How many litres of water should you drink a day and does tea count?

Staying hydrated is important – especially in hot weather (Picture: Getty Images/Onoky)

We all know it’s important to stay well hydrated – and that’s why you need to keep tabs on your fluid intake.

H2O makes up 60% of the human body, and if you don’t drink enough during the day it could have serious health consequences – especially during hot weather.

And the fact we are constantly expelling water from our bodies via sweat, urine and even our breath means that we must make sure we keep up with our fluid intake.

But just how many litres of water should you be drinking over the space of a day – and do other drinks such as tea also count towards your recommended amount?

Here’s what you need to know.

How many litres of water should you drink a day?

The NHS Eatwell guide states that you should be drinking around 6-8 cups or glasses of water per day.

Although it does not say what size these should be, other estimates, such as those from the British Dietetics Association, have suggested you should be aiming for around 1.5-2 litres of water.

However, the guidance has varied over the years – and the long-held belief that you should drink eight glasses a day might actually be too much.

In 2010, the European Food Safety Authority suggested that men should drink two litres a day and women should have 1.6 litres a day.

If you do not drink enough fluid you are likely to become dehydrated – according to the NHS, these are the signs to look out for.

• feeling thirsty
• dark yellow and strong-smelling urine
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• feeling tired
• a dry mouth, lips and eyes
• urinating little, and fewer than 4 times a day

Children may be dehydrated if they are drowsy, have fewer wet nappies or breathe more quickly.

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