Doctors name most common mistake people make when drinking water
When and how to drink water (Photo: Freepik)
Water is essential for the proper functioning of all systems in our body. However, despite the obvious importance of hydration, many people make one very common mistake in their drinking habits.
According to doctors, we most often drink water incorrectly due to... waiting for thirst.
Why is waiting for thirst a mistake
The feeling of thirst is already a signal from the body that it has started to experience a fluid deficit, meaning dehydration has already begun. It's a kind of emergency indicator that appears when water loss reaches a certain percentage of total body weight (usually 1-2%). Even slight dehydration can negatively affect our well-being and performance.
When we wait for intense thirst to appear before drinking water, we are constantly in a state of mild dehydration. This can manifest through the following symptoms:
Fatigue and decreased energy
Insufficient water affects all cells, including muscles, leading to feelings of weakness and tiredness.
Headache
Dehydration can cause a reduction in brain tissue volume and affect circulation, resulting in a headache.
Deterioration of concentration and cognitive functions
Even a small water deficit can affect brain function, memory, and the ability to focus.
Digestive issues
Water is essential for the proper functioning of the intestines. Its deficiency can lead to constipation.
Dry skin
Insufficient hydration impacts the condition of the skin, making it dry and less elastic.
Disruption of thermoregulation
Water plays a key role in maintaining normal body temperature through sweating.
How to drink water correctly
Doctors emphasize that the key principle of proper hydration is consistency. You should drink water in small portions throughout the day, without waiting for intense thirst. This helps maintain the body’s water balance at an optimal level continuously.
Drink water on a schedule
Set reminders for yourself or simply make it a habit to drink a glass of water every 1-2 hours.
Start your morning with a glass of water
This helps "kick-start" your metabolism after sleep.
Drink water before meals
A glass of water 20-30 minutes before eating can improve digestion and help control appetite.
Don’t forget about water during physical activity
During exercise, the body loses fluid through sweat, so it’s important to replenish it.
Consider individual needs
The ideal water intake varies for each person, depending on weight, activity level, climate, and health condition. The general recommendation is about 30-40 ml per kilogram of body weight per day.
Remember that tea, coffee, and sugary drinks do not replace plain water
Some of these drinks may even have a mild diuretic effect.
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This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
