Prevent fluid loss in summer with water

Drinking plenty of water plays a particularly important role because the body can only absorb all substances in dissolved form. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day during normal physical activity in order to compensate for water losses in the body. Drinking continuously, especially in high temperatures, prevents dehydration, loss of performance and poor circulation. Reaching for a bottle of mineral water should become a regular habit for everyone. Even before breakfast, a glass of mineral water is refreshing and helps you wake up. During the day, a quarter of a liter every hour ensures that fluid balance is kept in balance.

Natural mineral water contains minerals and trace elements in dissolved form – but not a single calorie. However, not all water available for purchase is natural mineral water. There is, for example, spring water, which does not have to meet the original purity criterion. Or industrially produced table water, which can be artificially mixed from different waters. Only water that meets very specific requirements may bear the legally protected designation of “natural mineral water”. The requirements for this are precisely defined in the Ordinance on Mineral and Table Waters. Mineral water may not be altered in its natural state. Only the removal of iron and sulphur that is necessary for optical or taste reasons, as well as the removal or addition of carbon dioxide, are permitted. Such changes must be indicated on the label.

If you like variety, you can prepare a fruit juice spritzer or an exotic mineral water cocktail. But mineral water is also ideal as an accompaniment to alcoholic drinks. Wine connoisseurs recommend choosing a mineral water low in salt and carbon dioxide, which presents fine wine in its truest form. And when you’re enjoying your coffee, don’t forget to always drink a glass of mineral water with it. In southern European countries, it is customary to serve a glass of mineral water with coffee or espresso. The caffeine contained in coffee removes fluids from the body. Mineral water compensates for this loss without competing with coffee beans in terms of flavor. The rule for caffeine is the same as for alcohol: you should drink double the amount of mineral water to compensate.

However, if you want, you can also use regular tap water. Thanks to constant testing, tap water is now also of good quality to compensate for the daily loss of liquids. However, opinions differ on whether it should be tap water or mineral water. Ultimately, everyone must decide for themselves.