Drink 8 Glasses of Water Each Day
Fact or MYTH
"Myths which are believed in tend to become true." - George Orwell.
Drink eight glasses of water a day!
In 1945, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board told people to consume eight glasses of fluid daily. Before long, most people believed we needed eight glasses of water in addition to what we ate and drank daily.
Water is undoubtedly a great choice, but remember, you have various options to keep yourself hydrated. Whether it's juice, tea, milk, fruits, or vegetables, they all contribute to your daily fluid intake. Even coffee, despite its diuretic reputation, can help quench your thirst. The caffeine might make you lose some liquid, but you still get plenty.
There's a myth that distilled water is bad for you, but I've found no evidence to support this. In fact, I've lived on U.S. submarines and cruise ships, where we drank distilled water. It's tasteless, which some might find unappealing, but I prefer it over most bottled waters.
Another theory says drinking water at a specific time maximizes its effectiveness on the body:
Two glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs
One glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion
One glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure
One glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack
While some theories suggest specific times for optimal water consumption, I couldn't find any scientific research to support these claims. However, if it helps you remember to drink at least five glasses of water daily, it's a good guideline.
There are theories water needs to be a particular ph to be healthy. I cannot find any research demonstrating one belief over another with any validity or certainty.
So, how can you tell if you're sufficiently hydrated? Some say you should urinate 6-7 times a day, but remember, this can vary based on factors like fluid intake, diet, and activity level. Instead, pay attention to your urine color—clear or light yellow urine is a good sign of proper hydration, while dark yellow or amber urine could indicate dehydration.
I had an older brother who was very intelligent. Never tested for whatever tests "genius" but if ever I knew a super intelligent human, it was my brother. I noticed that he got up in the morning wherever he was and drank a glass of water and sometimes two. He said it made him feel better and more awake than caffeine.
I started to pay attention to water and thirst. I found that water does help me with several bodily issues. dry eyes, dry skin, fatigue, digestion, constipation, lightheadedness, overheating, for example. We have a well and our water is treated to take out excess iron because of stains and taste. I take our water with me whenever I travel...as much as possible. So water in cities is to me, really awful...bleach-y tasting or bland, and if I run out of our well water, I drink Smart Water. Other bottled water is a last resort.
Water is beautiful though whether in a drink, a lake, a river, an ocean or waterfalls. I'm drawn to water, in fact, and I live on one of the Great Lakes. I float in it, dive in it, swim in it rather badly, and just watch it and it is soothing to my soul! Throwing rocks into water or skipping them across the surface is fun! I'm like a kid when I'm around it! :) Thank you for this essay on water! Got me thinking. (Fire is another of nature's beauties and both water and fire can be dangerous or helpful)