Let’s start by looking at what hydration is. Essentially it’s what you do to replace the water lost by your body to make sure you have enough water to function at your best.
How hydration can help you quit smoking
A top tip one of our smoking advisors will no doubt mention is the benefit of drinking a glass of water when you feel the need to smoke. Interestingly, this can help let the cravings pass.
Also, it’s common to not notice feelings of dehydration throughout the day. When the body becomes dehydrated it can make you feel anxious, which during a quit attempt could lead to the want to smoke. Keep that glass nearby to help stop this from happening.
How much to drink?
· The NHS recommends you drink 6-8 glasses (1.2 litres) of fluids each day.
· Water, low fat milk and sugar free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count towards your daily tally. If you’re not keen on water, you could flavour it with a low sugar squash or cordial. Just be sure to check the packaging and choose one that’s sugar content is showing as green on the traffic light system.
· Try to have a glass of water for every hot drink you have as caffeinated drinks can leave you feeling dehydrated.
· It’s worth mentioning that if you’re an active person, you’ll want to be drinking more than what is just recommended – consider those figures a minimum. This is because you’ll lose fluids through sweating so make sure you’ve got a water supply with you.
Spotting the signs of dehydration
Not drinking enough water can leave you feeling thirsty, dizzy or lightheaded. You also might feel tired or have a dry mouth, eyes or lips. When you’re already suffering with withdrawal symptoms, the last thing you need is dehydration affecting how you feel too.
Be aware that drinking alcohol, sweating a lot while exercising, having a high temperature or taking certain medications can also lead to dehydration.
The benefits of staying hydrated
Here’s just a few of the many benefits to drinking enough fluids:
· You’ll find it easier to focus and concentrate. Drinking plenty of water will help you stay alert and can even prevent eye strain caused by dehydration.
· You’ll help lubricate and cushion your joints.
· You’ll help stave off muscle cramps when exercising.
· You’ll find it easier to breathe as drinking enough water helps clear your lungs.
· You’ll help digestion making it easier for your body to digest fibre and vitamins.
· You’ll help to avoid and relieve constipation.
So if you don’t drink enough each day, make this your time to drink up and keep yourself hydrated.
