The “drink more water” mantra has dominated health advice for decades, but is it outdated? A medical expert weighs in, suggesting that a more nuanced and personalized approach is needed. For many people, this simple advice can lead to overconsumption and its associated risks.
Our kidneys are sophisticated organs that regulate the body’s fluid balance. They function best with a moderate and steady supply of water—around 2-3 liters per day for most adults.
The old mantra can encourage people to drink far beyond this, which doesn’t provide extra health benefits. Instead, it can strain the kidneys and lead to a dilution of the blood’s sodium content.
This can cause a serious condition called hyponatremia, where low sodium levels trigger symptoms like confusion, nausea, and seizures. This highlights the potential danger of following generalized health advice without considering individual needs.
A more modern and accurate mantra would be “drink when you’re thirsty.” This respects the body’s own regulatory systems and is the safest and most effective way for most people to stay perfectly hydrated.
