Today is World Water Day, the elixir of our lives. Water is our lifeline, essential for survival. Unfortunately, water is now a scarce commodity and environmentalists are warning us of severe drought in the next few years.
Countries like South Africa, California in the US are facing severe short supply of water and many Indian cities and villages are no exception. We need water not only to quench thirst but also keep every cell, organ, tissue in the body activated and to maintain proper body temperature and other functions.
As the body loses water through sweating, breathing and digestion it is vital to rehydrate the body by drinking adequate fluids and having foods that contain water.
However, there are a whole lot of myths that are associated with water. Netmeds.com has compiled a factsheet on that separates fact from fiction.
Myth:
You Should Drink 8 Glasses Of Water A Day
Fact:
Scientifically there is no evidence to prove that drinking 8 glasses of water is a must for better health. The amount of water consumed, depends upon factors like age, weight, activity, temperature, altitude, pregnancy. Ideally, women should drink 8 glasses a day and men should drink 12 glasses a day, of any fluid, not just water.
Myth:
Water Flushes Toxins Out Of The Body
Fact:
Kidneys ideally flush toxins out from the body and use water to get rid of certain waste materials. If the body does not have enough water, then wastes are not removed efficiently. So, kidneys need a certain amount of water to flush out toxins.
Myth:
Bottled Water Causes Tooth Decay
Fact:
Bottled water doesn’t cause tooth decay. But it doesn’t contain any fluoride, that can prevent tooth decay. Tap water naturally contains fluoride. Fluoride is an essential mineral required for bone and teeth mineralization.
Myth:
You Don’t Need Much Water During Winter
Fact:
Summer is the time where people fuel them with a lot of water as they perspire more. As perspiring is a visible sign of dehydration in summer we keep drinking plenty of fluids, as in winter we don’t sweat a lot. The fact is, the body still loses more water in the winter because of dry air. During winter there is less moisture in the air, which increases the fluid needs.
Myth:
Sports Drinks Are Better Than Water During Exercise
Fact:
Sports drinks are generally not a healthier option for exercise sessions lasting for less than an hour, but water is an essential source of fluids that helps in maintaining fluid balance. In case of longer duration workouts, sports drinks are helpful because it replenishes electrolytes.
