Be sure you go with the flow

How much water should I be drinking and why is it important?

We all know water is one of life's essentials. Our brain is roughly 90 per cent water, and our blood is said to be roughly 82 per cent water. It helps regulate the body's temperature, regulates metabolism, removes toxins, helps cells to function and can keep you slim — more about that later.

When you're not drinking enough you become dehydrated. A mere two per cent dehydration can impair your performance and four per cent dehydration will start to reduce your muscular ability — 10 per cent could render you unconscious.

So how much should I drink to stay properly hydrated? One specific amount may not suit everyone but an adult should aim to drink between
two and 2.5 litres of water every day.

There are two good ways to check if you're dehydrated. The first is, are you thirsty? If you are, then you are already dehydrated, so get a drink. The second is to check the colour of your urine.

It should be clear and pale in colour.

A good way to keep hydrated is to have a cup of water next to you at work, drink it, then fill it up every hour.

And because it keeps the stomach full, it suppresses the appetite — making water a very effective diet drink.

David Higgins is co-founder of TenPilates (TenPilates.com)