Common Dehydration Myths 

Water is a delightful drink that offers plenty of health benefits. With zero calorie content, the drink helps manage weight by substituting it with other preferred drinks. Apart from weight management ‘Drinking enough water is a mantra to stay healthy. This is not what we but the doctors say. 

But how much water should one consume? There is no recommended quantity of water as it varies depending on various factors such as climatic changes, health conditions, and on person’s activity. 

Now, what is the importance of water in the body? Why is it important to keep the body hydrated? Various health benefits which include healthy joints, protection of tissues and backbone, maintenance of normal temperature, and elimination of wastes from the body show importance of hydration in the body. 

Dehydration and its stages 

Dehydration is a term used when the body lacks a sufficient amount of water. The body responds to dehydration through thirst and demands immediate action to drink water. On the basis of severity, dehydration is categorized into three levels –

Mild – If dehydration is mild, it can be managed with electrolyte water or plain water. If there is sufficient loss of water from the body then electrolyte water can be preferred. 

Moderate – This stage of dehydration needs immediate intravenous hydration. 

Severe – Severe dehydration needs immediate emergency medical attention.

Importance of hydration in the body

The body needs to meet an adequate amount of water to keep the body healthy. Insufficient water intake shows up through signs of dehydration. This may include –

• Feeling thirsty
• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Dryness of lips, mouth, and eyes
• Decrease in frequency of urination 
• Affects brain function 

The given signs indicate the importance of hydration in the body and it is important to drink an adequate amount of water. Given below are the facts related to dehydration that one must know about.

Facts about dehydration

What causes dehydration? 

Let us understand what causes dehydration. 

• Insufficient water intake
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Diuretic medicines 

 Early signs of dehydration 

Dehydration has stages and it is essential to know the early signs to prevent severe dehydration. Early signs may include thirst, dryness of mouth/lips, and less urine output. 

Risk factors of dehydration 

Some age groups of the population are more vulnerable to dehydration. Kids and babies, elderly people, and those under certain medication are at higher risk of developing dehydration. 

What if too much water is consumed?

Keeping yourself hydrated is good but overhydration can cause a problem. It may indicate a medical problem.

Drink enough water throughout the day 

Depending on the factors mentioned earlier, it is essential to take water sips throughout the day.  

Dehydration may cause the renal stone

When dehydration continues for a long time it may cause kidney stones. Drinking enough water can flush away kidney stones and also decrease their recurrence. 

Common myths about dehydration

Dehydration can cause serious health problems and often not much attention is paid to this condition. 60% of body weight is water, hence the body needs to meet the required amount of water to carry out the body functions. 

With so much advocacy on water benefits still, there are certain common myths about dehydration. Hence, we shall make an effort to bust some common myths that revolve around dehydration.

Myth 1

Dehydration is not a serious condition

People may feel that dehydration is just an uneasy situation that if neglected can cause serious health problems such as kidney stones, seizures, etc. 

Myth 2

Thirst does not indicate dehydration

Thirst does not indicate dehydration, is a myth. In fact, thirst is the body’s way to convey to drink more water.

Myth 3

Drink enough water to prevent dehydration

Drinking enough water definitely keeps the body hydrated. But then some people try to overdo it. Drinking too much water can deplete the electrolyte balance and this can be a life-threatening condition. 

Myth 4

Only liquids can keep you hydrated

Cucumber, watermelon, spinach, grapefruit, etc have high water content. Having such fruits and vegetables can help you stay hydrated. With a water bottle, you can also add juicy fruits and vegetables to keep the body hydrated. 

Myth 5

8 glasses of water a day is the standard amount to prevent dehydration

The amount of water a body need varies from person to person. It depends on the person’s activity level, climate, gender, age, health conditions, etc. Your healthcare provider can suggest the recommended amount of water required to prevent dehydration. 

Myth 6

Water eliminates toxins from the body

Water does not have a direct impact on eliminating toxins from the body. But having a sufficient amount of water supports metabolism and this helps eliminate toxins from the body.  

Myth 7

A cup of coffee can dehydrate you

Coffee is often blamed for having a dehydrating effect on the body. However, the caffeinated drink when taken in the ideal amount will not put you at risk for dehydration.

Myth 8

Clear urine indicates hydration

Water consumption can determine urine color. Drinking less amount of water turns the urine color to dark yellow. Which must not be concluded as clear urine for hydration. A pale- yellow urine is what one must look for. 

Myth 9

People who do workout need special drinks

The type of drink the body needs depends on the level of activity. Plain filter water works great for people who are into light exercise or workout for less than an hour. Heavy workouts may need electrolyte drinks to restore the lost electrolytes. 

Take away 

Dehydration is a common condition, as a result, people often ignore its harmful impact on health. Enough water consumption is a healthy habit as it helps the body function effectively and efficiently.