Another day, another TikTok advisory, amirite? So what are the TikTok “health experts” telling us now? Apparently, we’re drinking water the wrong way It seems that. That’s right – everyone and their brother’s wife’s nephew’s mother-in-law seem to have “tips” and advice on the right and wrong way to drink water. Most of it is nonsense.
True experts agree when it comes to hydration. Just drink water. Always drinking water. Never stop drinking water. Drink water until you feel you have had enough water for the day. After that, he probably needs two more drinks. But one of his latest viral trends on TikTok comes from a “health expert” telling viewers how best to stay hydrated.
Water myths on TikTok
Of course, there is a lot of misinformation out there, and as always, just because someone says they are an “expert” doesn’t mean they are. health advice does not replace the advice of your doctor. Besides, expert Scary Mommy, who researched for this piece, agrees – there’s no wrong way to drink water. No, so keep reading for everything you didn’t know about the myths of drinking water and how to stay hydrated. properly.
Myth 1: Cold water doesn’t hydrate you.
This got a crushing “wrong” from the experts.
“There’s no right or wrong way to drink water,” says Juliana Tamayo, Registered Dietitian (RD), MS, editor of Fitness Clone. “Whether it’s cold or hot, water is always hydrating. Cold water is often more efficient than hot water, especially after a workout.
What about TikTok insisting we should drink warm or hot water so our bodies don’t have to work too hard, or do you think we should add salt to the water to boost electrolytes in the body? ?
“In fact, drinking hot water after strenuous activity can cause even more dehydration, because drinking hot water causes your body to sweat more,” explains Tamayo. “Also, you don’t need to add salt to your water. Most Americans get enough sodium in their diet and don’t need extra sodium. If you need sodium, you also need potassium and other electrolytes.” If so, a sports drink like Gatorade or Liquid IV is good.”
Myth 2: Hot water is good for hydration.
Not exactly, but hot water can Still useful in some cases.
“There are times when hot water is better,” says Tamayo. “For indigestion and achalasia (esophageal disorders), hot water is easier to wash off than cold water and can cause pain. Adding lemon or ginger to hot water can also aid digestion. We really trust experts and experts, and we don’t believe in every trend on TikTok.”
So while hot water can help with indigestion, it’s neither bad nor good for hydration.
Myth #3: Drinking too much and peeing too much can lead to dehydration.
no, sister Your body can hold and absorb just that. Peeing is part of the game of life. It may seem like you’re “peeing”, but when you measure your intake and output, you can absolutely tell the difference.
“Increased urine output is due to excess water that your body doesn’t need,” says Tok-Hui Yeap, RD, CSP, LD of Kinder Nutrition. “When you’re dehydrated, you urinate less to keep your fluids in balance.”
Myth 4: To increase electrolytes, you should add salt to your water.
Indeed, salt is one way to boost electrolytes. But you already know how dangerous it can be for those who eat too much salt. For that reason alone, adding salt to water can be a dangerous game. So what do the experts say about the now viral claim that you should add salt to water? do you want?
According to nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, author of the Belly Fat Diet, the “misinformation” that you should add a tablespoon of salt to your water every morning is dangerous in general, and particularly “high blood pressure.” For people’ pressure and/or kidney disease. “
Palinski-Wade states, “A tablespoon a day of any salt, including Himalayan salt, that too Lots of sodium! This salt contains 1680 mg of sodium per teaspoon. That’s 5040 mg of sodium per tablespoon. The daily recommended amount of sodium is 2300 mg per day. This is a dangerous recommendation that can lead to increased blood pressure, water retention and bone loss. “
Of course, a tablespoon or two of salt in a glass of water may be overkill, but some experts recommend adding salt to your water. can useful.
“Salt contains several essential minerals that the body needs to function properly (and optimally),” says a board-certified holistic health practitioner and expert in functional nutrition. “Minerals help the body in many ways,” says Kristen Alvis, a certified dietician who specializes in salt. By adding , your body can better absorb and use water.”
Worried you’re “dehydrated” and need electrolytes? There are better (and more flavorful) ways. In addition to Pedialyte, Gatorade, and Powerade, there are multiple brands of drops and powders that you can add to water to boost your electrolytes.
“If [they are] With that amount of salt recommended, the water in that cup would be soo salty. For example, no one reasonably drinks it every morning…you would never want to wake up!” Danielle, who developed one such hydration drop available, Buoy Schindler says, “It’s true that your body can’t absorb water effectively. If you’re deficient in electrolytes. Hydration = water + electrolytes. Because you lose both water and electrolytes during sleep, We wake up dehydrated (we don’t replenish fluids and electrolytes during sleep).Sea salt or Himalayan salt is a great way to get electrolytes because it’s the same as table salt or “mined salt.” (a fancy way of saying table salt). Our bodies need these natural sources of salt more than ever! why? Modern agriculture strips the soil of most of the micronutrients our bodies need.”
A final note for social media professionals
Most social media “experts” aren’t trying to kill you. They truly believe what they say is true. However, when it comes to health, there are two things to keep in mind. First, science evolves and you never know how up-to-date your training is.Second, the “expert” is not an expert you.
Always, always, always consult your doctor (preferably your doctor) before making any changes to your health and nutrition routine. What works for one person may not work for another.