In a previous post I wrote about the mental and physiological benefits of drinking adequate amounts of water each day. Our bodies are made up of 75% water and our brains 85%, so it’s a no-brainer (sorry) that we must continuously replenish our stores. Fluid intake, adequate or otherwise, has a big impact on mood. Unfortunately 75% of Americans are suffering from chronic dehydration, and many are suffering the consequences daily.

I have always struggled to drink the quota of 6, 8 or 10 glasses a day (which depends on your source). I have my own target, clear urine by midday, which is equally difficult to achieve. As far as I know this target is not scientifically based, but my own empirical evidence has shown that it’s a good measure of progress part way through the day.

I made a significant personal discovery a couple of weeks ago. I started adding a small amount of Apple juice to each glass of water, about 1 part juice to 4 parts water. My initial motivation was weight loss but I quickly began enjoying the taste and sweetness, and I found it very refreshing and hydrating. No surprises there. It is now the only thing I drink apart from coffee, and for the first time ever I’m meeting my midday target.