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Myths about Water
By: Jo Ann LeQuang

Dihydrogen monoxide, more commonly known as water, is all around us. Every one of us has had experience with this substance in its liquid, solid and gaseous forms. It falls from the sky; it comes out of your tap, there are lakes, river and oceans full of it. Without it, life would be impossible. But, there are some amazing things about this common substance we do not often appreciate. Let us explore some of the most common (and a few unusual) myths about water.

You Have to Drink at Least Eight Glasses of Water a Day

We need to take in water every day to replenish the water our bodies use, but where did we ever get the idea that we need eight glasses of water a day? No one knows, exactly. It was probably made up by the same guy who said you can’t go swimming for 30 minutes after you eat. You should try to take in several glasses of water a day—and if you wait until you’re thirsty for water, you’re probably already dehydrated. But eight is not a magic number. If you eat a lot of fruits and veggies, you are probably getting a lot of water from solid foods—and most of us never count that toward our total water intake.

Drinking Other Liquids is the Same as Drinking Water

Do not count other beverages like coffee or soda as water-equivalents. They’re not. In fact, coffee dehydrates you so you should offset every cup of coffee with a glass of water just to stay neutral in terms of your hydration.

Drinking Other Liquids is the Same as Drinking Water

Believe it or not, taking in too much water can have serious and even fatal consequences. Drinking extreme amounts can actually dilute bodily fluid to the point where the salt levels are too low for the body to be able to function. While you should drink water freely, do not overindulge. If you feel like you’re floating away, take a break.

Tap Water Isn’t Good For You

There is nothing wrong with tap water in most parts of the country (and you can ask your local water district to give you the water report if you don’t believe me). If you don’t care for the taste, you can filter it. Bottled water is good, too, but it is expensive and creates plastic garbage. So unless you prefer the taste or convenience of the bottled brands, go for tap water.

Drink Plenty of Water to Flush Out Toxins

This would work if your kidneys were like a pipe and you needed to run a lot of water to clean out the system. The fact is, your body has a complex filtration system and overloading it with water actually slows it down.

Water Never Made Anybody Better Looking

One of the best anti-aging tips going is H20. Your body needs lots of water to keep your skin“plumped up.” When you get dehydrated, your skin loses this cushion and lies flatter on the body. Dried-up skin is a great way to accentuate wrinkles and sags. Don’t just moisturize on the outside, drink lots of water to look younger.

Water Relieves Stress

Water can be a stress-buster or a stress-causer, depending on how you use it and your personality. Don’t assume that water is peaceful and calming. A super-hot bath or a cold shower can be stimulating. Some people find the sound of a running water annoying. Other people buy CDs with ocean sounds to relax. There is nothing inherently soothing or annoying about water, so if that little table-top fountain makes you crazy, you’re not nuts.

Water Can’t Help You Lose Weight

Every diet in the world encourages you to drink lots of water, and most of us figure that this was just a trick to take your mind off starving yourself. The fact is, drinking a glass or two of water before each meal has been found to reduce the amount eaten by an average of 75 calories.

Don’t Wash Your Face With Water (use this expensive product)

A splash of cold water on the face will shrink pores naturally. Cold water on the face is also a cheap and effective stimulant. Water and mild cleanser is a great way to clean your face.

Hard Water is Very Bad For You

Research to date seems to indicate that hard water has a greater effect on your pipes then on you. So whether your water is hard or soft, as long as it is clean, it is good for you.