06/08/2023
ON WATER
I don’t know about you, but I keep forgetting to drink water. Being hydrated is essential for good health and bodily functions.
Much to many people’s misconceptions coffee and caffeinated teas do not cut the mustard. Caffeinated drinks are a diuretic meaning they make you get rid of water and urinate more. The amount is very dependent on how much of the caffeinated drinks you are having every day and the strength of your drinks. One black tea or one coffee unlikely to make much difference, 6-8 cups well then you might need to think about it.
A strong black tea or a double shot of coffee is different to a weak tea and a single shot of coffee. The higher the caffeine levels the more of an effect it has. Caffeinated drinks on their own will not dehydrate you as such but they also do not help your cause. So, for every black tea or coffee you consume its good practice to down a glass of water.
I found it quite interesting in Italy when I travelled there in my early 20’s that every coffee served they provided alongside it a tall glass of water. Makes sense, right?
When chatting to patients over the years I discovered that many people don’t like water. When I first started out in practice in my head, I would go, who doesn’t like water? What is not to like? I don’t get it. However, with more and more people describing this phenomenon I really had to think about it a lot and ask them more questions.
I realise that as children they were not regularly offered water. Milk, juice and soft drinks were common in their diet and so unflavoured liquids just didn’t taste right for them. This tells me that to a point it is about training the taste buds to want something different.
Short and simple water is the best way to stay hydrated and has no ill effects on our stomach, bowel or renal system (kidneys).
So a trick to start getting use to drinking water: Add a squeeze of lemon juice, some slices of cucumber, mint, herbs to start and then gradually take those out until water doesn’t bother you anymore. Below is my daughter’s creation when she needs something a little more refreshing.
- Pili Munoz