredient of kidney stones.
Many people dislike cold drinks unless it is a very hot day and nowadays there are many fruit teas and other alternatives available to help keep fluid intakes at an ideal.
I'm sure that with the above information to hand, your girlfriend will be only too happy to try to drink more often and to therefore keep healthy.
Do have a look at our healthy diet section for further advice.
The NetDoctor Medical Team
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