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Original poster

To really swear by drinking water ?

162 replies

Jumell · 24/12/2024 07:38

I’m currently on a diet /exercise plan and trying to aim for drinking 2 litres of water a day.

I don’t mix my water with anything else - it’s just straight tap water but omg it makes such a difference to everything. It improves my

Skin
Digestion

Can speed up weight loss but ONLY as part of a calorie controlled diet and exercise plan - won’t make you lose weight on its own !

So yes - something this simple really makes a huge difference to wellbeing and 2 litres of tap water a day costs next to nothing

I was thinking yesterday as well that clean drinking water is something we take for granted in a rich, developed nation like the UK. Was thinking that if I lived in one of the world’s Least Developed Countries I might be walking 10 miles a day for this privelege!

So yes - water I think is an excellent ‘superfood’ as they say - or ‘superdrink’

And I say this as someone who isn’t really a ‘natural’ water drinker - I don’t really like drinking it - much prefer drinking Diet Coke/Pepsi Max if given a choice ! But this is why I space my water drinking out throughout the day - so 500 ml every 3 hours or something ! Makes it easier !

So in short - highly recommended!

OP posts:
zzplex · 24/12/2024 08:31

DustyLee123 · 24/12/2024 07:48

I started drinking 2 litres a day but it made me get up in the night for a wee, so I stopped

Drink most of it early in the day. There was an article in the media a while ago about "front loading" fluids by drinking them early and not waiting til the evening to become thirsty (and then needing to pee in the night). I think it might have been in The Guardian.

ThejoyofNC · 24/12/2024 08:30

I spluged on a Stanley cup (1.5L) and aim to drink the whole thing each day. It's a great cup because it keeps your water cold all day, the ice doesn't even melt, and the fact I spent £45 on it is a good incentive!

Foxblue · 24/12/2024 08:29

Catza · 24/12/2024 08:16

It wouldn't have made any difference though. The counterintuitive thing is that your body utilises H2O molecules in the exact same way regardless of whether it comes from water, milk, soup or diet pop. It's all the same. In fact, there are studies which quite confidently point that water has pretty bad short term hydration potential compared to milk and tea, for example.
The original water consumption guidance suggested 1,5l of water and stipulated that most of it should come from food. Somehow, the guidance changed over the years with the liquid "requirement" growing exponentially but, sadly, there is still no evidential base for it.
"Drink when you are thirsty" is a good rule of thumb. Anything else is a wonderful power of placebo in action.

Show quote history

This is so interesting, because my skin is visibly better and my digestion significantly better when I drink 1.5l a day on top of what I get from food and cups of tea - i drank only when thirsty when I was younger and struggled with my skin and digestion - perhaps I wasn't getting enough water in my diet or wasn't as thirsty as normal?

oviraptor21 · 24/12/2024 08:28

Absolutely not. Felt awful - weighed down by a lead balloon when trying to get 8 pints of water a day following surgery.
Now I keep hydrated with water flavoured with phosphoric acid and a few other additives. 😉 Digestion/skin/concentration all tip top!

asparagusffern · 24/12/2024 08:27

I agree, making a concerted effort to drink more water has made a huge difference to me. My digestive system has really benefited.

I find the sweet spot for me is 1.5 litres, and if I drink it before 6pm I don't need to get up in the night to wee

Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 08:26

Catza · 24/12/2024 08:24

Oh, absolutely. I am not negating your experience at all. I am simply pointing out that our good old bodies are marvelous things and can extract H2O from pretty much anything we consume. The added benefit of drinking when dieting is that it dulls you appetite as well. So all good, I am by no means discouraging you from drinking.

Show quote history

Ag yes that’s a good point you make about water and appetite 🙌

OP posts:
Catza · 24/12/2024 08:24

Jumell · 24/12/2024 08:18

You might well be right here but all I can say is it makes a huge physical and even psychological difference to me

Show quote history

Oh, absolutely. I am not negating your experience at all. I am simply pointing out that our good old bodies are marvelous things and can extract H2O from pretty much anything we consume. The added benefit of drinking when dieting is that it dulls you appetite as well. So all good, I am by no means discouraging you from drinking.

Moonlightstars · 24/12/2024 08:23

Funnily my friend today was talking about this. She also was a massive diet coke fan and drink it everyday. She went cold turkey and said that alone made her feel so much better!

Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 08:23

Unescorted · 24/12/2024 08:19

She hasn't got dementia.... Just a bloody mindedness. When she is poorly my brother/ carer fawns all over her. When she is well he is an abusive arse. She chooses not to drink because it is the lesser of 2 evils. I am aware of how dreadful this sounds.... But have been unable to disrupt the dynamic of their relationship despite trying.

I sympathise this sounds so difficult

sounds like your mum ideally needs to get away from him

OP posts:
Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 08:21

Cuppaand2biscuits · 24/12/2024 08:19

The world's best kept secret is Rooibos or Redbush tea, caffeine free, without milk it is as hydrating as water but full of antioxidants.
I drink it all day long.

Ah haven’t heard of this thanks for heads up

OP posts:
Unescorted · 24/12/2024 08:19

She hasn't got dementia.... Just a bloody mindedness. When she is poorly my brother/ carer fawns all over her. When she is well he is an abusive arse. She chooses not to drink because it is the lesser of 2 evils. I am aware of how dreadful this sounds.... But have been unable to disrupt the dynamic of their relationship despite trying.

Cuppaand2biscuits · 24/12/2024 08:19

The world's best kept secret is Rooibos or Redbush tea, caffeine free, without milk it is as hydrating as water but full of antioxidants.
I drink it all day long.

isthesolution · 24/12/2024 08:18

I drink about 3l of water per day. I feel absolutely terrible if I don't - so yes , you are right!

Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 08:18

Catza · 24/12/2024 08:16

It wouldn't have made any difference though. The counterintuitive thing is that your body utilises H2O molecules in the exact same way regardless of whether it comes from water, milk, soup or diet pop. It's all the same. In fact, there are studies which quite confidently point that water has pretty bad short term hydration potential compared to milk and tea, for example.
The original water consumption guidance suggested 1,5l of water and stipulated that most of it should come from food. Somehow, the guidance changed over the years with the liquid "requirement" growing exponentially but, sadly, there is still no evidential base for it.
"Drink when you are thirsty" is a good rule of thumb. Anything else is a wonderful power of placebo in action.

Show quote history

You might well be right here but all I can say is it makes a huge physical and even psychological difference to me

OP posts:
Catza · 24/12/2024 08:16

ShillyShallySherbet · 24/12/2024 07:53

Two of my friends were moaning about the fact they couldn’t have any cake when we were out the other day because they will put on so much weight. The thing is they both don’t like water, tea or coffee so they just drink can after can of Diet Coke all day thinking it’s healthy as it’s diet. It would be such a simple change to switch to water and make such a difference but I didn’t have the guts to point that out.

It wouldn't have made any difference though. The counterintuitive thing is that your body utilises H2O molecules in the exact same way regardless of whether it comes from water, milk, soup or diet pop. It's all the same. In fact, there are studies which quite confidently point that water has pretty bad short term hydration potential compared to milk and tea, for example.
The original water consumption guidance suggested 1,5l of water and stipulated that most of it should come from food. Somehow, the guidance changed over the years with the liquid "requirement" growing exponentially but, sadly, there is still no evidential base for it.
"Drink when you are thirsty" is a good rule of thumb. Anything else is a wonderful power of placebo in action.

PinkPanther50 · 24/12/2024 08:14

Unescorted · 24/12/2024 07:51

Having just taken my mum to a&e because of dehydration I cannot agree with you more. Each symptom my mum listed was met with "that will improve if you drink more water". Had an IV looked a million times better... Now back home and refusing to drink and she is deteriorating again.

Feeling a bit crap people... Have a glass of water.

You can get a thing called jelly drops which are ‘sweets’ but help keep you hydrated, ideal for helping people with dementia who won’t drink, they may help your mum.

RampantIvy · 24/12/2024 08:13

ChristmasGrinch24 · 24/12/2024 07:45

Makes a huge difference.
I don't like tap water (tastes chemically where I am) but I drink bottled water and aim for 3-4 a day.
I always feel less brain fogged, more energy & focused when I do! Also my skin doesn't feel as dry as the dessert when I do. Grin

Why not buy a jug with a water filter instead of creating all that plastic waste?

I keep properly hydrated, but I add a tea bag and some milk to my hot water.

When it is cold I am never thirsty, and I have to be thirsty to fancy a drink of cold water, so I would get deydrated if I wasn't a tea drinker.

Lemonadeand · 24/12/2024 08:13

sweetpickle2 · 24/12/2024 07:46

I am terrible with remembering to drink water (ADHD) and will often get to the end of the work day and realised I’ve not had any, I wish I could be better at it! Going to make it one of my New Year’s resolutions.

Can you get one of those water bottles with different times of day on it?

Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 08:03

nouveaunomduplume · 24/12/2024 07:58

I find attempts to do so come out as gargling sounds. Better to drink the water, then swear afterwards..

🤣🤣.

finally found someone with my sense of humour ..

OP posts:
EmpressaurusKitty · 24/12/2024 08:03

I’ve got one of those bottles with markings for every 2 hours. It makes it much easier to stay on track.

Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 08:02

ChristmasGrinch24 · 24/12/2024 07:45

Makes a huge difference.
I don't like tap water (tastes chemically where I am) but I drink bottled water and aim for 3-4 a day.
I always feel less brain fogged, more energy & focused when I do! Also my skin doesn't feel as dry as the dessert when I do. Grin

Yes - thats exactly it - less brain fogged !!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 07:58

DustyLee123 · 24/12/2024 07:48

I started drinking 2 litres a day but it made me get up in the night for a wee, so I stopped

Yes admittedly- this is one of the downsides

OP posts:
nouveaunomduplume · 24/12/2024 07:58

I find attempts to do so come out as gargling sounds. Better to drink the water, then swear afterwards..

Original poster
Jumell · 24/12/2024 07:57

ShillyShallySherbet · 24/12/2024 07:53

Two of my friends were moaning about the fact they couldn’t have any cake when we were out the other day because they will put on so much weight. The thing is they both don’t like water, tea or coffee so they just drink can after can of Diet Coke all day thinking it’s healthy as it’s diet. It would be such a simple change to switch to water and make such a difference but I didn’t have the guts to point that out.

Tbh relatively recently I was exactly like your friends - just drinking loads of Diet Coke and tea /coffee. It’s nicer tbh and the kick you get from the caffeine is just chef’s kiss!!!!

However I still now drink Diet Coke and loadsa coffee just interspersed with 2 litres water - when I can - a day 🙌

OP posts:
Unescorted · 24/12/2024 07:56

sweetpickle2 · 24/12/2024 07:54

I do this, then get distracted by something else and forget till the next one goes off 😂 but am going to make a real concerted effort.

Edited
Show quote history

So do I...but I try