Are You Drinking Water the Right Way? Debunking 4 Common Hydration Myths

Myth 1: You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water Every Day
You’ve probably heard that you should drink eight glasses of water daily, but this isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule. Hong Kong's Department of Health recommends that adults consume between 6 to 8 glasses a day. However, individual needs can vary based on factors like age, weight, gender, activity level, health status, and environment. For instance, if you’re active, you’ll need more water, while those who spend most of their day sitting may require less.

Myth 2: Drink Water Only When You're Thirsty
Many people wait until they feel thirsty to drink water, but thirst often signals that your body is already experiencing mild dehydration. A better approach is to develop a routine for drinking water throughout the day. For example, have a glass of water first thing in the morning, another half an hour before meals, and one more two hours after eating. This will help you maintain consistent hydration.

Myth 3: Coffee and Tea Lead to Dehydration
While it’s true that caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, drinking coffee or tea won’t severely dehydrate you. In fact, these beverages are primarily made up of water and can contribute to your hydration needs when consumed in moderation. It’s more important to watch out for alcohol, which should not be relied on as a source of hydration.

Myth 4: The More Water, the Better
Staying hydrated is vital, but overdoing it can be harmful, particularly to your liver and kidneys. Additionally, drinking a lot of water in a short time can actually increase your need to urinate. It’s best to sip water throughout the day rather than gulping down large amounts at once.

By cultivating good drinking habits, you can significantly improve your health. Why not start today? Reassess how you hydrate and take advantage of Blua Health’s “Get hydrated” feature – activate the "Aqua alarm" to receive reminders every two hours to drink water, and track your daily intake to keep your body feeling its best!

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