Buzz
Advising people to drink more water is often an oversimplified and ineffective health tip. Your body naturally signals thirst, so there's no need to overcomplicate the process.
I could stop here, but for some reason, there are countless lists filled with hydration tips. These include ways to trick yourself into drinking more water. (We’ve even shared a few ourselves.) These lists make it seem like hydrating is a life-or-death mission. Drink more. No, even more. Keep gulping.
But we’re constantly hydrating. Are you alive? Yes? Then you’re probably fine. Here are some specific hydration hacks I dismiss:
Drinking X glasses of water daily: Just drink when you feel thirsty.
Using an app to track water intake: Same as above.
Checking your pee color: Urine shows what your body is eliminating, not your current hydration level.
Excluding coffee or other beverages from hydration: Caffeine has a minimal dehydrating effect, but drinks like coffee are still, surprise, mostly water.
Ignoring the water content in food: Unless you’re eating only dried foods, you’re getting water from meals too.
Adding fruit to water for flavor and appeal: This often disappoints in taste and wastes perfectly good fruit.
Starting the day with lemon water: Only if you genuinely enjoy it. Most of us prefer coffee.
“Smart” bottles that remind you to drink: Really? Is this necessary?
Water is an excellent drink and a healthier alternative to sugary beverages such as soda. However, as long as you’re consuming any form of liquid, your body will remain adequately hydrated.
