HEALTHY-WATER THEORY IS ALL WET
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| Thu, 04-03-2008 - 5:35pm |
HEALTHY-WATER THEORY IS ALL WET: STUDY
Reuters
April 3, 2008 -- The idea that drinking more water leads to better health doesn't hold water, University of Pennsylvania researchers said yesterday.
People in hot, dry climates and athletes have an increased need for water - and people with certain diseases do better with more fluid intake, the researchers found.
But a scientific review found nothing to support theories that water helps the body remove toxins, improves skin tone, curbs the appetite and wards off headaches.
"Our bottom line was that there was no real good science - or much science at all - behind these claims, that they represent probably folklore," said researcher Dr. Stanley Goldfarb.
Still, he said, if someone enjoys drinking a lot of water, "I say that's wonderful, keep doing it."
"A little mild dehydration for the most part is OK, and a little mild water excess for the most part is OK," he said. "It's the extremes that one needs to avoid."
Published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, the scientific review is the latest to undercut recommendations by some experts to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day.



YAY. Good news for me. LOL
I always feel so much pressure to set aside my coffee and diet cokes (I only maybe have coke every other day) and replace it with water water water. Get so tired of hearing that. I do drink water. A couple of cups a day. But I get so sick of feeling like it's not enough if it's not 64oz.
Contrary to popular belief, it's not necessary to keep track of how much water you drink each day. Instead of following the frequently recommended guideline (eight cups daily, which turns out to be an arbitrary amount), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests drinking when you're thirsty. By using this gauge, studies show that most Americans do a good job of keeping themselves hydrated throughout the day — without keeping track of water consumption.
Even better news: Other beverages — including caffeinated ones, like coffee and diet soda — can help you meet your fluid needs, according to the IOM. Low-fat and fat-free milk are other South Beach Diet®-friendly beverages that can help you meet your fluid requirements. Foods that contain a lot of water, such as vegetables and fruits (Phase 2), also count.
On average, women require 91 ounces of water each day and men require 125 ounces, though athletes and people who live in warmer climates may need more. It's worth repeating, however, that you don't need to keep track of your fluid consumption. You can tell you're not getting enough water if you develop increased thirst, dry lips and mouth, headache, fatigue, and darker urine. Consult with your physician if you notice any of these symptoms.