2 Jun, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
‘After nearly dying, I reversed my biological age by over 30 years’
Dr. Alka Patel is 53 – but going on 23. It may sound nonsensical but it really isn’t, she insists.
A Longevity and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor based in London, Alka tells Metro that despite being in her fifties, 23 is her biological age. ‘It’s pretty simple. When we talk about biological age, we’re referring to the actual health of your cells and tissues — not just the number of candles on your birthday cake,’ she explains.
‘A younger biological age means your cells and tissues are functioning as though you’re much younger: in your heart health, your brain sharpness, your skin glow. It’s not just about feeling better; it’s about becoming younger.’
And becoming younger is a passion for Alka. A GP for over 20 years, and now a Media Medic and TEDx speaker, she is on a mission to help people live longer and stronger.
But why is this so important to her? ‘Because I nearly died — and I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through,’ she says.
On her 39th birthday, Alka was hospitalised with burnout afte spending all her time taking care of her patients and her family, and neglecting herself. It was so severe, her organs started to shut down. ‘I had a terrible fever and no one could work out why,’ she remembers.
‘I didn’t know if I’d live to see my children the next day. That moment truly terrified me. I was cut open by surgeons in an attempt to find the source of the fever – but it was a mystery. In the end I was diagnosed as PUO – Pyrexia of Unknown Origin – and left with the surgical scars of my burnout as a harsh reminder to take care of myself.
Being forced to confront her mortality was eye opening for Alka: ‘I wasn’t ready to leave my children without a mother. That experience didn’t just change me; it redefined me.’
She knew she had to rewrite her own health story — and in doing so, became determined to help others avoid the fate she nearly faced.
So how did Alka drop her biological age? ‘I redesigned how I lived: what I ate, how I moved, how I slept, and how I responded to the daily demands of life. Total lifestyle reset.’
She also utilised her medical background: testing her biology – aka her hormones, nutrient levels, toxins, inflammation – and using wearable health trackers to see how her body was really responding.
‘It wasn’t guesswork, it was grounded in data,’ Alka explains. ‘I approached it with my ‘Foundational, Functional, Focal’ model.
‘I got the foundations right — optimising lifestyle, nutrition, sleep and movement; then I moved to the functional layer, testing for hormonal balance and nutrient levels; and then I got focal: targeting specific goals based on the data, such as improving my cognitive clarity. I ended up unlockinglayers of health I didn’t know were possible.’
Alka describes her day-to-day routine before her health crisis as ‘chaotic’. Juggling motherhood (Alka has three children), a demanding career, and ‘a personality that said “I can do it all”.’
Life would be eating packets of biscuits between patients, optional sleep, and constant stress. ‘I was living in reactive mode – always firefighting; never fireproofing,’ she remembers.
And now? ‘Now I’m in charge. I start my mornings with what I call 1-10: The Sunshine Sync, which means one minute of stepping out into the morning light followed by 10 seconds of gratitude for the day.
‘I also prioritise protein and fibre with my meals and structure my day with micro-movements, like doing calf raises as I’m brushing my teeth.’
Alka also measures her metrics with wearable devices like a Continuous Glucose Monitor for blood sugar control and every decision is deliberate, she says, before adding another alliteration: ‘Data, Devices, Decisions’.
Some of those decisions have been a little out there, she admits. ‘People raise their eyebrows when I tell them about the seven days of complete silence. But silence is the ultimate biohack. It recalibrates your brain; resets your emotional state; and boosts your cognitive clarity.
‘I’ve also run two marathons, do regular sauna sessions for detoxification and cell health, and commit to five-day fasts.’ Alka is quick to point out that while sometimes she does water only fasts (‘while wearing my glucose monitor to stay safe and motivated’), other times she does eat – and that assuming you don’t during a fast, isn’t correct.
‘It may sound contradictory but we can fast in a way that nourishes the body with a small amount of food while still providing the prolonged fasting benefits,’ she explains. ‘All of these thing challenge not just my body but my mind. It’s all about discomfort as a path to discovery.’
Alka admits that many of her colleagues are sceptical, but puts that down to the healthcare and medical education systems ‘not being set up for health; they’re set up for sickness.’
In today’s world, it’s hard to escape our current obsession with living longer, especially when you think of Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur – known for his Project Blueprint – who takes 100 pills a day, had an infusion of his son’s plasm and spends millions on diet, fitness, tracking and treatments to reduce his biological age.
Alka tells Metro she is a fan of his work. ‘Bryan is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible — and that’s a good thing,’ she insists. When asked whether his method of using young blood plasma to rejuvenate ageing cells – parabiosis – is a step too far, Alka insist not.
‘There’s fascinating research behind parabiosis. (And cryotherapy – using extreme cold in surgery or treatments – for its stress benefits.) I’m a believer in doctor-guided biohacking because the body is complex, and taking control of your health with an expert by your side is how you ensure precision and safety.
Dr Alka's 6 biohacking steps to get started
- 1-10 The Sunshine Sync: Step outside for 1 minute of morning sunlight, the close your eyes for 10 sec and set your purpose for the day
- 2-20 The Power Pulse: walk for 2 minutes then sprint as fast as you can for 20 seconds
- 3-30 The Hydration Habit: Take 3 gulps of water every 30 minutes
- 4-40 The Compliment Catalyst: Give 4 compliments every day that take 40 seconds to deliver
- 5-50 The Flexibility Fix: Do 5 different stretches and hold each one for 50 seconds
- 6-60 The Breathflow Boost: Slow down your breathing to 6 breaths for a minute every 60 minutes
‘I’m also mindful, though, that just because something is possible it doesn’t mean it’s practical or right for everyone,’ she adds.’
But why doesn’t anyone want to get old any more? ‘I don’t think it’s about not wanting to get old, it’s about wanting to stay vibrant, independent, and strong for as long as possible,’ says Alka.
It’s about living well; not just living long. Getting older is inevitable; how you age is a choice. I’m not afraid of time catching up with me; I’m just moving faster than it at the moment.’
There’s no doubt that hers is one tough regime. She admits that the food noise that comes with five days of fasting is incredibly difficult to deal with, while running a marathon made her legs numb with pain – ‘but I’d tested my DNA and knew I carried genes for endurance,’ she adds.
She also believes that growth doesn’t come from comfort. ‘I’m not afraid of discomfort; I’m afraid of stagnation. I’ve never felt stronger, sharper, or more beautiful.
‘I’m more focused, more driven, more present than I’ve ever been. My energy doesn’t fade halfway through the day – it’s constant; it’s consistent. These days I’m running on premium fuel instead of fumes.’
Click here formore information on Dr. Alka’s 10 Years Younger in 10 Weeks programme.
1 Jun, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'My dad broke my one wedding rule and ruined the whole day over something petty'
A bride has been left devastated after her wedding day was ruined by her own father when he broke the one rule she had put in place – and called her selfish for not backing down
1 Jun, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
I have a rare disorder that makes me stink of rotting fish — it’s ruined my life
No matter how many times Carmen Davies showers, sprays perfume or brushes her teeth, she can’t mask the odour coming from her body.
In 2023, the 29-year-old, was diagnosed with trimethylaminuria (TMAU), a rare condition believed to affect around 100 people in the UK.
Also known as fishy odour syndrome, the genetic disorder causes sufferers to omit a pungent scent through their breath, sweat and urine.
Carmen says she will smell within minutes of eating certain foods – including fish and eggs – because her body is unable to break them down.
Although she can’t notice the smell herself, the mum-of-one can see other people’s reactions when she walks past.
But it hasn’t just knocked her confidence — it’s also impacted her ability to find work and even prevented her from attending her cousin’s funeral.
Carmen, who is currently unemployed, from Fallowfield, Manchester, says: ‘I live my life having to stay away from people, and that’s led to massive mental health issues.
‘Smelling like rotten fish, rotten eggs, urine and faeces is horrendous – it doesn’t matter how much I wash.
‘I go out wanting to be cautious about other people and feeling guilty about myself standing next to someone.’
Despite this, she’s tried her best to overcome her issues and leave the house more often since having her baby boy, saying: ‘He needs to be outside – so with having a child, I’ve had no other option.’
When people are in her vicinity, they often ask ‘what’s that smell?’. And while Carmen does her best not to take it personally, reminding herself it’s ‘a natural human reaction’, she finds it ‘really hard’.
‘My aim is to try and explain it to other people,’ she adds. ‘It really has altered my way of life in every single way.’
TMAU – which can be present from birth but typically gets worse during puberty – is caused by a mutation in the FM03 gene, which helps break down trimethylamine. Without it, the compound builds up, causing a fish-like odour.
Trimethylaminuria explained
According to Metabolic Support UK, trimethylaminuria – also known as fish malodour syndrome, fish odour syndrome, stale fish syndrome, TMAU or TMAuria – causes the sweat, urine, breath or vagina to omit ‘a strong odour that may be described as smelling like rotten fish, eggs, rubbish, or urine’.
Aside from this, there are no other physical symptoms, and the disorder has no effect on life expectancy. However, the charity’s website explains: ‘Many people with this disorder feel embarrassed and isolate themselves, or they may develop mental issues such as depression and anxiety.’
While TMAU is rare, ‘some experts believe that the disorder may be under-diagnosed, possibly due to people not seeking medical support for mild symptoms, or some cases being misdiagnosed.’
Carmen first realised she had started to smell when she was in college aged 18.
She recalls: ‘There was this one boy that told everybody that I smelled like poo. I thought it was strange, and he was just being malicious to me, so I didn’t take any notice of it.
‘But then I started hearing indirect comments about me from other people – that I needed to have a bath and have a wash. This guy also started to make songs about me on his YouTube channel — he’d nickname me “poo-dle”.’
After seeking medical advice, she claims she was initially told it was a mental health related issue.
‘They believed I had a condition where I could smell smells that weren’t there,’ she says. ‘But I shower every morning and keep clean so I went back to the doctors and said I was sure something was wrong. I asked to be referred to a TMAU specialist centre but was told it was really rare and that it was all in my head.’
Carmen refused to be dismissed however, and pushed for answers until she eventually received an official diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the condition, and symptoms can only be managed through dietary changes. But even though she avoids red meat, green vegetables and processed or frozen foods, Carmen says she will still ‘always have an odour’.
‘Over the years I’ve found that fasting makes you smell worse in the first seven days, but if you continue your fast then your TMAU tends to smell like cinnamon,’ she adds.
‘It was working in the sense that I didn’t smell like faeces and sewage, but I became too thin from not eating enough.’
Carmen continues: ‘I don’t have any quality of life — I have to wake up and have this smell every day.
‘I did ballet, singing, and dancing when I was younger, and I’d do anything to be able to do that again.
‘ Family gatherings are out of bounds too. I lost my cousin, and I couldn’t go to his funeral because of it. I really do sit in my house all the time.’
One small comfort has been an online TMAU forum where she was able to talk to fellow sufferers about the issues it causes.
‘We completely understood each other,’ says Carmen. ‘It’s so hard to explain to other people, and I wish the world could be kinder about things.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
I was alone and lying in a hospital bed when a consultant came into the room.
It was 2010 and I was 19. I had been experiencing bloody diarrhoea for three months.
That’s when I was told something I’ll never forget: ‘Prepare for the worst because your symptoms could be a sign of bowel cancer.’
While I understand they may have been trying to prepare me, this did little to comfort me. Instead, I immediately burst into tears.
I was terrified and didn’t want to die.
This all started five months earlier when I contracted food poisoning from uncooked chicken at a chain restaurant while in my final semester of first-year at university.
I’d experienced vomiting and diarrhoea ever since, which meant I’d spent almost every waking minute close to a toilet – going up to eight to 10 times a day. I even had to stop going out with friends and couldn’t drink alcohol as it made my symptoms worse.
Eventually, I went to see my GP who then referred me to a gastroenterologist for tests.
Unfortunately, while awaiting my hospital referral, I caught a virus. I couldn’t keep any food down, I was rapidly losing weight from bloody diarrhoea, I had a high temperature, and generally felt rubbish.
Yet all I was given to fight it off was some anti-sickness tablets and the advice to ‘rest up’.
After two weeks of this, I realised I wasn’t getting any better. So my parents took me to A&E, where I was admitted.
There, doctors administered fluids and steroids.
The next week in the hospital was an incredibly apprehensive time awaiting diagnosis.
That’s when the comment from one of the consultants about potentially having bowel cancer came about. I was scared.
Meanwhile, I was kept on a high dose of steroids, which thankfully helped my symptoms slowly start to ease. Then I had a colonoscopy, which is when I was finally given my official diagnosis: Ulcerative Colitis.
This long-term health condition causes the lower bowel to become swollen and ulcerated, which causes a variety of symptoms, including diarrhoea, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue – all of which I had.
Essentially, food poisoning triggered my first ulcerative colitis flare-up, which then caused my immune system to attack itself, which also explained why I’d struggled to fight off that virus.
I was in the hospital for over a week while doctors got my condition under control. But even when I left the hospital, I was incredibly weak.
Not only had I lost so much weight due to the flare-up, but it was also really mentally draining trying to adjust to life with a lifelong, incurable illness.
Thankfully, over the next year, I started to gain my strength back. I turned to the charity Crohns & Colitis UK, who provided a ‘can’t wait’ card – which makes it easier to ask to use toilets in public places without having to give a long explanation – and a radar key for me to use disabled bathrooms.
I also joined Facebook groups like Colitis UK – being able to speak to others with the same condition as me has really helped me mentally overcome my diagnosis and feel less alone.
I always explain that there’s no one size fits all solution with this condition. Some treatments work for some, and not for others, that’s sadly just the way it is with autoimmune conditions.
I’m now on preventative medication, which has kept things under control over the last few years. I take it every day and will be on it for life to keep my immune system from attacking itself, but I definitely consider myself lucky.
Of course, there are still good days and bad days.
When I started working in the TV industry in 2013, I struggled with flare-ups due to the long hours, stress, and general lack of self-care.
Being disabled and from a northern working-class background, the odds were against me, but somehow, I made it and maintained a freelance career for almost a decade.
Disabled people in the UK television industry
According to the Creative Diversity Network, contributions by disabled people both off-screen and on-screen make up around 8%, which remains lower than the national population (around 17%).
In fact, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2041 for disabled people to be properly represented in the UK television industry.
The industry, however, eventually took its toll on me, and I made the initial decision to leave for my own mental and physical health in 2021.
Now, I am working with Beacon Films, a production company in the North East of England that supports the talents of disabled and neurodivergent filmmakers.
I am part of Inclusive Lens, an industry inclusion group that is looking to add positive change to the TV industry for those who identify as disabled.
There is a real misunderstanding of what it means to be disabled. That’s why it’s important to embrace conversations to ultimately change these misconceptions.
For me, taking preventative medication, changing career, exercising, self-advocacy, and working with a great IBD team and a very supportive GP have reduced the frequency of flare-ups.
Today, 15 years on from my own diagnosis, I have managed to remain in remission for the last few years – that’s something that never seemed possible when the consultant told me to prepare for the worst.
Yes, brain fog, anemia, and joint pain (even when not during my flare-ups) are still part of having this condition, but the strength and resilience I have found in myself from having this disease has been incredible.
Being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease will change you, it will teach you patience, it will test you to breaking point. But despite it all, it doesn’t define who you are.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing James.Besanvalle@metro.co.uk.
Share your views in the comments below.
1 Jun, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Brooklyn Beckham 'worshipping at altar of Nicola's beauty' as family feud 'won't end'
As Brooklyn Beckham stirs up fresh rumours about his reported family feud, a body language expert delves into his multi-layered Instagram posts, which are "brimming with symbolism"
31 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
It’s unforgiveable to serve this ‘offensive’ drink to guests at your wedding
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
There are a few things you can be certain of at a wedding.
Someone will break down spectacularly during the speeches, the best man will overshare and make things awkward, and possibly the same person who lost the plot during the speeches will get hammered and start an argument.
Terrifyingly, if you’re planning your wedding, those aren’t the factors that will cause you the most anxiety. Nope, they’re a cinch compared to choosing the drinks to serve on the day.
A 2023 YouGov survey revealed that 42% of engaged couples felt ‘uncertain or anxious’ about choosing the right wine at their wedding. Many of those cited a lack of wine knowledge or the prospect of ‘getting it wrong’ as the main fear factors.
When you consider, the average wedding now costs £23,250, with catering and drinks typically accounting for at least 25 to 30% of that, the wine choice is central to the day. No pressure intended.
To help make this decision a little easier for you, here are three drinks I think it would be an unforgivable offence to serve at a wedding, so given you’re not (consciously) planning to make this wedding the dry run for your next one, it will pay to avoid falling into these pitfalls…
Avoid really cheap Prosecco
How many times have you been gasping for a sharpener after a wedding ceremony only to be presented with lukewarm, off-dry bubbles?
That’s because it’s cheap Prosecco, the lazy and uninspiring option.
Look, I’m all for saving money, but the fact is there’s plenty of other bubbly options that won’t leave you feeling like you’re wearing a layer of sugary, boozy lip-gloss after the first glass.
Ditch oaky Chardonnay
Don’t get me started on oaky Chardonnay as your white option, there’s a reason people ditched it back in the early noughties like rats fleeing a sinking ship.
No one wants to be sipping (chewing) a glass of something that could have been made by a carpenter instead of a winemaker.
Pinot Grigio is a yawn-fest
At the other end of the spectrum, Pinot Grigio sucks at a wedding.
At the lower end (which is where most of us would look, let’s be honest) it’s a neutral-tasting, yawn-fest. It’s the only ‘inoffensive’ style of wine that’s actually offensive.
You’re basically telling people you’ve done you’re own version of a Calais booze cruise to Tesco to get hold of it on 3-for-2 deal. Nothing wrong with a deal in my book, but at least go for something that isn’t the drinks equivalent of off-white wall paint.
How many bottles of wine do you actually need for a wedding?
As a rule of thumb, I’d work on the basis of two glasses of fizz and half a bottle of wine per head.
Sure, not everybody drinks, but you’ll find someone’s second cousin who’s more than happy to take their place.
The good news? There’s a way to nail the wine choices without the need for a château budget or sommelier approval. It’s all about the wines feeling like they’ve been ‘considered’, that, along with a generous returns policy.
And when it comes to other drinks, my tips would include not handing out Sambuca shots before your dad grabs the mike, or letting your cousin create a ‘signature’ cocktail because he once bartended in Ibiza. But, you already knew that.
Here are my top recommendations for wedding wines to avoid Lambrini being your toasting tipple…
Welcome Fizz
Taste the Difference Pignoletto DOC Spumante Brut, £8, Sainsbury’s
Let’s face it, Pignoletto isn’t a million miles from Prosecco, style-wise. Known as it’s ‘Italian cousin’, though it’s from the Emilia-Romagna region between Modena and Bologna. You get similar frothy apple and pear flavours, but this one is zestier, dryer and full of yellow plum flavours. Prosecco, be gone, I’d be far happier to be greeted by a glass of Pignoletto at a wedding.
Toasting Fizz
Toast & Honey Brut, South Africa, £13, Majestic
Full disclosure, I was anticipating disliking this bottle. Why? The name, mainly. Goes to show, don’t judge a wine by its label. It’s produced by fourth generation winemakers based at Tulbagh Winery, one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected estates. It’s rich, dry, toasty, lightly honeyed with a lively streak of zestiness running through it.
Red
Exceptional by Asda Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia, £6.98, Asda
The Margaret River is a source of premium wines in Australia, the kind you’d pay a decent amount of money for. Now, I can’t quite get my head around the barely-there price for this silky red that tastes of blackberries, damsons and cherries, but I’m not asking questions in case the Asda team realise there’s been a typo…
White
The Long Coast Chardonnay, Chile, £7, Majestic
At a recent Majestic wine tasting, this was the star of the show for me. Bang for buck-wise, I was shook. The fruit is sourced from vineyards that benefit from the cooling influence of the ocean, along Chile’s Pacific coastline. That means the grapes have a longer ‘hang-time’ on the vine, ripening slowly for mad flavour intensity. This is dry, creamy and stuffed with the most delicious tropical fruit flavours.
Looking for more expert drinks content?
If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro’s Drink Up column is where you need to be.
Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), and finding out what it’s like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa, this is a haven for those who love to celebrate.
Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape.
Can you really make cheap vodka taste expensive by putting it through a Brita filter?
What happens when you put wine in a blender?
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
31 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
'I left my marriage and kids behind to go clubbing four nights a week in Ayia Napa'
A 53-year-old mum-of-six took a leap of faith, leaving behind her life and family in the UK to enjoy sun and cocktails in Ayia Napa. She speaks out to explain why she did it after revealing she has been trolled over her bold decision
31 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Customers sing the praises of Uniqlo’s £34.90 ‘crease-free’ barrel leg trousers that fit like a glove
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Barrel leg jeans have been the on-trend trouser in recent months, and the style is not going away any time soon, which is music to our ears as we think we have found the new ‘It’ style to shop now.
Uniqlo’s Jersey Barrel Leg Trousers are a worthy investment because they deliver on comfort, style and affordability – plus, the design has garnered high praise from shoppers.
Jersey Barrel Leg Trousers
Crafted from a cotton fabric blend, which offers a soft jersey finish.It boasts a mid-rise waist, ankle grazer length and relaxed fit.The barrel leg design fits at the waist and balloons around the knee before it tapers at the ankle.Available in three colourways, including off white, khaki green and navy blue, all of which come in sizes XXS to XXL.
The Jersey Barrel Leg Trousers boast the classic cinched in waist, balloon leg, before it tapers in at the ankle.
The style features a mid-rise waist and offers a relaxed fit, which can be dressed up or down, depending on your style and the occasion.
The trousers have been crafted from a cotton fabric blend, which makes this lightweight design comfortable, breathable, and gentle on the skin. We think the blend of materials is the secret to why customers claim Uniqlo’s Jersey Barrel Leg Trousers do not crease.
Uniqlo has paid extra attention to detail as it also boasts flap patch pockets at the back, as well as stitching detail to stand these trousers out in a sea of barrel leg designs.
Pair with a tank top, t-shirt, cotton or linen shirt, even a dressy top for an evening. The trousers are ankle grazer length, which makes these perfect to style with trainers, loafers, ballet pumps, sandals or thong heels. This fashion staple will take you from day to night, the office to after work drinks, weekend brunches and everything in between.
Uniqlo’s trousers come in three colourways, including off-white, khaki green and navy blue, which are timeless and versatile tones you can wear all year long.
With over 200 glowing reviews, and an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars, it’s safe to say these trousers are a hit with shoppers.
One customer, named Emmy, commented: ‘I don’t think I have had a pair of trousers fit me so well and they are super comfortable, I have plans to go back and get them in other colours.’
A separate shopper added: ‘Good quality fabric that doesn’t crease easily. Good fit round the waist so flattering on the leg with the barrel shape. Impressed, so I bought it in another colour.’
While Cecil’s review read: ‘I now have these in all 3 colours. They are well made, fit beautifully and are so comfortable. They are long but don’t hit the floor if I’m wearing loafers.’
Get them whilst you can!
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30 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
From a Miffy hotel to new Jimmy Choo perfume – here are 23 buys for the weekend
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Hands up if you’re already missing the bank holidays, and the next feels like miles away (87 days to be precise…) Well, our shopping expert has once again searched the high street all week long, for some gorgeous fashion, beauty and homeware buys that will keep you smiling.
Not only that, but the hottest news too – starting with the Miffy fans, as this one’s for you. Hilton London Bankside has just launched the UK’s first-ever Miffy-themed hotel suite – and it’s as adorable as it sounds. Perfectly timed for the bunny’s 70th birthday, the suite is packed with playful touches, from iconic Miffy lamps to themed soft furnishings and exclusive treats.
Located just minutes from Tate Modern and Borough Market, it’s the ideal base for a family day out in London. Available from June 1 to August 31, bookings are open now – but be quick, it’s only here for the summer!
Island Poké is giving Happy Hour a tropical twist this summer with Island Hour – a new Thursday night ritual in partnership with tequila cocktail brand Pimentae. From 5–8pm every week, Londoners can grab a park-ready poké picnic bag packed with two signature bowls, tequila cocktails, and a zingy new Margarita Salsa – available in-store and on Uber Eats until August 31.
In the world of skincare, Three Warriors’ £32 tan water flew off Harrods.com in just five minutes the other weekend – and it’s already Cannes’ hottest beauty essential. Kim Kardashian’s go-to stylist, Chris Appleton, showed off his glow at the amfAR Gala, courtesy of celeb tanning expert James Harknett and the cult Aussie brand.
Chris even gave a cheeky shoutout to the Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist on Instagram – proving this glow-up is red carpet-approved.
These are just a few things you should know about, plus a whole bunch of fabulous bits below that would look great on your arm, face, home and beyond.
River Island Pink Long Sleeve Cropped Broderie Shirt
The Pink Long Sleeve Cropped Broderie Shirt from River Island is a feminine, summer-ready piece featuring delicate broderie detailing, a scalloped hem, and a cropped fit. Made from 100% cotton, it’s breathable and ideal for warmer days.
Givenchy Prisme Libre Bronzer Powder
Givenchy’s Prisme Libre Bronzer Powder is your shortcut to that sun-kissed, airbrushed finish. With four silky-soft shades in one luxe compact, it sculpts, warms and highlights while blurring pores and locking in hydration. Use them solo for subtle definition or swirl together for a radiant, just-back-from-holiday glow.
Jimmy Choo Blossom 40Ml Special Edition
Spring in a bottle? We’ve found it. This fragrance bursts with the joy of the new season – think juicy exotic fruits, dreamy frangipani, and a warm sandalwood base that lingers just right. Housed in a rosy coral bottle that fades like a spring sunset, it’s the perfect blend of elegance and sunshine-soaked charm.
Alo Accolade Full Zip Hoodie
You asked, they delivered. The new Full Zip Hoodie from Accolade is here – and it’s everything. Made from their signature French terry and cut in that perfectly oversized, unisex fit, it’s the off-duty essential your wardrobe’s been waiting for. Trust us, this one’s going straight into heavy rotation.
Phoria Screw Chain Bracelet
Sleek, sculptural, and seriously versatile. The SCREW chain by PHORIA is all about understated elegance with an industrial twist. Handcrafted link by link in 925 recycled sterling silver and plated in 18ct gold vermeil, it’s designed to be worn solo or styled your way using modular carabiner clasps. Whether you mix it with SCREW, BOND or HYPE chains, the result is always perfectly polished and uniquely yours.
Three Warriors Face Tan Water
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Cooper Denim Cropped Jacket
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GLOW RECIPE Glass Balm Lip Treatment for Shine & Hydration
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Soru Coco Earrings
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Schuh Siya Flower in Natural
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Hairification H24 Complex Leave-in Repair Mask 50ml
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Roxy Gingham Underwire Bikini Top
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Malmo 100% Cotton Reversible Duvet Cover & Pillowcase Set
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Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer
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Anna Linen Tiered Midi Dress
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Fieldbar Drinks Box
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Swiish RECHARGE Hydration + Electrolyte
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Chilly's Big Mouth Limelite Fleck
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Boost Lab Neck Firming Serum
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30 May, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
This is how much water you should really drink every day, according to your age
We all know we should be drinking more water, but for many of us, our daily fluid intake often involves one too many crisp Diet Cokes at our desk and some wine after work.
Buying giant Stanley Cups might encourage some to consume a little more H2O, but for others it’ll take something drastic to get them to head to the tap.
Our bodies consist of 50% water and we lose some of this each day through breathing and sweating, so we need to ensure we’re constantly replenishing this. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t survive for more than a few days. (Is that drastic enough for you?!)
Not replenishing enough water each day can cause us to become dehydrated and according to Dr. Jonathan Webster, this can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing.
The Doctify GP tells Metro that there are several nasty side effects of dehydration, including headaches, confusion, tiredness, constipation, lack of concentration and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Never experienced a UTI? Count your blessings, as they can be agony. Trust me, it’s not something you want to have to deal with.
So how much fluid do we really need to drink in order to avoid all this unpleasantry?
According to the NHS, most of us need between 1.5 to two litres per day and while plain old water is the best thing for this, it can also be consumed through various food and drink that contain water, such as tea and coffee, as well as things like milk, melon, soups and stews.
This is a rather general recommendation though and the exact amount of fluid a person requires can vary by age and gender. Dr. Webster has shared a more detailed breakdown of how much we should be drinking each day, depending on the stage of life we’re at.
Children (4-8 years): 1.2 litres per day
Young children, under the age of eight should aim for about 1.2 litres of fluids per day, according to Dr. Webster. This is the equivalent of six to eight 200ml glasses.
‘Their bodies are still developing and hydration is crucial for brain function, digestion and regulating body temperature,’ he explains.
But the expert warns you’ll likely have to encourage the little ones to drink regularly, as they might not be able to recognise that they are thirsty.
Teenagers: 1.6 to 1.9 litres for boys and 1.5 litres for girls per day
Turns out teenagers need to drink more than most of us, especially those aged between 14 and 18. During this key period of growth, their hydration needs rise and water is essential for helping them maintain energy, support their metabolism and aid in muscle function.
Teen boys need a little more water than girls and Dr. Webster recommends between 1.6 and 1.9 litres for them per day.
For teenage girls, the requirement is a little less at 1.5 litres.
For reference, 1.5L to two litres is the equivalent of about three to four pint glasses of water, so you can use this as a rough guide.
Adults under 60: 1.6 litres for women and 2 litres for men per day
The general advice for adults under the age of 60 is for men to drink two litres of water per day, and women to have 1.6 litres.
However, Dr. Webster notes that factors such as excercise, climate and diet will influence individual needs.
He states: ‘Proper hydration helps with temperature regulation, kidney function and concentration.’
Adults over 60: 1.6 litres to 2 litres per day
Those over 60 should aim for an intake of between 1.6 and two litres per day and this goes for both men and women, as it’s important everyone drinks enough as they get older.
Dr. Webster says this is because our thirst sensation decreases with age, making dehydration more likely.
Staying hydrated is a must as it supports joint health, digestion and helps to prevent urinary tract infections.
The expert adds: ‘Conscious effort to drink regularly is key.’
How to tell if you're dehydrated
Factors that will impact how much water you require
According to healthcare professionals, the exact amount will vary depending on a person’s age, gender, activity level, the climate and their overhaul health state.
Dr. Nadira Awal, a Doctify rated GP, who is the founder of Pause and Co Healthcare, has shared a closer look at reasons why a person may need to drink more water.
However, she shared an important disclaimer, saying that ‘while these guidelines provide a general framework, the best indicator of appropriate hydration is frequently listening to your body’s cues and examining the colour of your urine.’
She continued: ‘Thirst is a reliable indicator that your body requires more fluids, while pale yellow urine typically suggests enough hydration.’
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Dr. Awal claims a woman’s water requirements rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
She says: ‘During pregnancy, the recommended intake is approximately 10 cups (2.3 litres) per day. This heightened demand persists after, particularly among lactating women. Lactating women should aim for about 13 cups (three litres) of water each day to support milk production and keep themselves hydrated.’
Physical activity levels
Exercise or strenuous physical work can ‘drastically’ raise fluid requirements.
It is recommended that you drink two cups of water before starting exercise and then have one cup every 15 to 20 minutes of activity you carry out. Then continue to drink water after your workout to replenish any fluids lost through sweat.
Climate and environment
Where you live can also be a factor, depending on whether there’s a lot of hot weather, or if you’re at a high elevation.
According to Dr. Awal, both of these things can cause increased fluid loss, as people tend to lose water through sweat and respiration.
‘Individuals in these conditions should be especially mindful of their water intake, seeking to drink water on a regular basis throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty,’ she advises.
Health issues
For those experiencing fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, it is critical to increase water intake to restore lost fluids and avoid becoming dehydeated.
Dr. Awal claims: ‘The exact amount required will vary depending on the intensity and duration of the sickness, but in general, strive to drink enough to maintain urine pale and avoid thirst.’
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