MORE THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT HYDRATION

• Body fat contains only 20% water and lean tissue 70%, so a thin person’s body has a higher percentage of water than a fat person.

• 75% of our fluid intake occurs while eating.

• Drinks provide 10% of the energy intake of adults in the UK – mainly from alcohol.

• Sweat loss in team and endurance sports can be 1-2 litres per hour. 1.4 litres equates to a 2% loss for an average 70kg male and this is the established level for decreased performance. One should drink 50% more than this to rehydrate properly.

• A mug of tea contains more caffeine than a can of cola, both having less than a can of energy drink or a mug of coffee.

• Apart from very strong coffees, the fluid in drinks containing caffeine compensates for their short term diuretic effect.

• Wines and spirits have a net diuretic effect, whereas beer and cider do not.

For the final time, I must acknowledge “Hydration and health : a review” in the British Nutrition Foundation Nutrition Bulletin of March 2010.