Inspecting your urine may not be your idea of a good time but it''s the most
reliable indicator that you might be
dehydrated.
A British professor says that apart from in the morning, your urine must be a pale, yellow-straw colour. If it''s continually dark yellow you need to drink more. Even mild dehydration can affect your concentration and cause headaches and exhaustion. It can also cause bowel problems, such as constipation. It''s not just a problem in summer: many air-conditioned offices are too dry all year round.Experts recommend you drink up to two litres of fluid a day and more in hot weather or if you have a temperature. It''s particularly important to drink fluid with meals. Drink a little before exercising and plenty afterwards.Of course, it''s easy to forget - especially since thirst is not a
reliable gauge of dehydration. If you want to drink more, try these suggestions to get into the habit:1.Keep a bottle of water on your desk at work so you can sip from it continuously during the day2.Carry a bottle of water with you when you''re out and about3.Have a glass of water for every glass of alcohol, or dilute your drinks4.Food can supply fluid too: melon, cucumber, citrus and berry fruits