Does everyone need eight glasses of water every day? Does drinking lots of water help people lose weight? Our healthy skeptic separates myths from facts.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
We often hear that drinking lots of water is crucial for good health, doing everything from removing toxins to promoting weight loss.
But do these claims really hold water?
Find out, on this episode of the Healthy Skeptic.
It’s been standard advice for years to drink at least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration.
But it turns out the 8-by-8 rule has no basis in science.
In most cases, we get enough water simply by drinking when we’re thirsty
And through the food we eat, which supplies 20% of our water.
As for the notion that drinking lots of water helps flush out toxins, don’t swallow it.
Removing toxins is the job of our kidneys and other organs, and extra water doesn’t improve their effectiveness.
No dice either on the idea that guzzling H2O is good for your skin. While it’s true that dehydration can increase the appearance of fine lines, continuing to drink when you’re adequately hydrated won’t erase wrinkles, unfortunately.
Then there’s the common recommendation to drink up if you’re trying to slim down.
This one may have merit – if your timing is right.
Some studies suggest that two cups of water shortly before meals can help fill you up and reduce how many calories you consume.
It’s also a good idea to drink more if you’re out in hot weather or doing strenuous exercise.
Older folks should be careful to get enough fluids as well since they’re more prone to dehydration.
When it comes to what to drink, remember that not just water counts. So do other non-alcoholic beverages including milk, tea, and even coffee.
Also, there’s usually no need to pay extra for special waters, like alkaline or electrolyte water, that are supposedly more hydrating. Those claims, like so many others about water, are all wet.
For more on diet and nutrition claims, check out my book “Coffee is Good for You”, which reveals the truth about everything from red meat to red wine.
Helping you be a healthy skeptic, I’m Robert Davis.