Water is a vital element for life. Our body is made up of approximately 60% water, which shows its essential role in the functioning of the human body: regulation of temperature, transport of nutrients, elimination of waste, lubrication of joints, maintenance of skin elasticity, etc. Yet despite this crucial importance, many people make daily mistakes when drinking water. These bad habits may seem insignificant, but sometimes they have a direct impact on our health, digestion and energy.
Let’s find out together five common mistakes what we often do when it comes to drinking water, as well as their consequences and solutions to avoid them.
1. Not drinking enough water
The first error, and undoubtedly the most widespread, is this mild chronic dehydration. Many people think they drink enough water every day, but in reality, they fall far short of meeting their needs. Between work, distractions, and quick meals, it’s easy to forget to hydrate properly.
Consequences of a lack of water:
- Constant fatigue and low energy
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating
- Dry skin and premature aging
- Digestive problems like constipation
- Increased risk of kidney stones
The body loses water every day through sweating, urine and even breathing. Failure to compensate for these losses endangers the body’s fluid balance.
Solution:
It is recommended to drink on average 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day for an adult, but this figure varies depending on physical activity, climate and diet. The trick is to keep a bottle of water on hand and drink regularly in small sips, even without feeling thirsty.
2. Drinking too much water at once
In contrast to the first mistake, some people think they are doing the right thing by drinking large quantities of water at once, for example by swallowing a whole liter in a few minutes. However, this is not beneficial.
Consequences of sudden excess:
- Dilution of electrolytes in the blood (hyponatremia)
- Feeling of bloating and digestive discomfort
- Overwork of the kidneys which must filter excess quickly
- In extreme cases, risk of discomfort or even vital danger
Solution:
The correct method is to drink regularly and moderately. The ideal is to spread your consumption throughout the day, favoring small quantities every 30 to 60 minutes. This allows for better absorption and avoids overloading the body.
3. Drink only when you are thirsty
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