Myths About Health

Water and Health Myths

admin on 07 11, 2009

Some common myths are deflated in the article below.

Myth number 1: Drink too much water is unhealthy.

Fact: your body only uses the water it needs and no more, the rest is eliminated. And having normal conditions, there is no any risk regarding drinking too much water. The only thing you should notice is that water is recommended to be sipped slowly instead of gulped, which can cause gastric distress.

Myth number 2: Drinking a too much water can damage your kidneys.

Fact: Water is a mandatory for normal kidney function. In case your body is deprived of water, your kidneys compensate by excreting more concentrated urine, it may cause the formation of kidney stones.

Myth number 3: Drink less water if you have a fluid retention problem.

Fact: When water intake is insufficient for your body, it perceives this as a signal to survival and compensates by conserving water. Drinking an normal amount of water (1/2 oz per pound of body weight) help your body maintain proper fluid balance and also flush out excess sodium, which can contribute to fluid retention.

Myth number 4: Special sports drinks are healthier than usual water during exercise.

Fact: For the short-term exercises, water is the preferred beverage. Because electrolyte replacement, provided by sports drink, is not necessary during exercise lasting less than 60 minutes. And sugar in sports drinks provides empty calories. But you must replenish fluid losses or performance will be diminished. You should drink at least 1 pint (16 oz) of fluid for every pound lost during the exercise.

Myth number 5: Your body needs more water in summer than in winter.

Fact: Keeping your body well hydrated in the winter is just as important as in summer. Significant dehydration may appear only in hot summer months. During winter sports activities, you will not appear to be sweating too much. Your body is still losing fluids though, and drinking water is a must or your athletic results will be diminished.