Two surprising health drinks everyone should try
Staying hydrated is vital as we age, but water isn’t the only answer, says wellness guru Liz Earle.
Staying hydrated is vital as we age, but water isn’t the only answer, says wellness guru Liz Earle.
One of the most important things we can do to boost both our longevity and the number of years we spend in robust health is to become better at drinking enough healthy liquids, says wellness expert Liz Earle MBE. But the liquids she recommends may surprise you – we all know we should drink more water, but how about broth and milk?
Ageing blunts the sensation of thirst explains Liz in her new book How to Age: Supercharge Your Health and Feel Better Than Ever. This makes older people more susceptible to dehydration, which can have profoundly detrimental effects including fatigue, brain fog, constipation, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and falls.
By contrast, a person who is adequately hydrated can enjoy improved mood, energy, skin, joints and digestion.
“Dehydration is a massive issue, particularly for women, as we get older” says Liz. “We don’t feel thirst in the same way as we do when we’re younger and simply don’t drink enough. By the time our brain is telling us, ‘You need to drink something, I’m thirsty’, we’ve actually probably been dehydrated for quite a while.
“Sipping little and often is best for the body,” she advises. “It’s much easier on the kidneys than just glugging a couple of large glasses in one go because we’ve forgotten.”
Failing to stay hydrated can result in a UTI and often becoming extremely unwell. It can even be a killer, Liz warns.
“I started researching and writing about water in my book because it is what powers our mitochondria – the powerhouses of the cells in our bodies,” she says. “It’s a very important element in longevity.”
While we can all get water easily in the UK by simply turning on a tap, Liz says that modern tap water does have a downside, though, depending on where you live. “In many areas water is a bit like ultra-processed food and has been through a lot of stages to treat it,” she explains.
“Most tap water has likely been through about seven people before it gets to you and, although it’s been cleaned, it will often contain traces of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, chlorine, hormones and other things that we don’t want in our water supply.
“So, having a water filter – it could be as simple as a jug water filter – is a very useful way of removing many unwanted chemical elements from our drinking water and it also just makes it taste nicer.
"Unless you’re really fortunate to live in the Welsh valleys or somewhere where your water comes directly from a spring, filtering your water is a very smart move.”
Liz says that for those who don’t like water, herbal teas or broth are also good for their health. “Bone broth is having a real revival because, as well as being made from bones, it’s very good for our own bones,” she explains.
“It contains collagen and lots of good amino acids, really good protein sources and traces of vitamins and minerals as well. So, you can either make bone broth or you can also now buy powdered bone broth in sachets, which is really handy. It’s extremely nutritious and delicious.”
And while we should avoid too much coffee and alcohol as both are diuretic, Liz advises bringing more milk back into our lives. The liquid has fallen out of favour because people consider it fattening, but she asserts that it should actually be considered a health food.
“Even full fat milk is, in fact, relatively low in fat at about 4%,” Liz says. “And yet, unfortunately, people have moved away from drinking it. There have been studies where they have given people working out in gyms an electrolyte drink or a glass of milk after their workout, and those having milk were actually better hydrated.
“I’m old enough to remember the campaign ‘Drink a pint of milk a day’. Can you imagine saying that to young people today: ‘Have you had your pint of milk?’ They would look at you in astonishment. But, in fact, we need that for the calcium in our bones and milk is naturally high in vitamin D, which many people in the UK are deficient in.
It’s also a source of vitamin E and vitamin A. Milk needs reviving as a natural energy drink.”
One good idea is to have a visual reminder to drink more liquid near at hand at all times of the day, such as keeping a water flask on the desk at work or on the bedside table.
“If you can remember to keep sipping, you’ll soon see the benefits because your skin cells will be plumper. But you’ll also be flushing through any of the overgrowth of the bad bacteria that can trigger UTIs.
"The importance of this cannot be underestimated: you’ve got to keep UTIs in check because they can lead to sepsis, which can be fatal.”
How to Age: Supercharge Your Health and Feel Better Than Ever by Liz Earle (Yellow Kite, RRP £22)
(Hero image credit: Getty)
Some Saga holidays include soothing or spiritual activities like joining a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, practising yoga in India or bathing in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon.
Buy direct and start a new Saga Health Insurance policy by the end of 10 December 2026 to get your first 3 months free. T&Cs apply.
Underwritten by Bupa Insurance Limited.
Are you retiring at the wrong age? The best age to retire for your body, brain, happiness and pocket.
Everything you need to know about the lung infection, and how you could be ill with “walking” pneumonia without realising it.
Strong calves for a strong mind: how they support our circulation and brain health, with easy moves to strengthen yours at home.
Our GP Dr Mark Porter explains what can cause itchy skin, which is a common problem as we get older.
Worried you’ve morphed into Victor Meldrew? Find out how to battle that bad mood, and what to do if you’re stuck with a grouchy loved one.
The benefits of heat and cold therapy, and how Nordic bathing won over our nervous writer.
Here’s how to spot the symptoms of heat disease and reduce your danger.
Everything you’re entitled to this year, when you can have it, and the gaps that remain.
Pilates for back pain – what to do if you are suffering, and five gentle exercises that could help.
Dizziness or vertigo: a sensation of spinning, can stop us doing everyday things for fear of falling. Try these tips to stop feeling dizzy
You don’t have to put up with bladder leaks. We try out the latest pelvic floor gadgets for men and women.
Cataracts are a normal part of ageing. Learn how to spot the signs – and when it’s time to consider surgery.
