More on Fluids

Liquid water is essential for all active life. It is the most important nutrient that we take in particular; we cannot live without it for more than about 100 hours, whereas other nutrients may be neglected for weeks or months. Although commonly it is often taken for granted, no other nutrient is more essential or required in as great amounts.

The actual amount of water that an individual requires depends on their age, gender, physical activity, physiological condition or illness and the temperature and humidity of their physical environment.

The recommended intake of water on average is approximately 3litres for men and 2.2litres for women and statistics suggest that most people do not take sufficient water. Taking the recommended levels of water help to reduce the occurrences of kidney stones, gall stones and some cancers, however, there seems to be no scientific source for the argument in favour of greatly increasing water intake (e.g. for the statement "Drink at least eight glasses of water a day" or similar is a bit of a myth).

For IBS sufferers drinking the correct volume of water is very important particularly if taking supplementary fibre products. In general, without adequate fluid intake, dietary fibre cannot do its job. Insoluble fibre in particular acts like a sponge absorbing water, increasing in stool weight and size, thus putting pressure on the bowel wall and facilitating movement of the stool. Without fluid this fibre is pointless and will only constipate you further.

So as a minimum drink at least 1500-2000ml (3-4 pints) per day

Suitable fluids include all non-caffeine and non alcohol based fluids like water, herbal teas, well-diluted fruit juices and fruit squashes.

• Aim to drink a glass of suitable fluid every hour
• Have a bottle of water on your desk and with you all the time, in the car, on the train etc.
• Decrease the amount of tea, coffee and alcohol to not more than 3-4 cups per day.
• Drink when exercising