Shania King-Soyza

Hydration guidance long centred on a daily two‑litre target is challenged by medical experts who emphasise listening to the body’s thirst cues instead of following a fixed amount. The NHS recommends six to eight drinks a day, while nutritionist Dr Federica Amati highlights that most healthy people hydrate adequately without tracking intake and that hydration issues are more common among the ill and elderly. Rehydration salts should be used only after prolonged heavy sweating due to their high sodium content. A Nuffield Health expert notes that water needs vary by body weight, activity and climate, offering a guideline of 35ml per kilogram and warning that both excessive and insufficient water intake can disrupt essential minerals.