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Celebrating Christmas With Alcohol? How To Avoid Dehydration...
Christmas and the New Year are a time for celebration - and this usually involves alcohol. The work's do, nights out with friends, the corks popping on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, even an evening tipple in front of the television - alcohol plays a big part in the festive season. If you're not careful though all that temptation can take its toll - in particular your body could become dehydrated leaving you feeling fatigued and under the weather. In fact, dehydration is the main reason why you will find yourself suffering from a hangover. Check out our water solutions now! Why does alcohol cause dehydration? Alcohol is a diuretic so it acts to remove water from the body, which results in more frequent trips to the toilet. Obviously the more alcohol consumed the greater this effect is. This is not so much of a problem if that fluid is replaced, which is why also drinking water during a night out is so important. Think of the hangover - that raging headache is your body telling you that you are dehydrated. Forget supplements, colour coding drinks and co-ordinating "the grape and the grain", the solution is simple - alternate each drink with a glass of water. At the very least sip water throughout the evening and have a glass of water before going to bed to lessen the effects of dehydration. Topping up with water will help to counteract the diuretic effect of the alcohol and keep your body hydrated. Why water? Water is easy to drink, free from calories and is also the healthiest, most effective way to avoid dehydration. Non-alcoholic fizzy drinks will not have the same effect, despite your best intentions. As the NHS points out fizzy drinks increase the rate at which alcohol is absorbed by the body making you more intoxicated, so sticking to filtered water is the best option. Should the occasion get the better of you and a hangover greet you the morning after, filtered water will once again be your best friend and will help to rehydrate your body. When enjoying the festive season make sure to always have a glass of filtered water at hand to keep hangovers at bay. Check out our water solutions now!
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Dehydration: 101 Guide On How It Affects Your Health
Warnings about dehydration go hand-in-hand with health advice, but why exactly is it so important to wellbeing? Water really is the elixir of life - the body can survive much longer without food than without water. It is water that keeps our bodies functioning While dehydration can itself felt even in the early stages, if it becomes severe, there is a risk it could prove fatal. Check out our water solutions now! Why is dehydration so dangerous? Fluids help the blood to move around the body taking oxygen to vital organs. When the body becomes severely dehydrated it can cause low blood pressure, removing the body’s ability to adequately move blood around. If the vital organs do not receive enough oxygen they begin to fail Serious problems also arise when dehydration upsets the levels of electrolytes in the body, such as sodium and calcium. Water is essential to maintain the correct levels of electrolytes, which send signals to cells around the body to control functions such as muscle movement and temperature control. If the levels are disrupted and incorrect signals sent this can cause heart arrhythmia, seizures, or a coma. What causes dehydration? Dehydration is caused when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This is usually through people not drinking water frequently enough or rapidly losing fluids through sickness and diarrhoea. Some people are more susceptible to suffering from dehydration. These include: The elderly - who may not be aware they need to drink more water The young - water makes up more of their body and they may also not always be able to say that they are thirsty. People suffering from conditions are also more likely to become dehydrated as are people taking medications that can cause dehydration as a side effect. Exercise and hot weather can also speed up the loss of fluid from the body and need to be accounted for by drinking more water. Signs of dehydration Fatigue Thirst/ dry mouth Dark urine and going to the toilet less frequently Dizziness Headache More serious symptoms include: Feeling confused Weak or rapid pulse Lasting dizziness Treatment for dehydration Caught early enough dehydration can be treated by drinking adequate levels of water. Taking an oral rehydration solution will also help to rebalance electrolytes. In cases of severe dehydration, it is important to seek urgent medical help as the patient will quite possibly need to be given fluids intravenously. Drink water to beat dehydration Of course, where possible, it is best to take steps to ensure you remain hydrated. If you enjoy exercising stay hydrated throughout the week when you feel the signs of dehydration that means it has already become an issue, topping up fluids regularly is the best way to avoid that. Likewise, make drinking filtered water regularly a part of your routine so your body remains well hydrated. When suffering from a stomach bug it is harder to stay hydrated but sipping fluids frequently can help. Regularly drinking filtered water is a simple way to help protect your body from dehydration. Check out our water solutions now!
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The Important Relationship Between Diabetes and Water: How...
We're all aware of the importance of adequate hydration for our mental and physical well-being. That's beyond all doubt. But does an optimal intake of water have extra significance for those who have diabetes? How might drinking water affect diabetics, and what provisions can diabetic people take to ensure a perfect level of fluid intake for their health? Let's explore some of the key questions diabetes sufferers might have on the topic of water and hydration. Why is hydration important for diabetes? Due to the nature of their condition, those with diabetes are more susceptible to suffering from dehydration and its debilitating effects. Glucose levels in the body are moderated with a hormone called insulin. In people with diabetes, there is a lack of this hormone, or an inability to respond to the hormone. In people with Type 1 diabetes, there is no insulin production. In Type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but is unable to properly utilise or respond to the insulin. Without the ability to make use of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, diabetics are prone to seeing excessive levels of glucose in the body. When there is too much glucose in the body, water is drawn out. Your kidneys begin to work hard trying to get rid of this glucose by producing more urine, causing you to need to pee more. As you're losing lots of fluid, this causes excessive thirst. Becoming thirsty more often than usual is called polydipsia and is a hallmark of uncontrolled diabetes; urinating more frequently than normal is called polyuria. The dehydration that comes about because of excessive urination can further elevate blood sugar levels, producing a vicious cycle, placing those with diabetes at risk of further dehydration. This can cause all the typical symptoms, including a headache, dizziness, tiredness, low blood pressure and confusion. Left unmanaged, this dehydration can lead to serious health problems, including retinopathy, kidney failure, an increased risk of heart disease and even nerve damage. This makes it all the more important that those managing diabetes regulate their condition by taking on enough of the right kind of fluids, as well as taking steps to control blood sugar levels. Drinking water helps to rehydrate the blood when the body is shedding glucose through urine. Drinking water and diabetes Let's explore more about water and its importance for those who are diabetic. What can diabetics drink? There's no getting away from it, the best drink for diabetics is water. Drinking water regularly helps to maintain hydration, as well as being good for general wellbeing and health. With no sugar, calories or carbohydrates, water is the ideal choice of drink for diabetics. Most fizzy drinks and energy drinks are packed with sugar, bringing no nutritional value to the body. Beware, too, of sugar-filled fruit juices. Indeed, Diabetes UK says that such drinks should only be used to treat "hypos" - hypoglycaemia: when the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low. There's nothing wrong with coffees and teas, but beware of adding sugar. Whilst water should be the bedrock of your hydration routine, a glass of milk after sport is also a sound choice. In the case of people who have been warned they are pre-diabetic, taking swift action to swap drinks laden with sugar and sweeteners for filtered water is an easy but important step to take control of their lifestyle and future health. For those diabetics who struggle to keep their fluid intake up, it might be useful to invest in a portable water filter bottle. Having fresh filtered drinking water on tap can also help you keep your fluids topped up, preventing you from reaching for a less-than-healthy alternative. Check out our water solutions now! What about diet sodas and artificially sweetened drinks? A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed over 66,000 women for 14 years, tracking their consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks (regular fizzy drinks), as well as artificially-sweetened (diet) drinks. Although the authors noted the limitations of their study, they found that both sugary and diet drinks were associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. As far as research tells us, water is the best choice for those managing diabetes, by far. How much water should a diabetic drink? In order to guard against symptoms of high blood sugar, adequate intake of water by diabetics is essential. According to the European Food Safety Authority, water should be consumed continuously throughout the day, with the aim of taking on board: Men - 2 litres per day Women - 1.6 litres per day Does drinking water flush out sugar? As we discussed, for diabetic people, hydration takes on extra significance. When a problem with blood sugar has been flagged up, drinking water will help the kidneys to flush out excess glucose as part of a lifestyle management program. Will drinking water lower my blood sugar levels? For diabetics, drinking water can help to reduce your blood sugar (glucose) levels by diluting the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Adequate intake of water also helps to alleviate the dehydration that comes with excess urination caused by high glucose levels, a mechanism we explain earlier. Interestingly, a few years ago, leading research found that those with low water intake had a higher risk of developing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and subsequent diabetes - so there's even evidence to suggest that good water intake can prevent diabetes. The study found that the hormone vasopressin, which rises when diabetes-related dehydration is experienced, can be reduced by taking on water. Water temperature and blood sugar Can cold water lower blood sugar? The temperature of your drinking water has no bearing on the lowering of blood sugar, apart from the fact it might be more tasty to drink cooler water, therefore making it easier to meet your hydration requirements! Does drinking water spike insulin? Insulin spikes are typically caused by the consumption of refined, high-carb, added-sugar foods and drinks - not drinking water. The culprits are most often white rice, bread, pasta and high-sugar cereals, yoghurts and processed baked goods. Drinking water does not lead to a spike in insulin. Take your family's water to the next level If you're diabetic, optimal hydration is essential. As you may be aware, ordinary tap water can contain a range of contaminants that can affect its taste, scent and appearance. At Doulton®, we've got nearly 200 years of history and experience when it comes to water. All of our water filtration products incorporate cutting-edge ceramic technology, ensuring you have on-tap access to the cleanest, best-tasting water possible. So, why not commit to excellence as part of your diabetic lifestyle? Improve the look, odour and taste of your tap water by exploring the Doulton® product range. Check out our water solutions now!
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Aidex: Emergency Solutions That Make A Difference When Disaster...
When disaster strikes aid agencies need to hit the ground running to provide the help and support that saves lives, including access to clean drinking water. To do this as effectively as possible frontline workers and volunteers need the best specialist equipment at their disposal - including water filter systems. The Aidex exhibition held last week plays an important role in bringing together aid agencies and manufacturers to share and exchange ideas and find out the latest developments. A huge amount of research and testing goes into creating products that are not only efficient but lightweight and quick to assemble so that they can be easily transported into areas of need and put to use immediately. One of the many emergency needs in times of crisis is clean drinking water - without this, communities that have suffered a natural disaster, or refugees fleeing conflict, are put at risk of contracting an illness that can spread at speed through communities. Emergency access to clean drinking water British Berkefeld's Household filter kit - which provides clean drinking water - is one such product that was on display as part of Aidex. It can be transported in large numbers and offers a speedy solution to what could become a deadly problem: Cholera Check out our Gravity Filter solutions now! Fitted with top-performance ceramic filter candles, the kits can offer high-quality water filtration in an unstable environment. Each candle is created with ceramic technology that reduces and filters bacteria and contaminants from untreated water to provide clean drinking water. No plumbing or electricity is needed as the household filter kits work through the use of gravity. The ceramic candles have built-in anti-bacterial properties that inhibit the growth of further bacteria and take away the need for boiling water. In areas with poor sanitation, particularly refugee camps and areas hit by natural disasters, cholera can spread quickly, hitting those who are already suffering hard. Putting in place a water filtration system that gives affected communities access to clean drinking water is a cornerstone in stopping the spread of cholera. British Berkefeld's ceramic water filtration candles filter the bacteria that cause diseases such as cholera, E. coli, and salmonella. The prevention of these diseases in communities already fighting for survival makes clean drinking water a high priority for aid agencies. The Household filter kits offer a simple but permanent solution for clean drinking water, with the ceramic candles providing up to 99.99% filtration of bacteria, cysts and particles. Fast, simple and efficient Visitors to Aidex were able to get a clearer understanding of how the Household filter kits look, work and feel by visiting British Berkefeld's stand at the exhibition - all important when considering the suitability of aid solutions. Exhibitions also allow aid representatives to get a firmer understanding of the technical qualities of the ceramic candles - with a number of different options available, it is important to know which water filter is best suited to a certain situation. The Household filter kits can be fitted with Ultra Sterasyl® ceramic candles. Ceramic water filtration systems have already helped to save the lives of thousands of people. Emergency support systems are a sad reality of life, but the right equipment can make all the difference. Check out our water solutions now!
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Celebrating Innovation: Putting Clean Drinking Water At The...
Water is a valuable resource and it is the single factor that brings hundreds of companies from across the world together for the European Aquatech trade exhibition. Held in the first week of November, Aquatech Amsterdam draws companies from 139 countries to showcase, explore and learn all about the latest innovations for water industries. Doulton Water Filters were again proud to be a part of this vast exhibition, which provides a unique window into a huge range of water industries, including treatment, defence, energy provision and, of course, filtration. Check out our water solutions now! Product launch Innovation and development are at the heart of all successful industries and exhibitions such as Aquatech really help to champion that approach with firms using the opportunity to unveil their latest products. Here at Doulton we were delighted to unveil our latest prestige filter - the Royal Doulton ELITE water filter, which combines cutting edge filtration technology in a high-end housing and has been designed specifically for sale in the physical marketplace. Aquatech was also a great chance for Doulton's global partners and customers to connect with each other and strengthen relationships and well as build new ones. Exhibitors are dedicated to maintaining and exceeding the very highest standards in the water industry, ensuring that the people they serve receive the best. Always moving forwards Indeed with Amsterdam being the location for Aquatech, innovation should be expected to be at the top of the agenda. With nearly a third of the Netherlands lying below sea level, the Dutch have a long history of managing, maintaining and harnessing water. Always striving for efficiency and searching for new, cutting edge solutions the Dutch are well known for their dedication to creating the best water systems. Doulton is committed to always working to provide the very best quality of drinking water. Continual innovation and harnessing new technology means anyone using a Doulton water filter can rest assured they are drinking tap water of the highest standards. Check out our water solutions now!
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The Filtration Story: Tracking Drinking Water From Its...
The ability to turn on a tap and have clean drinking water is a wonder of modern life that a lot of us can take for granted. How much thought do you give to how that water gets there - and what is taken away, or added, on its journey from source to tap? Most importantly, how do we know our drinking water is clean and healthy? Drinking water: The journey What is the journey of water from source to tap? Water, of course, isn't just water when it reaches the treatment plants that eventually pump it to our homes it has a number of contaminants in it. Coming from rivers, reservoirs and lakes, the water that is destined for our drinking glasses can contain a host of bacteria and other pollutants. Groundwater running into waterways can bring with it fertilisers, herbicides and bacteria. Untreated water can also be home to cysts, such as cryptosporidium, which can cause stomach illnesses. Common water contaminants include: Ecoli Typhoid Shigella Nitrates Salmonella Check out our water solutions now! Screens are the first line of defence in removing large objects that have found their way into the water, such as sticks, bricks and leaves, most particles, however, are miniscule and invisible to the human eye. Sand-based filtration and a variety of highly scientific methods are used to push contaminants out of the water, while chemical disinfectants are added to target other bacteria. From these processing plants water is channelled down pipes towards our taps. However at this stage, metals can also become a contaminant through rust particles and old lead pipes. Through this network of pipes drinking water will eventually emerge from your tap - and it is here that you can add your own ultimate layer of protection. Take control of the journey's end with a water filter Installing a water filter will add a comprehensive solution to remove residual particles as well as contaminants that have possibly been picked up along the way. It will also reduce the chlorine used to disinfect the water. Through a five-step filtration system Doulton's ceramic candles remove contaminants to provide fresh, clean and tasty water. Stage 1: Micropores in the ceramic outer shell block pathogenic bacteria, waterborne cysts and particles. Stage 2: Silver used in the filter inhibits the growth of further bacteria. Stage 3: Activated carbon reduces disinfectants, such as chlorine along with organic chemical compounds, such as benzene, to enhance the taste and colour of drinking water. Stage 4: Heavy metals are filtered out by reduction media. Stage 5: Scale inhibitors prevent limescale build up. Doulton water filters have been proven to remove up to 99.99% of contaminants added to treat water as well as heavy metals, pathogenic bacteria and cysts. This lab-tested technology is contained in one small, simple to use ceramic water candle. High standards are set for the quality of drinking water in the UK, but is that enough? Do you want to make sure that your water is as pure as it could be? Tailored to your needs Using a water filter puts you in charge of the water that comes out of your tap. Doulton Water Filters are graded to target specific contaminants that can be of concern to specific areas. As different areas have different concerns regarding their drinking water, Doulton produces a range of water filters allowing you to choose the one most suitable to your needs. For clean, great tasting water that will leave you with peace of mind a water filter is a must. Take charge of your family's health by making sure you are drinking clean, pure and tasty water every time. Check out our water solutions now!
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How To Take Control of Nitrates Using Doulton...
Nitrates are vital to plants but do we really want them in our drinking water? The answer is obviously no, but as is the case with too many contaminants this chemical is finding its way into the water supply. While local authorities do have measures in place to cut the levels of nitrates found in drinking water, this does not remove them completely. Now, however, Doulton Water Filters have unveiled a new water treatment cartridge that can reduce residual nitrates from municipal water supplies. The launch of this new cartridge is an exciting development in Doulton's mission to continue to improve the quality of drinking water to ensure families using a filter have access to the highest quality water on tap. Check out our Nitrate solutions now! What are nitrates? Nitrates are found in a number of different forms and can be naturally occurring. Nitrates are added to some foods, such as processed meat, and are also naturally occurring in some fruit and vegetables. Nitrates are also vital for plant growth and are commonly used in fertilisers as well as being found organically in soil. Nitrates used as fertiliser can find their way into the water supply through water run-off caused by excess rainwater, which can see the nitrates washed into rivers and other water sources. Are nitrates in drinking water harmful? Consuming excessive levels of nitrates can be harmful, particularly to very young children. Nitrates only become a problem when they are transformed into nitrites by the body, which can affect the capability of blood cells to move oxygen. The resulting condition - methemoglobinemia - mainly affects babies. The long-term effects of nitrates in drinking water are largely unknown, although consumption of excessive levels of nitrates that are not naturally occurring has been identified as a possible cause of cancer and of methemoglobinemia. When converted to nitrites, nitrates can then become nitrosamines, which are known to be cancer-causing. Targeting nitrates In the UK, standard nitrate limits in drinking water are set at 50 mg per litre, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation. Regular tests are carried out and should higher levels be detected water firms must take action. However, Doulton believes we should all have access to the highest quality water in its purest form - as free from contaminants as possible. In our commitment to providing the cleanest water possible, Doulton's newest cartridge can now reduce any nitrates left behind in the municipal water supply. Used as part of a two-step filter system the new nitrate cartridge will combine with a carbon-containing ceramic candle to give tasty and clean drinking water that is the very best quality. Don't leave your health to chance; take charge of what is in your drinking water. Use a Doulton water filter to ensure your family has the very best drinking water on tap. Check out our Nitrate solutions now!
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Clean Drinking Water & The World's Cholera Pandemic
In the developed world cholera is seen as a disease of the past - sadly the very opposite is true for some of the poorest parts of the world. While it has been more than 100 years since the last case of cholera that originated in the UK, Yemen is currently suffering the worst cholera outbreak in history, since modern records began. A huge reason for its spread is communities not having access to clean drinking water. As the disease takes hold, those infected further pollute the water supply through poor or non-existent sanitation accelerating the spread of cholera in the area. The facts are cruel: Cholera is entirely preventable; It is easily treated, yet tens of thousands of people die from it every year; Cholera can kill within hours if not treated; Every year there are between 3 and 5 million cases of cholera - and it is believed many more go unreported; The mortality rate is 1% in treated cases, but half of those who do not receive treatment will die; Young children under five years old are most likely to be affected by cholera; Once cholera strikes in a community it spreads rapidly through poor sanitation. In short cholera is a disease of poverty, it attacks communities where such basic commodities as clean water, medical help and decent sanitation are out of reach. Tackling a global pandemic The world is in the grips of a cholera pandemic - and has been since 1961 - with thousands of cases being reported every day in Yemen and outbreaks across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. The World Health Organisation has now announced a "roadmap" to tackle Cholera and cut cases by 90 per cent by 2030. Access to clean drinking water is key to the strategy. Where drinking water is mixed with raw sewage, having access to a is essential. This basic level of prevention is the cornerstone in the fight to halt the spread of cholera. Using a water filter will remove harmful bacteria that causes diseases such as cholera, E-coli and salmonella. Check out our Gravity Filter solutions now! Emergency water filters bring hope Charities and organisations worldwide are working to bring clean drinking water to all, introducing simple water filters to communities that are genuinely life-saving, through initiatives such as Give Me Tap Humanitarian teams also make access to clean drinking water a priority in the wake of natural disasters and at refugee camps. A complete, low cost, easy to set up filter system - such as British Berkefeld's Household Filter Kit - offers an immediate but lasting solution. These gravity-fed filter systems do not rely on a power supply and can provide clean drinking water quickly and cheaply in emergency situations, helping to halt the spread of cholera and other water-borne diseases. Products such as these are lightweight, simple to use and effective. Used by aid agencies and charities they bring hope to communities stricken by cholera. The fight for access to clean drinking water is a daily battle for far too many people - targeting the causes of cholera should help to make a real difference. Check out our Gravity Filter solutions now!
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Single-Use Plastic: Drinking Water Doesn't Have To Cost...
The environmental impact of single-use plastics is finally starting to get the attention needed to tackle this growing problem. Mountains of waste are being washed into the oceans threatening marine life, the environment and ultimately our own health. Thousands of whales, dolphins, seals, sea birds and fish die every year because they mistake plastic for food. Plastic has found its way into the food chain through the fish we eat and has even been found in drinking water. It is a high price to pay for the convenience of picking up a bottle of water, a cup of coffee or a pot of sliced fruit. Check out our refillable Water Bottles now! Ditch single-use plastics - filter and reuse Solutions to avoiding single-use plastics are readily available. Reusable bottles and mugs look better, the water tastes better, you save money and play a part in helping to cut waste. There is no need to compromise. Using a water filter ensures you have the best quality drinking water on tap. Doulton water filters remove harmful contaminants, including chlorine, which can affect the taste of water. They also remove plastic micro-particles. Made from 100 percent natural materials, Doulton ceramic water filters are an ecologically-friendly, permanent solution for access to fresh, clean and great tasting drinking water. Filling a reusable bottle at home with filtered tap water will cut out the need for ever buying a plastic bottle of water. Reusable water bottle organisations can see the bigger picture too. Give Me Tap is a charity that aims to cut the use of plastic bottles and provide clean water to communities in need. Refill and save Then there is the cost to consumers. Bottled water is on average 500 times more expensive than tap water. If you pay £1 every day for a bottle of water that equates to £365 a year, whereas a Doulton filter would be a cost-effective, permanent solution providing top quality drinking water on tap. The Government is now proposing a return and reward scheme for plastic bottles to push up recycling rates. The return value is not yet known but consumers will continue to pay for an off-the-shelf product when they could save by drinking tap water from a reusable bottle. The facts on single-use plastics stand for themselves: More than480 billion plastic bottles were bought across the world in 2016; 8 million tonnes of plastic is dumped into the oceans every year; In the UK, 16 million plastic bottles fail to be recycled every day; 100,000 marine animals and one million seabirds die each year as a result of plastic waste; Plastic can take 450 years to decompose; The average cost of tap water in the UK is 0.1p per litre, compared to 65p for 1 litre of bottled water; Tap water is more rigorously tested than bottled water to ensure its safety. Making simple changes will make a huge difference to the problem of single-use plastics. Use a refillable bottle, and fill it with filtered tap water instead of adding another plastic bottle to the waste pile. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Check out our refillable Water Bottles now!
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