Comment from media medic Dr Hilary Jones:
The widely publicised EU ruling that no one should claim that regular water consumption is the best way to rehydrate the body is scientifically and biologically absurd and born purely out of unnecessary and overly complex commercial and legislative bureaucracy.
Of course water is the healthiest and most available option we have to keep us well. Our bodies are largely made up of water without which we would be dead within a matter of days. It is central to all our metabolic processes, it enables us to excrete waste products and is essential in temperature regulation. Even slight dehydration makes us feel tired and headaches, poor concentration, constipation and decreased physical and mental performance are direct results. It is the biological elixir of life and there simply is no healthier drink.
The 21 scientists who took three years at considerable cost to reach their conclusion might just as well tell us that breathing and sleeping is overrated.
Water is one of the most natural and healthy drinks you can consume. It contains no calories, sugar, preservatives, or additives. EFSA is clear on its advice on water consumption. In March 2011, it stated: Water is essential for practically all functions of the body and is particularly important for thermoregulation. A water intake which balances losses and thereby assures adequate hydration of body tissues is essential for health and life.
Loss of bodyweight, denoting loss of body water, of about 1% is normally compensated within 24 hours. Without compensation and further increases of losses of body water, reductions in physical and cognitive performance, in thermoregulation and cardiovascular function occur. A loss of 10% or more of body water can be fatal.
Source: Natural Hydration Council
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