Water is the foundation of good health. In Singapore, where we combat heat and humidity, making a conscious choice to stay hydrated is essential. Information from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) emphasizes the simple, yet vital, role of water in maintaining well-being and managing the risk of non-communicable diseases.
The Health Promotion Board's Hydration Advice
The Health Promotion Board (HPB) consistently champions water as the optimal beverage for daily intake.
The Daily Goal: The HPB advises adults to drink six to eight glasses of water a day to keep the body’s essential systems running smoothly. This intake helps to replace fluid losses from perspiration and urination.
Why Water is the Best Choice: HPB and MOH’s strategies to tackle high sugar consumption in Singapore place plain water at the forefront of healthy habits.
“To reduce Singaporeans’ sugar intake, the MOH and HPB rolled out mandatory nutrition labelling and advertising prohibitions for pre-packaged Nutri-Grade beverages that are higher in sugar and saturated fat content.” (HPB Annual Report, July 2023)
This regulatory push, including the extension of Nutri-Grade measures to freshly prepared drinks, is designed to guide consumers toward healthier choices. By opting for water, you naturally avoid the empty calories and high sugar content of most sweetened drinks, directly addressing a key risk factor for chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity.
The Benefits of Hydration: Beyond quenching thirst, maintaining optimal hydration supports numerous bodily functions:
- Regulating Temperature: Essential in Singapore’s tropical climate.
- Aiding Digestion: Water acts as a lubricant to help prevent common issues like constipation.
- Supporting the Brain: Proper hydration is critical for maintaining attention span, alertness level, and concentration.
Hydration and Public Health Initiatives
The Singapore government’s health strategy integrates hydration into its broader preventive health initiatives.
Focus on Preventive Health: The MOH’s long-term view, exemplified by its Healthier SG strategy, aims to shift the focus from solely treating illnesses to preventing them. Staying hydrated is an accessible and fundamental preventive habit.
The government is committed to “get us all to do what is right for our health, and to support ageing in communities.” (Minister for Health, Mr. Ong Ye Kung, April 2023)
Drinking enough water is a simple yet powerful step within this “do what is right” framework, ensuring the body can perform at its peak and reduce the strain on the healthcare system.
A Crucial Resource: Singapore’s robust water supply means clean, safe drinking water is readily available from the tap, making it a sustainable and cost-effective source of hydration.
Singapore’s tap water quality “complies with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality, and is regularly checked to ensure that these standards are adhered to.” (HealthHub, December 2022)
This accessibility eliminates any barrier to choosing plain water over less healthy alternatives.
Practical Tips for Hitting Your Daily Water Target
HPB offers straightforward ways to ensure you meet your daily water goal:
- Water Before Meals: Drinking a glass of water before a meal can help create a sense of fullness, potentially preventing you from eating too much.
- Make it Enjoyable: If you find plain water bland, enhance its taste naturally. Add small pieces of fruit like strawberries, lime, or even fresh herbs like mint or basil to infuse it.
- Use a Bottle: Keep a reusable bottle of water on hand throughout the day, whether at home or work, to encourage constant, regular sipping.
By prioritising water, Singaporeans can actively take charge of their health, supporting the nation’s push for better well-being and resilience.
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Sources
Source Agency | Publication/Title | Key Information Used |
Health Promotion Board (HPB) / HealthHub | “The Drop of Life — 6 Reasons to Drink Water” | Recommended 6–8 glasses, benefits of water (digestion, core functions), water before meals, making water tasty. |
Ministry of Health (MOH) / HPB | “Annual Report 2022/2023” | Mention of mandatory Nutri-Grade labels and advertising prohibitions to reduce sugar intake. |
Ministry of Health (MOH) | Speech by Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health | Quote on getting “us all to do what is right for our health” under the Healthier SG context. |
Health Promotion Board (HPB) / HealthHub | “Make Drinking Water Tasty With These Tips” | Adult body water percentage (60–75%), advice on infusing water with fruits and herbs. |
Gov.sg (via HealthHub) | “The Best Refreshment” | Confirmation of water’s vital functions (regulating temperature, lubricating joints). |
Gov.sg (via C3A) | “The Bottom Line: Do you need to drink eight glasses of water a day?” | Note that in hot weather, fluid intake should be increased beyond the recommended amount. |