Water is a healthy and cheap choice to keep you hydrated, but other drinks can also count towards your fluid intake. We also get some fluids from the foods we eat.
Not getting enough fluids can lead to dehydration.
Most people should aim to drink enough during the day so their pee is a clear pale yellow colour.
The Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
You may need to drink more fluids if you're:
The best drinks to give children are water and milk. Children can have pasteurised whole or semi-skimmed cows' milk, or goats’ or sheep’s milk, as a main drink from the age of 1.
Children should avoid sugary fizzy drinks, squash and juice drinks completely. Children who drink a lot of sugary drinks are more likely to become overweight. The added sugar in these drinks can also damage teeth.