LONDON — The average person drinks just four glasses of water a day — with most of them hydrating through beverages like tea and coffee instead.
A study of 2,000 British adults revealed they typically consume 740ml a day of H20. That’s less than half the recommended daily amount of eight glasses of fluid per day (2 liters).
Instead, 24 percent stay hydrated using tea, while 20 percent would rather sip on a cup of coffee. Almost two-thirds (64%) are aware they should drink more water than they currently do, with 49 percent claiming they often forget throughout the day.
The research also found four in 10 weren’t sure how much they drink in a typical day. The poll, commissioned by Volvic Touch of Fruit, reveals that 24 percent are just too busy to fit regular sips into their schedule.
“We’re seeing a nation struggling to stay hydrated despite knowing how crucial it is to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” says Gemma Morgan, a spokesperson from Volvic, in a statement.
The survey also found that for 60 percent, hydration is important to more than their physical health, as they agree they feel happier and healthier when they drink enough water.
When it comes to spotting dehydration, 44 percent say they recognize the dark color of their urine as a tell-tale sign that they need to drink more. Dry mouth, headaches, and dry lips followed as the key signs that it might be time for another glass of water.
For the new year, 28 percent of adults are vowing to stay more hydrated in 2023, and 27 percent are eager to cut back on the number of sugary drinks they consume. Flavored water is a favorite for 22 percent, and 41 percent have tried flavoring their own beverages as a way to encourage themselves to drink more. Those polled are more inclined to lean towards fresh and fruity tastes, followed by zingy and citrussy notes, with lemon and strawberry being the most popular tastes.
The study, carried out by OnePoll, also found 26 percent would drink more water if it tasted better.
Top 10 Water Flavors:
- Lemon
- Strawberry
- Orange
- Apple
- Lime
- Blackberry
- Banana
- Raspberry
- Peach
- Cherry
Report by South West News Service writer Alice Hughes
