Myths and Facts: Body Hydration

IANS , Los Angeles | Updated: February 03, 2015 11:13 IST

Do you need to drink eight glasses of water per day to avoid being dehydrated or is it really true that one can't get dehydrated in winters? Well, think again as there are certain myths that Sodastream have cleared about human body.

The drinksmaker device has come up with certain facts about human body that needs attention, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Myth: Everyone should drink eight glasses of water a day

Although it's nice to drink more, but the truth is that not everyone requires eight glasses of water a day to maintain adequate hydration. The amount of fluids that each person needs varies and is based on activity level, gender and body size.

Other sources of fluids that contribute to hydration include carbonated drinks, juice, milk, coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables and other foods with higher water content.

Myth: Only water really hydrates you

Not true. Many beverages with high water content contribute to the body's hydration status, including carbonated soft drinks, juices, tea and even coffee to a certain extent. In addition, 20 percent of hydration regularly comes from the food you eat.

Myth: You can't really get dehydrated in the winter

Not true. Both heat and air conditioning lower indoor humidity which means the humidity from our skin and breath is lost to the dry air thereby creating a dehydrating effect for the body. Chapped lips, dry eyes and irritated skin are all signs of dehydration. So whether working indoors or engaged in outdoor winter sports, be sure to drink plenty of water in the wintertime too to avoid the effects of dehydration.

Myth: Thirst is a good indicator that I need to drink

Comments Many people can use thirst as an indicator to rehydrate, but that may not always be reliable. As many of us know, thirst signals are easily ignored when it's inconvenient to drink, and we do this regularly, so it's tough to rely on thirst as a signal to drink. In addition, physical activity, high temperatures, stress and fatigue may increase water loss making it necessary to consume more than you usually need.