Hydration is important; it helps your body function properly. But, some of the things that you have been told about water and hydration are simply not true. Here are a few examples from the Washington Post. See if you know which ones are true and which are false.
Coffee and tea count toward hydration
True. The diuretic effect (forces water to be excreted by the body) of coffee and tea with caffeine does not offset the hydration benefits you get from drinking coffee or tea. Water will hydrate you more, but coffee or tea will do in a pinch.
The foods you eat may help you stay hydrated
True. The water in solid foods actually accounts for about 20 percent of your daily water intake. To make that number higher eat water-rich foods such as melon, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber and celery.
Drinking water may help you lose weight
True. Drinking water is not the cure to obesity, but it helps your body burn more calories and water-rich foods are more satisfying than others. Water is also the lowest calorie option drink available (and cost effective when eating out).
You should aim to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day
False. You don’t need 64 oz. or half your body weight in ozs to stay hydrated. Remember that other beverages such as milk and tea count as hydration too, so try for 13 cups of total beverages for men and nine for women. If you exercise regularly or live in a high temperature area, your intake may need to be a higher. Exact amounts vary from person to person, so listen to your body.
