It’s important to drink enough water every day – particularly during a heatwave.
As sweat evaporates from your skin, it removes heat from the body, but you also lose body fluid.
When the temperatures rise, getting enough to drink is important whether you're playing sports, travelling or just sitting in the sun.
And it's critical for your heart health.
Keeping the body hydrated helps the heart pump blood through the blood vessels to the muscles more easily.
Easier said than done as many people simply do not drink enough water.
Dehydration can lead to a loss of strength and stamina and is a main cause of heat exhaustion.
The colour of your urine is an integral sign indicating your hydration levels.
What colour should my wee be?
Light beer colour
Pee ranging from lemonade-coloured to a brighter shade like light beer means you’re solidly hydrated.
This is the optimal colour you want to have as it means your risk of exhaustion and fatigue is at a minimum due to your sufficient water levels.
Copper colour
When your urine is looking on the darker shade of blonde, it's probably a good idea to down a glass or two of water.
When your body loses more water than it takes in, it starts hanging onto the water it does have.
With less water to dilute them, the naturally occurring minerals and chemicals in your pee become more concentrated and deeper in colour.
A copper colour may not be a serious sign of dehydration but it certainly means you are heading in that direction.
Burnt orange colour
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'Genuine Australian' offers up crucial heatwave advice to Brits facing 40C temperatures
A darker shade of orange turning into a shade of brown is a warning sign of dehydration.
Spotting this colour lurking in the bowl after going for a wee means your body is in desperate need of water and should not be ignored.
Luckily, most healthy adults can easily rehydrate by consistently drinking lots of water and fluids high in electrolytes.
Foods affecting your hydration levels
According to nutritionist Abi Roberts, who united with Forbes Advisor and complied data around certain foods affecting hydration levels, the foods helping the most with hydration include:
- Cucumber
- Iceberg lettuce
- Radish
- Watermelon
- Tomato
Alternatively, foods causing the most dehydration include:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Hot chocolate
- Energy drinks
- Smoothies.
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