Water is one of the essential needs for our survival, and we must drink enough water daily. There are different types of water available to suit different needs. Filtered water is widely popular, while others need safer options such as bottled water which is considered safe water for diabetics to drink. Moreover, flavored sparkling water is becoming increasingly popular, and is becoming more widely available. Here are some essential points to keep in mind for optimal hydration health needs:

1. You can be dehydrated and not thirsty
It’s true, you can be dehydrated and not thirsty. In fact this is quite a common condition. One misconception is that the feeling of thirst is the only way to tell that you are dehydrated. The condition happens especially to older adults and people with particular medical conditions. The truth is one can be dehydrated and not feel thirsty at all. It is advisable to keep drinking sparkling or still water even when you do not feel thirsty. Many people say they are not thirsty even without water all day. However, their bodies need water even if they are not thirsty, and they should be encouraged to drink water often throughout the day.

2. You can drink too much water
While staying hydrated is vital for our health, too much of it can lead to hyponatremia, a condition brought about by overhydration. During hyponatremia, the sodium levels become diluted and the cells swell, putting pressure on the brain, causing headaches, and even leading to brain impairment and trouble breathing.

3. Sports drinks are not better than water
Sports water is often misconstrued to be a better option for hydration needs because of its marketing, often by athletes and sports people. Sports drinks contain electrolytes which are especially helpful during body exercises. However, sports drinks contain sugar and calories which may not necessarily meet your body’s fitness needs. To remain hydrated throughout a normal day, water is advisable to avoid the excess sugar.

4. Everyone should drink 8 glasses of water each day
The famous “8 glasses of water per day” rule is a standard recommendation for hydration, and many people have been following the rule religiously. However, the amount of water your body needs depends on many factors, not necessarily 8 glasses of water per day. Weight, body activity, weather conditions, and the environment are some of the factors that can affect water intake. To ensure proper daily hydration levels for your body, pay attention and be informed on what your body needs and how much water to drink to stay hydrated throughout the day.

5. Drinking liquid is not the only way to stay hydrated
Drinking water is critical and the most common way to stay hydrated. However, it is not the only way. Eating certain types of food, like fruits and vegetables—tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, and berries—with high water content, can be an alternative way to meet daily hydration needs. Moreover, there are other ways, like being given IV fluids by a doctor, for people with certain medical conditions.

Drinking enough water is essential for our health and well-being. For convenient water intake be sure to have water with you at all times. The easiest way to do this is to always have the best water bottles that are reusable. Understanding the truths about drinking water will help us make informed decisions about our hydration habits and needs. Our overall health and well-being depend on how best we understand our bodies’ needs.