Everyone out there reading this probably knows the importance of staying hydrated. Hydration is highly necessary for maintaining overall health and well-being. And the key way to staying well-hydrated lies in drinking the maximum amount of water.
The primary source of drinking water that many people have around the globe is tap water. However, tap water is usually contaminated with toxic impurities and substances. This has further raised questions and concerns among people that drinking tap water can dehydrate their bodies instead of contributing to hydration.
If you also have the same concern or question regarding tap water and its connection with dehydration, then keep reading this blog till the end.
Also, read our blog post How You Can Hydrated in the Time of Holidays
Hydration and Dehydration – what’s the difference?
Hydration refers to drinking the maximum amount of water in order to maintain a healthy balance in the body. When you drink adequate water, it will allow the body's organs to function properly.
On the other hand, dehydration is when the body loses more water than it takes in. This can be due to a number of reasons, like not drinking enough water, excessive sweating, vomiting, and many more. If not treated on time, dehydration can cause serious health issues.
Does tap water dehydrate you?
No, tap water does not dehydrate you. In fact, drinking tap water is an effective way to stay hydrated. Drinking water, including tap water, helps replenish the lost fluids and maintain hydration.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in many countries as it undergoes a treatment process to remove impurities and make it suitable for consumption. It contains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for the body. These minerals do not contribute to dehydration.
In order to get a better understanding of why tap water does not contribute to dehydration, it is necessary to understand its composition.
Composition of Tap Water:
Most of you may already know that tap water usually has different minerals and compounds like calcium, magnesium, sodium, fluoride, and small amounts of other elements. Apart from minerals, it might contain disinfectants such as chlorine or chloramine, which are added to kill harmful bacteria and make sure the water is safe to drink.
1. Composition of Tap Water With Other Sources of Water:
Tap water comes from city water sources, especially in the US, and is carefully regulated to meet the water purification standards. When compared to bottled water, tap water might have less of certain minerals and could have added fluoride for better dental health.
2. Potential Effects of Tap Water On Hydration:
The minerals found in tap water, such as calcium and magnesium, can help with overall hydration because these minerals play a part in various bodily functions.
The disinfectants in tap water, like chlorine or chloramine, don't really affect its ability to keep you hydrated. They are present in amounts that are safe for humans to consume.
Now, we think your misconception about tap water and dehydration will be cleared.
Factors That Contribute To Dehydration:
There are a number of factors that result in dehydrating the human body; some of them are discussed below.
1. Physical Activity:
When you are active, your body gets warmer, so it sweats to cool down. Sweating makes you lose water and electrolytes. If you don't drink enough to replace what you've lost, you can get dehydrated. That's why it's important to drink water before, during, and after physical activities to stay properly hydrated.
2. Hot Weather:
Being in hot weather makes your body lose more water through sweating, especially in humid conditions. In such situations, your body works extra hard to stay cool. To make up for the extra water loss, it's very important to drink more fluids in hot weather.
3. Illness:
When you're sick, your body can lose more fluids because of things like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you don't replace those fluids, it can lead to dehydration. So, it's crucial to drink a lot of water, and sometimes drinks with electrolytes or oral rehydration solutions, to avoid dehydration when you're unwell.
4. Certain Medication:
Certain medications, like diuretics commonly used for conditions like high blood pressure, can make you pee more, increasing the risk of dehydration. Some other medications may also affect your body's fluid balance in a similar way. It's crucial to be mindful of how medications can impact your hydration levels and adjust how much you drink accordingly.
Some Health Recommendations from Experts to Avoid Dehydration
Below, we have discussed some health recommendations that you need to follow in order to avoid dehydration.
1. Consume water according to recommended intake:
This is obvious; in order to prevent dehydration, it is necessary to drink the appropriate amount of water on a daily basis. According to doctors and medical experts, a human body should consume a minimum of 8 glasses of water in a single day.
However, it is important to note that, the recommended amount (8 glasses) of water may vary depending on age, weight, and weather requirements. Moreover, you should also eat foods (fruits, vegetables, etc) that contribute to hydration.
2. Drink other beverages along with tap water:
Although, there is no doubt that, drinking tap water is the most recommended and cost-effective way to prevent dehydration. But it would be better if you also consider consuming other beverages along with tap water.
However, consuming beverages does not mean you should start drinking sugary or the ones that contain caffeine. This is so because excessive of these can result in dehydration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dehydration dangerous?
It is advised to treat dehydration at the right time; otherwise, it can lead to severe health conditions.
How do I know my body is dehydrated?
There are a number of signs that will tell you that your body is dehydrated.
· Too much thirst
· Dark or yellowish urine color
· Dizziness
And so on…
Final Words
There is a common misconception among people that drinking tap water can dehydrate the body. But that’s not true. In this article, we have provided the answer in detail along with some factors that result in dehydration, hope you will find the given information valuable.