Question: When calculating 8 glasses of water a day, can you include tea, coffee and other fluids?
Yes, your daily fluid intake doesn't all have to come in the form of water. While water is best, milk, juice, tea, coffee, cordial, soft drinks, sports drinks, even ice-blocks, can also provide additional fluids.
Alcohol, on the other hand, has a diuretic effect (increases the production of urine), and should be accompanied with a glass of water to prevent dehydration.
And don't forget food. Some foods contain high amounts of fluid; custard, jelly, ice-cream, soup and broth all add to your daily fluid intake.
Don't forget, you need to drink more fluids if it is a hot day, you are doing strenuous activity or are ill, to prevent dehydration.
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