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What are some hydration myths that could be sabotaging your nutrition and diet goals?

Grant Sturges

Hey friend!

Great question about hydration myths that could be sabotaging our nutrition and diet goals. It's important to know the truth about hydration because it can impact our health in significant ways.

One common myth is that we should only drink water when we feel thirsty. While it's true that our bodies have mechanisms in place to signal that we need fluids, it's not always reliable. By the time we feel thirsty, we might already be dehydrated and in need of fluids. To stay properly hydrated, it's best to drink water consistently throughout the day, even if we don't feel thirsty.

Another myth is that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. While this is a common rule of thumb, the reality is that our hydration needs vary depending on our age, gender, weight, activity level, and other factors. For example, someone who exercises regularly will need more fluids than someone who is sedentary. A better approach is to focus on drinking enough fluids to keep our urine pale yellow and odorless.

A third hydration myth is that all fluids are created equal. While water is the best choice for staying hydrated, other beverages can also contribute to our fluid intake. However, some drinks like soda, sports drinks, and juice can be high in sugar or caffeine, which can have negative effects on our health. It's best to choose water, herbal tea, or other hydrating beverages without added sugars or caffeine.

Finally, some people believe that drinking too much water can be dangerous. While it's true that overhydration can cause a condition called hyponatremia, this is rare and mostly occurs in endurance athletes who consume excessive amounts of fluids. For most people, drinking enough water to stay hydrated and support their body's functions is safe and important for optimal health.

Overall, it's important to bust these hydration myths and focus on drinking enough fluids to support our nutrition and diet goals. By staying properly hydrated, we can promote healthy digestion, keep our skin and organs functioning properly, and support our overall wellness. So, let's drink up and stay hydrated!