We all know that proper hydration is vital for maintaining good health, but there are many misconceptions surrounding this topic. Debunking these myths and understanding the facts will help you make informed decisions about your drinking water to promote health and happiness.
7 Common Myths About Staying Hydrated
- You have to drink exactly eight glasses of water per day.
- There’s no such thing as too much water.
- Thirst is a reliable indicator of dehydration.
- Chronic dehydration is rare.
- Sports drinks are a must-have while working out.
- You can get all your water from fruit and vegetables alone.
- Caffeine severely dehydrates you.
1. Everyone Must Drink Eight Cups A Day
The idea that everyone needs to drink exactly eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day is a myth. Everybody’s water requirements vary depending on their age, size, activity level, overall health, fresh produce intake, and climate. That’s why paying attention to your body’s thirst signals, urine color, and other personal cues is better because there is no “one size fits all” answer.
2. You Can’t Have Too Much Water
While staying hydrated is crucial, overhydration can cause hyponatremia—a medical term for dangerously low blood sodium levels. Symptoms of drinking too much water include the following.
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Kidney Issues
- Brain Swelling
It’s important not to chug more than a liter of water within a single hour since your kidneys can only process water at this rate.
3. Thirst Is a Reliable Indicator of Hydration
Relying solely on thirst as a gauge of your hydration levels can be misleading. When you feel thirsty, your body is likely already mildly dehydrated. Instead, a better indicator is the color of your urine—the darker the shade of yellow is, the more dehydrated you are.
4. Chronic Dehydration Is Rare
Chronic dehydration is more prevalent than you’d think since it’s easy to eat too much salt and forget to consume enough fluids every day. This can cause fatigue, sluggishness, headaches, impaired cognitive function, and other health issues, so it’s important to pay attention to how much you drink.
5. Sports Drinks Are A Must-Have While Working Out
While brand-name sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade contain electrolytes lost through sweat, they also contain copious amounts of sugar. Coconut water or watermelon juice with a tiny pinch of salt is a healthier and more natural alternative. And remember—these still aren’t a substitute for good old-fashioned water!
6. You Can Get All Your Water From Fruit & Veggies
While fruits and vegetables contribute to your overall fluid intake, solely relying on them for hydration isn’t enough—especially since most of us don’t eat as many of these foods as we probably should. That being said, feel free to eat as many hydrating foods as you want, such as:
- Celery
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Oranges
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Radishes
7. Caffeine Is Super Dehydrating
While caffeine has mild diuretic (i.e., urine-producing) properties, moderate consumption of coffee and tea does not cause significant dehydration as long as you’re still drinking normal amounts of water.
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By debunking these seven hydration myths, we hope to provide accurate information about staying hydrated. Remember to pay attention to your body’s thirst signals and incorporate hydrating foods into your diet. Consider purchasing from USA Berkey Filters today for cleaner, purer, and crisper-tasting drinking water.
