Top 7 myths about drinking water busted!
In almost every culture in the world, water has been elevated to the status of
miracle drug that can cure everything from dull skin to diabetes. This might,
however, be pushing the truth. While water is absolutely essential for the
body, its celebrated magic qualities need to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Here’s a reality check on the most popular water myths.
Myth 1: Drinking water between meals is bad for digestion – This is one line
that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, there is no
scientific evidence to indicate that it will affect the digestive process. At
the most, it will probably fill you up and reduce your appetite for dinner. But
besides that, go ahead and enjoy a glass of water with every meal.
Myth 2: Drink 8 glasses a day for good health – Drinking 8 glasses of water a
day is one of the most popular myths in circulation today, despite scientists
saying that there is no clear correlation between good health and sipping on
water all day. Doctors recommend drinking water only when you are thirsty!
Myth 3: Drink water, you can never have too much of a good thing! – Recent
studies reveal that drinking too much water can in fact, be potentially
harmful. Excessive water consumption is dangerous in that it can lower salt
concentration in the body. Water intoxication, a life-threatening condition,
occurs when there is dilution of blood sodium because the kidneys are
over-worked, and unable to excrete the excess water as urine.
Myth 4: Water cleans out the body’s toxins – The toxins in our body are
filtered out by the kidneys. And common myth says that drinking more water
means clearing out the toxins. Wrong! In truth, drinking large amounts of water
will actually reduce the kidneys’ ability to function as a filter
Myth 5: Drink water for healthy skin – It is widely believed that since our
body’s composition is 60% water, drinking a lot of water will give you glowing
skin. However, there is little evidence to support this idea. Healthy skin is a
result of many things, including diet, weather, pollution and genetics
Myth 6: Drinking water can aid weight loss – Water has been touted as the
secret drug for all dieters. “Drink water and you’ll shed those pounds like
magic.” This is hardly true; as we discussed, water will, at the most, fill up
your stomach and reduce your food intake at mealtimes. But water is far from a
miracle drug to lose weight.
Myth 7: Drink as much water as you can during a workout – It is widely believed
that a workout increases chances of dehydration, so common myth says you need
to increase water intake during exercise. But dehydration sets in only when you
lose 2 percent of body weight. Do the math, and it is unlikely a normal workout
requires increased water intake. Instead, ensure you are well-hydrated
throughout the day, without over-doing it.
