No one likes to be misinformed about anything, especially
something that could impact their health and happiness. That’s why we have
taken a long hard look at some of the reasons people have told us as to why
they don't want to drink water. Here are the top myths and facts about drinking water and
hydration. So, strap in and prepare to learn something new today!
Myth #1: Coffee, tea and soft drinks are sufficient sources of liquid
Fact: Coffee, tea
and all those different kinds of soft drink are no substitute for lots of
lovely pure water.
As caffeine can cause dehydration and make you
wee a lot (though this is different for everyone), you shouldn't be drinking
two to three litres of these kinds of drinks a day. Especially if they're full
of sugar or sweetener as well.
Myth #2: Drinking water makes me bloated
Fact: Drinking a
lot of water very quickly might just temporarily bloat your tummy, so listen to
your body and slow down a bit.
You might also have other stuff going on in your stomach
(hang on, are you still digesting food!?) Good old fashioned common sense
should prevail. Just don't drink so much so fast.
If you have really persistent bloating issues, it could be
something else like a tummy bug or constipation. So it's best to have a chat
with your friendly, knowledgeable GP about this water myth.
Myth #3: I shouldn't drink water while eating - it's not healthy
Fact: False! It’s
a water fact
that drinking (in moderation) while eating will balance your food intake and
will actually improve food digestion. This is why your doctor will always
recommend drinking before and during meals.
There's also the added benefit that water will help you to
feel fuller quicker, so will ensure you don't overindulge on food. Win!
Myth #4: I shouldn't drink water in the morning
Fact: No-ooo, who
told you that?! The morning is a great time to drink a glass of lovely
water! Drinking water is healthy throughout the day.
Just don't go drinking three litres of water all at once, at
any time of the day. That's not wise. And you'd need a toilet to be nearby in
pretty short order.
Myth #5: I only need to drink when I’m thirsty
Fact: This water myth is
wrong! You should drink water even when you're not thirsty. Thirst is a
physiological alert that the body sends when it has lost a bit too much
water.
You should be sipping water throughout the day so you never
get to the point that you’re thirsty.
Myth #6: Drinking cold water can make me sick
Fact: Really? It
honestly shouldn't. There's probably something else going on, either with you
or the water you're drinking. Maybe try having a chat with your GP? They know
their stuff.
Myth #7: Drinking water makes me pee a lot
Fact: Yup, that's
your body doing what it's designed to do - regulate your water balance. You'll
pee out pale yellow or clear, odourless urine if you're sufficiently hydrated.
So that's a good thing.
If you find you’re peeing a lot and your pee is always clear, then you can
probably hold off on drinking any more water for a while. You don’t want to get
overhydrated. Also, diuretics (such as caffeine) will make you pee even if you
don't really need to. If you're worried about peeing a lot then the best
person to talk to, as ever, is your trusted GP.
Another water fact to keep in mind is that if your pee is tending
towards a darker yellow (or brown!) then you’re properly dehydrated and your body's
crying out for more water.
[H2]
Myth #8: I don’t sweat so I don’t need to drink water
Fact: Yes you do.
Your body constantly loses water to balance its temperature.
You might feel superficially comfortable, because any sweat
is discreetly evaporating, but you're still losing water that you need to
replace.
Myth #9: I work in an office with air conditioning so I don’t need to
drink too much
Fact: Did you
even read the point above!? Even in air-conditioned environments, your body
still loses water (it's sneaky like that) and your skin will start to dry out.
So, make sure you’re visiting the office water dispenser regularly for clean,
fresh drinks.
Myth #10: Drinking too much water can kill you
Fact: Drinking so much water that you die is very,
very rare. Water intoxication, or water poisoning, can only happen when you
drink absolutely excessive amounts of water - way more than your normally
self-regulating body can cope with.
If you're heading that way, you'll probably be painfully
bloated and you'll end up vomiting, That's a pretty good signal that you've
drunk too much. Hyponatremia occurs when the salt level in your blood becomes
way too diluted.
Here’s an interesting water fact: Exercise-associated hyponatremia is
relatively common in marathon runners when they have not managed their water
intake correctly.
Listen to your body
When it comes to water intake, you really should be
listening closely to what your body is telling you through the little clues it
gives.
And if you're ever in doubt or have a concern, it's always a
good idea to check in with your GP, they'll be able to assess you on an
individual level.
Next, check out some surprising reasons why you should drink more water, from keeping
you in a good mood to improving digestion.
