Myth: You need to drink eight glasses of water a day.
Fact: While hydration is important, the amount of water needed varies based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate. Listen to your body's thirst signals and drink water accordingly.
Myth: Drinking more water will make your skin clearer
Fact: While staying hydrated is beneficial for overall skin health, it won't necessarily clear up acne or other skin issues. Skincare involves various factors like diet, genetics, and hygiene practices.
Myth: Drinking cold water boosts metabolism and aids weight loss.
Fact: While drinking cold water does require your body to expend energy to warm it up, the effect on metabolism is minimal and doesn't significantly contribute to weight loss. A balanced diet and regular exercise are key for weight management.
Myth: You shouldn't drink water during meals as it dilutes stomach acids and impairs digestion.
Fact: Drinking water with meals can aid digestion by helping to soften food and move it through the digestive tract. It's fine to drink water before, during, or after meals as long as it's not excessive.
Myth: Bottled water is safer and healthier than tap water.
Fact: In many cases, tap water is subject to stricter regulations and testing than bottled water. Additionally, plastic bottles may leach harmful chemicals into the water over time. Opting for filtered tap water can be a more sustainable and cost-effective choice.
Myth: You only need to drink water when you're thirsty.
Fact: Thirst is a late sign of dehydration. It's important to drink water regularly throughout the day to stay adequately hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty. Monitoring the colour of your urine can also help gauge hydration levels—pale yellow indicates adequate hydration, while darker yellow may signal dehydration.
Myth: Drinking water alone leads to weight loss.
Fact: Drinking water aids weight loss by reducing appetite and calorie intake, but it's not a standalone solution. Effective weight loss involves a balanced diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. However, relying solely on water for weight loss can lead to overconsumption.
Inputs By: Garima Dev Verman, Certified Dietician with The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) - A Health Literacy Platform