About staying hydrated?
Most people should aim to drink enough during the day so their pee is a clear pale yellow colour.
The Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. You can also get some fluids from the foods you eat.
You may need to drink more fluids if you’re:
- pregnant or breastfeeding
- in a hot environment
- physically active for long periods
- ill or recovering from illness
Not getting enough fluids can lead to dehydration.
Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it’s not treated, it can get worse and you can become unwell.
Signs of dehydration
- feeling thirsty
- dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
- peeing less often than usual
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- feeling tired
- a dry mouth, lips and tongue
- sunken eyes
Being dehydrated can affect your chest health for the following reasons:
- It can mean that you have less saliva in your mouth – Saliva helps to keep your mouth comfortable, it helps with digestion and it also helps to protect your teeth.
- It can make the mucus in your lungs become thick and sticky and difficult to clear
- It can make you more likely to be constipated