Ask the Expert: What Hydration Myths Do You Often Have To Debunk?

Water - you’re full of it. That’s no myth; it’s true. 

At least 60 percent of your body is water and every bone, muscle, and cell depends on water to keep you healthy. That’s especially true when you’re exercising in these warmer temperatures.

But some of the sayings and cliches you hear may not be true...or not true for us all. 

Hydration Myths

Most hydration myths involve weight loss and the effect of water; so if you’re trying to drop a few pounds, is substituting water for food a good option?   

Our expert, Dr. Josh Thurman has this advice: “An important key to staying healthy is keeping things balanced. For example, it is important to drink water and stay hydrated, but it is also possible to actually drink too much water. Similarly, while we should all “watch what we eat” and avoid eating to excess, the body does need a regular intake of calories and electrolytes.” 

You've heard that you need 8 glasses of water a day. So hydration myth or reality?  For some of us it might be the right amount.  How much water you should drink each day is based on gender, weight, and activity level.  

What’s right for you may be as simple as listening to your mind and body; they are good indicators.  

Dr. Thurman: “Any time someone is making themselves do something that is hard to do – eating and drinking more than feels natural, or eating and drinking less than feels natural – it should be for a good reason. A simple rule of thumb I would say that if you are trying to adjust your intake of food or fluid and it feels very hard to do, then it is worth discussing with your doctor whether the change you are trying to make is sensible and will keep the necessary balance.“

Stay hydrated, healthy, and have a great summer!

ABOUT OUR EXPERT

Dr. Joshua Thurman, MD is a board-certified nephrologist and Professor of Medicine specializing in renal medical diseases and hypertension at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University. He has been in practice for more than 22 years.