Introduction: Water is the source of life. We drink water to better replenish the body's fluids. However, there are right and wrong ways to drink water. Not all water is safe to drink, and it's not something you can do carelessly. The following ten deadly drinking habits are absolutely forbidden!
1. Never Cleaning the Water Dispenser
Bottled water and water dispensers are very common in homes, offices, and public places. Have you ever thought about the water dispenser you use? It probably hasn't been "bathed" since it was placed there. Although a water dispenser seems to provide high-quality water, it can actually cause serious "secondary pollution." Every time you open the tap, you hear a "gurgling" sound and see bubbles rising from the bottle. This is air entering, which brings in dust and microorganisms. According to data from the National Environmental Hygiene Monitoring Department, the cold and water tanks in a bottled water dispenser will breed large amounts of bacteria, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus, if not cleaned for three months. Therefore, it is best to clean it once a month, or once every two weeks in the summer. Office water dispensers, due to frequent use, need to be cleaned even more often.
2. Not Drinking at Least 6 Cups of Water a Day
Office workers often neglect to drink water due to work, and over time, this can damage the bladder and kidneys. The "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents" recommends that adults with light physical activity living in a temperate climate should drink a minimum of 1200 milliliters of water per day, which is about 6 cups. If you are very active or sweat a lot, you should increase your water intake accordingly to replenish fluids in time. Some people may ask, "I've always heard that you should drink at least 2000 milliliters, or 8 cups of water a day. Why is it only 1200 milliliters now?" In fact, the 2000 milliliters refers to the total amount of water a person needs in a day. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of water, and even staple foods and meat do. A large part of the water our bodies need comes from food. Six cups is the minimum amount; some people need to drink more. For example, drinking more water can calm a restless mood, help obese people manage their weight, and it's also important to replenish fluids after exercise or a shower.
3. Drinking Tap Water as Soon as It Boils
Drinking boiled water is a good habit in China, but did you know you shouldn't drink it the moment it boils? Because our tap water is disinfected with chlorine, the chlorine can combine with residual organic matter in the water to produce various carcinogenic compounds such as haloforms. Jiang Weibo, a professor at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering at China Agricultural University, suggests a three-step process when boiling water: first, let the tap water sit for a while before boiling it; second, open the lid when the water is about to boil; and third, after the water has boiled, let it sit for 3 minutes before turning off the heat. This will reduce the chlorine content in the water to a safe drinking standard, making it truly "boiled water."
4. Not Drinking Water Before Bed
It's not advisable to drink too much water before bed, but you can take a few sips, especially for the elderly. When a person is in a deep sleep, the body loses moisture, causing the water content in the blood to decrease and making the blood thicker. Drinking a little water before bed can reduce blood viscosity, thereby lowering the risk of cerebral thrombosis. In addition, during the dry autumn and winter, water can moisten the respiratory tract and help you fall asleep better.
5. Loving Bottled Water
Convenient to carry and drink straight from the bottle, bottled water consumption in China is increasing at an annual rate of 30%. However, experts point out that the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used for bottled water often contain substances that can cause chronic poisoning in the human body. This is especially true when the bottles are in a high-temperature environment or are not finished promptly after being opened, as harmful substances can leach into the water and harm your health. Therefore, bottled water must not be exposed to heat or direct sunlight. "Many people like to keep a case of water in their car, which is wrong. Especially in the summer, the temperature in the trunk is very high, which can easily allow harmful substances to enter the water." Experts suggest that the best way is to buy a good-quality water bottle and carry your own water, which is both safe and environmentally friendly.
6. Not Replenishing Water After Eating Salty Food
Eating too salty food can lead to high blood pressure, as well as reduce saliva secretion and cause oral mucosal edema. If you eat something salty, the first thing you should do is drink more water, preferably plain water or lemon water. Try to avoid sugary drinks and yogurt, as excessive sugar can also increase the feeling of thirst. Light soybean milk is also a good choice; it is over 90% water, contains a lot of potassium to promote sodium excretion, and has a light, sweet taste.
7. Drinking Re-boiled Water
"More and more families are using electric kettles now. Many people can't finish the boiled water at once and re-boil it later. It's best not to drink this re-boiled water," experts say. Boiled water should be finished in one go and not reheated repeatedly. Many people worry if the water in a dispenser is re-boiled water. Due to material limitations, the maximum temperature of water in a dispenser is generally around 90 degrees Celsius, which is not boiling, so it is not re-boiled water. "However, the best time to drink bottled water is within 1-15 days after it leaves the factory. Once it exceeds 15 days, there are too many bacteria in the water, and it should not be consumed."
8. Only Drinking Water When Thirsty
A domestic survey shows that 70% of people only drink water when they feel thirsty. What they don't realize is that by the time you feel thirsty, your body has already lost at least 1% of its water. Drinking water is not just to quench thirst, but to participate in metabolism and be absorbed by the body. Long-term dehydration increases blood viscosity and can trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. At the same time, the less attention you pay to drinking water, the lower your desire to drink will become, and you will become more and more "drought-stricken." Therefore, you need to replenish water in time, whether you are thirsty or not. Carry a bottle of water with you when you go out and take a sip whenever you can. Place several water cups in your office or home and take advantage of any opportunity to drink.
9. Not Drinking Water in the Morning Leads to Regret Later
The first glass of water in the morning is truly life-saving water, and middle-aged and elderly people should pay special attention to it. After a night of metabolism, all the waste products in the body need to be flushed out. Drinking a glass of water can lower blood viscosity and increase circulating blood volume. The best water for the morning is one of the following three types: the first is clear water, such as boiled water or mineral water, which can lower blood viscosity; the second is lemon water, as citric acid can boost morning appetite; the third is light salt water, which is very beneficial for people with constipation.
10. Not Drinking Water According to Your Body Type and Using Drinks as a Substitute
"Plain water has no flavor, I'd rather drink beverages." Many children hold onto cola and fruit-flavored drinks all day, using them as a substitute for water. This is like paying for an illness. "It not only fails to hydrate the body but can also reduce appetite and affect digestion and absorption," experts say. If you must drink flavored water, you should also adjust it according to your own constitution. For example, people with constipation can drink some honey water or fruit and vegetable juice to promote intestinal peristalsis; while people with a "cold stomach" should drink less of the "cooling" green tea, herbal tea, or juice, and more of the "warming" black tea or ginger sugar water.