h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I mentioned this is another conversation - and it's so obvious we tend to overlook it - be sure to drink plenty of caffeine-free, non-alcoholic liquids.

The rule of thumb is eight 8-oz glasses per day for adults, more if the weather is hot or if you exercise. Don't rely on thirst to tell you when you need to drink.

Water is best.
Fruit or vegetable juices are also good, but watch out for extra calories.
Tea (black, oolong, green or white) is wonderful: full of antioxidants that provide all sorts of health benefits. Green and white tea have much less caffeine than black tea. Rooibos (also known as 'red tea') is an herbal tea that is also full of antioxidants and is caffeine-free as well.
Milk is fine for people who consume dairy products. Stick to low-fat or skim milk if you're watching your weight.

There is some disagreement among nutritionists on whether things like coffee, colas, wine, beer, and the like should count toward your goal of eight-glasses per day. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, so they actually increase your need for liquids. I say, when in doubt, drink up!

hey- it works for David Blaine!

Who is David Blaine? (says the ignorant American)

He's that street magician from New York- y'know the one who got froze in a block of ice in Times Square, and stood on a pole in Central Park for two days. That bloke.

Right now he's suspended in a glass box over the River Thames in London, going without food for 44 days, living only on water. He's done just over 2 and a half days now.

can i just say that drinking after 9pm shouldn't be done guess whats the first thing one needs in the morning if one does drink after 9

Another thing to be aware of is that a lot of herbal teas can also act as diuretics - so just because you're drinking peppermint tea doesn't mean that you're getting enough hydration!