Will taxing sugared soft drinks make you drink more water?

by Fern Shaw | Feb 4, 2013 | Health and Hydration

Earlier this year, France imposed a tax on sugary soft drinks after a study found that more than 20 million of its citizens are overweight.

Health campaigners in the U.K. are pressing for a similar tax. Researchers at Oxford University calculate that a 20 per cent tax on soft drinks would reduce obesity and overweight in Britain by 1 per cent — roughly 400,000 cases across Britain. The only problem with this finding is that other studies have shown that over the last 10 years, although the consumption of added sugar soft drinks has reduced by 9%, obesity has increased by 15%.

Understandably, the idea of a tax has met stiff opposition from the British Soft Drinks Association.

Apparently, the problem is not only the range of between 6 to 8 teaspoons of sugar in a standard can of soft drink, but also the citric acid that is used to make the drinks fizzy. Citric acid is very corrosive on one’s teeth.

Diet soft drinks are not much of a better option as they contain chemicals that are not high on the good for your organs list should your consumption of these drinks be excessive.

A bigger problem than weaning oneself off soft drinks is helping one’s children to not drink them, as, because of the high sugar content in soft drinks, it creates a like-with-like effect and increases the desire to eat salty foods in place of say, drinking water and eating fruit or, the dreaded vegetables. J

While the battle about whether to tax or not tax added sugar soft drinks rages on, perhaps it’s time to look at other alternatives that are kind to you, your health and your pocket:

One could try the ‘everything in moderation’ approach or, for the more stout of heart, cutting the consumption of sugary drinks from one’s diet.

Either way, It is your decision as to what you choose how to ‘fuel’ your body.

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink! (With apologies to Samuel Taylor Coleridge)

by Fern Shaw | Jan 30, 2013 | Health and Hydration

Water makes up almost sixty six percent of the human body and seventy percent of the brain. (Can’t drink this).

At birth, water accounts for approximately 80 percent of an infant’s body weight.

One ear of corn is 80 percent water. (Can’t drink this either).

75 percent of a living tree is water. (Nope.)

75 percent of a chicken is water. (You get the general idea …)

80 percent of a pineapple is water.

95 percent of a tomato is water.

Water usage in the U.K. is around 3.6 billion litres per day which is 151 litres per property. That’s about 150 litres per day per person.

The total amount of water on the earth is about 1.36 billion cubic kilometres of water.

Scientists estimate groundwater accounts for more than 95 percent of all fresh water available for use.

Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, O degrees Celsius.

Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, 100 degrees Celsius.

Water is unusual in that the solid form, ice, is less dense than the liquid form, which is why ice floats.

Water regulates the earth’s temperature.

So much water and only an infinitesimal percentage of the Earth’s water is available for human consumption. Perhaps a good idea to start this New Year with achievable resolutions and ones that won’t just make you feel good, but can help other 70 to 80 percent humanoid beings too.

Foods and Drinks That Dehydrate You

by Fern Shaw | Jan 30, 2013 | Health and Hydration

Even if you’re making an attempt to stay hydrated, you may be unknowingly consuming foods and drinks that dehydrate you. Certain ingredients can increase urination, cause fluid imbalance, and make you feel thirsty more often. Understanding how these substances impact your hydration status is key to maintaining optimal health.

Sodium is a Big Culprit

Eating too much salt can disrupt your electrolyte balance, leading to fluid retention and eventual dehydration. When you eat salty snacks, your body signals thirst in an effort to maintain proper hydration status. Some common high-sodium foods include:

• Fast foods
• Potato crisps
• Tinned foods
• Cured meats
• Condiments like tomato sauce (ketchup), mustard, and salad dressing

To prevent dehydration, try balancing your sodium intake by eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.

Sugary Drinks Also Contribute

Much like salty foods, beverages with excessive sugar can also cause dehydration. Drinks such as energy drinks, sodas, and overly sweetened coffees lead to fluid loss, making it harder for your body to stay properly hydrated.

Many of these drinks contain caffeine, a diuretic that increases urination, further depleting fluids. Instead of relying on sugary drinks, consider healthier alternatives like coconut water, which replenishes lost electrolytes and supports hydration.

Foods to Help Your Body Stay Hydrated

Instead of consuming foods and beverages that contribute to dehydration, opt for hydrating foods and nutrient-dense options that help your body retain moisture.

Blueberries

Yielding antioxidants, vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties, a handful of these berries daily in season can do wonders.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish with omega-3s include salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel. Make sure that you only buy fish off the endangered list.

Soy

This does not mean using enough soy sauce to turn your sushi rice into another colour. Soy sauce has a high sodium content. Clean and simple soy is recommended. Soy in this category includes tofu, soy milk, and edamame. Edamame, for the curious, is green soybeans boiled or steamed in their pods and it’s very trendy to be seen eating edamame.

Fibre

Some great options for getting more fibre in your body are:

1. Beans. Think three-bean salad, bean burritos, chilli, soup.
2. Whole grains. That means whole-wheat bread,and  pasta.
3. Brown rice. White rice doesn’t offer much fibre.
4. Popcorn. It’s a great source of fibre.
5. Nuts. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts have more fibre than other nuts.
6. Baked potato with skin. It’s the skin that’s important here.
7. Berries. All those seeds, plus the skin, give great fibre to any berry.
8. Bran cereal. Actually, any cereal that has 5 grams of fibre or more in a serving counts as high fibre.
9. Oatmeal. Whether its microwaved or stove-cooked, oatmeal is good fibre.
10. Vegetables. The crunchier, the better.

Drinks to Help Prevent Dehydration

Instead of sugary, dehydrating drinks, try these alternatives to avoid dehydration:

Tea

The antioxidant powers of tea are present in both black and green tea. Try these tips on switching from fizzy drinks to water for the added effect of consuming more tea while you’re drinking less fizz.

Calcium-rich Foods

Many health-conscious men and women tend to stay away from dairy products for fear that they contain fat, but calcium is necessary for the body. If you’re scared of the cheese and milk, take a calcium supplement.

A good rule of thumb is to drink enough water consistently throughout the day and adjust your fluid intake based on activity level, diet, and overall health. By making mindful choices, you can avoid dehydrating foods and drinks, improve energy levels, and keep your body properly hydrated for optimal well-being. Find more hydration tips and browse our range of water solutions at AquAid UK. Contact us today!