Did you know that a majority of Americans are dehydrated? Staying hydrated is extremely important for our bodies. Water is essential in order for all of us to properly function. Although this is a well known fact, we still aren’t drinking enough water. The reasons vary. Some people say it’s too bland, they’d prefer sugary substances, they don’t have a water bottle on hand, they get too busy during the day, or they just forget. To help us remember the importance of drinking water, we’ve compiled a few refreshing facts and myths to keep our readers informed and hydrated.
Fact or Myth: I’m less thirsty in the winter, which means I should drink less water.
False! In cold weather, your body’s thirst response can decrease by up to 40 percent. This is because your blood vessels constrict to pool more blood toward the core of your body for more heat conservation, and your body prioritizes this response over your thirst sensation, according to HTWO Water. Because of this, you’re likely to consume less water during the winter months. So even if you don’t feel thirsty, still grab that Glasstic water bottle and stay hydrated.
Fact or Myth: Sweat evaporates more quickly in cold air.
Fact! When the weather is warm, sweat becomes more visible. Because we are able to see and feel the sweat, we know how much water our body is losing. In the winter months, our bodies still sweat. However, we often don’t notice this because it tends to evaporate more quickly because of the cold, dry weather. This is another factor that may contribute to a diminished thirst response, according to Drip Drop.
Fact or Myth: The average American only drinks about 2.5 cups of water EACH day.
Unfortunately, this one is true. On average, a majority of adults drink less than the 10 recommended cups of water per day and 75 percent of Americans are dehydrated. This can impact our ability to think clearer, it makes us more fatigue, and affects our overall well being.
Fact or Myth: Clear urine is a good indicator of dehydration.
False! Most of us were taught that to achieve adequate hydration, our urine must be clear. However, this is a myth. If your urine is clear after chugging down water, this is a sign that your body is passing the water straight through. This means that you aren’t giving the water enough time to flush out any excess minerals along the way. In most cases, a hydrated person has a pale yellow color to their urine.
Fact or Myth: There is no such thing as overhydrating.
False! You can definitely overhydrate. This happens when your body absorbs more fluids than your kidneys can remove. According to Healthline, drinking too much water can cause water levels to build up. This dilutes important substances in your blood. So, how much water should you drink daily? It varies based off weight, age, sex, lifestyle, and overall health. However, it’s recommended that a healthy adult drink 78 to 100 oz. Hopefully, we’ve debunked a few myths about hydration. Remember to grab you Glasstic water bottle and stay hydrated, no matter the season. When it comes to your health, there are no excuses!
