Debunking 7 Misconceptions About Drinking Water

There are many misconceptions about drinking water. These “myths” stand the test of time, and it is probably because there are very few people who actually talk about these subject matters.

Let’s examine some of those myths and find out the truth by using science and some common knowledge. Today we will be discussing about these 7 points, if they are really truth, or just myth.

1) You only get dehydrated when you sweat excessively

2) Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is the most optimal amount

3) Drinking more water definitely improves your skin

4) Drinking large amount of water will aid in weight loss

5) Sports drinks at times are better than water

6) Having a clear urine means you are well hydrated

7) Bottled water will always be the safest option

1) You only get dehydrated when you sweat excessively

Myth: You only get dehydrated when you sweat a lot.

Truth: It is not the amount of sweating that causes dehydration, but rather the volume of water lost through perspiration. According to one study published by Mayo Clinic Proceedings, people can lose as much as two liters (or eight cups) per hour without feeling

Sweating is not the only way your body loses water. Your body can release up to 400 milliliters a day via respiration, which is more if you’re physically active or the weather is hot.

The truth is: we lose water even when it’s cold. So, in spite of the air conditioner set high or max,  we should be careful to stay hydrated. There are many misconceptions about drinking water, and these serve the interests of some as they stand the test of time. While it’s important to thirst to know when you need drink water, your body also needs regular hydration which may help in focus as well.

Even if you’re comfortable at your office, you can still become dehydrated. We lose water every second of the day because of breathing and metabolism.

2) Drinking 8 glasses of water a day is the most optimal amount

The 8-glass myth is one of the most common misconceptions. As a child, you may have been told that you should drink 8 glasses each day as an adult health blogs still say it’s essential.

The truth of the matter is that 8 glasses of water per day is arbitrary. While our physical differences impact how much water we need each day, there are also many variables such as activity and age that could also vary it.

For many people, it can be nearly impossible to reliably drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. When you get busy, it’s easy to forget about drinking enough water. While on average we would say that the average person is only working up 4 or 8 glasses during a day.

Note that water is not the only source to keep you hydrated, fruit juices also contain approximately 80 percent of fluids. Other beverages such as coffee and tea are other sources for needed fluids.

Still, this isn’t an excuse for skipping that glass of water. When you have a choice between a cup of coffee and a glass of water, as much as possible choose the latter. It’s even wiser to do so especially when you crave for other sugary beverages.

3) Drinking more water definitely improves your skin

Drinking water isn’t only for our bodies. Skin cells also need it to stay healthy, but that doesn’t mean you will also look better by consuming additional H2O.

There are many factors that can affect your skin. It could be stress, smoking, unbalanced diet, lack of sleep and other things. Even if it’s been a month or a year since you’ve increased the amount of water you drink, there may not be any improvements or changes in terms of how your skin looks.

Skin cells need more than just water to stay healthy. It’s like other parts of the body. We need nutrients and antioxidants, as well as adopting other healthy habits: getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, relaxing, slowing down on aerobic activity and so forth.

Another misconception is that water flushes away toxins, but do not rely on this.

Staying hydrated is just one factor in contributing to healthier and glowing skin. One requires to go beyond just drinking water.In the end, staying hydrated might help you be healthier, but it may or may not help in your physical appearance directly.

4) Drinking large amount of water will aid in weight loss

This is a myth. People think the reason may be that when you are full (due to the water), you will eat less, which may lead to weight loss. It also reduces reliance on sugary drinks (which add pounds). However, it is not that simple.

Just drinking more water won’t guarantee weight loss. Science has shown that if you are only eating a diet of 1200 calories, then even with hydration on your side, the number on the scale might not budge.

Other than keeping hydrated, it is also important to to watch your diet and exercise regularly.

If you’re losing weight, it has more to do with lifestyle choices than water consumption. Drinking more water may be a sign of an active lifestyle and healthy habits, rather than the cause.

5) Sports drinks at times are better than water

Often times, we see elite athletes and famous personalities drinking sports drinks with their high protein content. As a result, many other athletes and fitness enthusiasts believe that it is those drink’s competitive advantage that fuels their performances. This leads to these drinkers preferring such beverages over water instead of choosing the healthier choice for themselves which is just plain water.

Sports drinks contain electrolytes that replace the ones we’ve just lost after a strenuous physical activity. These beverages may also contain some sugar to provide fuel for the body. This might be a good choice especially if you’ve sweat a lot (e.g., after marathons or playing basketball).

However, some people rely on sports drinks to replenish electrolytes when working out in Singapore’s hot weather. This isn’t necessary. Most times our bodies can still handle the heat and loss of some electrolytes. If you’re reasonably healthy, you only need a glass of cold water to replace fluids.

6) Having a clear urine means you are well hydrated

Underneath the myths, many of us think that urine color is a sign that our body is getting enough water to flush out toxins and wastes. However, urine is not just concentrated on the toxins and wastes – other factors contribute to its colour as well.

It also depends on the person’s health and diet. For example, regular intake of multivitamins (especially with high concentrations of B complex) can lead to a yellow-colored urine.

While you should check your pee colour every few hours, how often you take a toilet break is even more important. It’s not enough to just urinate every few hours; this can put extra stress on the kidneys and also give your blood less quality in the process.

7) Bottled water will always be the safest option

Bottled water is sealed with more complex purity processes than usual tap water options, and many people think it’s the safest option when it comes to staying hydrated. It’s also increasingly convenient as a consumer good.

However, there are risks related to drinking from plastic bottles. Some of the chemicals might leach into the water you drink. These chemicals can come from sealants or the plastics themselves.

That’s right, bottled water has an impact on our planet too. It is terrible for the environment because it pollutes landfills and oceans with plastic bottles, and that is why a good alternative would be to consider getting a water dispenser in Singapore. That not only provides better quality water for your health, but is also more environmentally friendly.