Water isn’t the only source of hydration, as many other beverages can do the job pretty well. Drinks like tea and milk are known to hydrate the body, despite the myths you may have heard. As many contribute to your fluid intake, some drinks out there also do the opposite. Sugary drinks in general tend to be counterproductive for your fluid intake, which is worth noting.
Thirst isn’t the only sign of dehydration, but it’s a late one, with some other factors coming up first. Listening to your body is important in the case of hydration, which can be done by monitoring urine color. The most normal colour of urine is light yellow, which goes against the myths spreading around.
Even if you’re indoors or in a cold environment, hydration is still necessary for your body, no matter what.
This blog discusses all the hydration-related myths and bust them, so you don’t follow them. You will know what actually works instead of the hydration myths.
Hydration Myths vs. Facts
Myth 1:
Only plain water can hydrate you.
Fact:
There are plenty of other sources of hydration besides water, with many fluids contributing.
Your fluid needs can also be met by:
- Milk
- Tea
- Herbal teas
- Soups
- High-water-content fruits
- Vegetables
- Sports drinks
Myth 2:
The best way to know if you're dehydrated is through thirst only.
Fact:
Dehydration doesn’t start with thirst, as it’s actually a late sign of the same. By the time you feel thirsty, your body may already be a bit dehydrated, as it’s actually a late sign of the same
Myth 3:
In indoor environments, hydration isn’t as important.
Fact:
Even in environments with less heat or sun exposure, hydration is important for everyone. This is because you lose fluid even indoors, through sweat as well as other factors. An air conditioner is known to contribute to dehydration, which is another factor.
You can lose fluid in both of these environments through:
- Breathing
- Urination
Myth 4:
Caffeinated drinks dehydrate you.
Fact:
It’s wrong to claim that caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, despite their mild diuretic effect. Even these drinks have water, so hydration will still happen even then.
Myth 5:
Sugary drinks hydrate the body well.
Fact:
Sugary drinks don’t do that, which is why they should be avoided. They can actually contribute to dehydration, which is why people don’t use them to hydrate.
Myth 6:
Drinking excess water daily is good for the kidneys.
Fact:
Water is known to support kidney function, overhydration doesn’t help at all. Your kidneys can be strained with overhydration, as it doesn’t improve the process.
Myth 7:
If you're not sweating, you're not losing fluids.
Fact:
Sweat isn’t the only way of losing fluids. as you may think after hearing the myth. Urination and breathing are two other factors that contribute to fluid loss, which is a fact.
What Actually Works?
1. Monitor your urine: Your main aim to check for hydration should be through urine colour, as each one indicates something. The ideal colour is light yellow, which shows that you’re hydrated in most cases without issues.
2. Eat water-rich foods: You should eat water-rich foods along with plain water to increase your fluid intake. Incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet helps beyond hydration, as they provide essential nutrients. With the essential nutrients provided by these fruits, hydration takes a step up.
3. Drink various fluids: You shouldn’t limit yourself to just plain water, as there are many other sources for hydration as well.
4. Listen to your body: Thirst is an important factor for hydration, but not the only one, so drinking water from time to time is necessary. You can try sports drinks when being physically active as a source of hydration. In hot weather, water tastes even better because of the relief it gives to the body through hydration.
Conclusion
There are many myths about hydration, some of which seem convincing enough to feel true. Despite thi,s the facts remain the same, as hydration isn’t something to be taken lightly. Many hydration myths are busted in this blog, with each one being replaced with a fact. What actually matters is urine color and your body’s signals in general in case of dehydration, so proper care is important.
FAQs
Q - Is hydration actually as important as it’s said to be?
A - Yes, there’s no myth about hydration being important because it actually is, by helping with:
- Positive effects on cognition
- Stabilizing your emotions
- Combating feelings of anxiety
Q - Can food also hydrate me other than water in heat?
A - Yes, many foods help in the heat with hydration, as they act as other sources than water, such as fruits.
Q - Are sports drinks hydrating while I’m physically active?
A - Yes, sports drinks are hydrating during physical activities if they have the right ingredients for that.
Q - Is it overhydration if I have 5 liters of water a day?
A - Yes, 5 liters is actually overhydration for a single day, which is not good for your body.
