Water

Two-thirds of the body consists of water, which is therefore our most important nutrient. The body loses 1.5 litres of water a day through the skin, lungs and gut and via the kidneys as urine, ensuring that toxic substances are eliminated from the body. We also make about a third of a litre of water a day when glucose is “burnt” for energy. Therefore our minimum water intake from food and drink needs to be more than 1 litre a day. The ideal daily intake is around 2 litres.

Alcohol, tea and coffee cause the body to lose water, so they are not recommended as sources of fluid intake. They also rob the body of valuable minerals.

Drink: 1.5-2 liters of water a day

Minimise: your intake of alcohol, coffee, tea