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Original poster

"Just drink more water" isn't viable!!

83 replies

Blackbird1234 · 28/01/2022 12:07

I feel like I'm missing something here. Everyone is told that they should be drinking more water for their health, but every time I do it I end up running back and forth to the loo every 20 minutes. I can literally only drink an "adequate" amount of water when I'm sure to be at home for the entire day. I've always had a weak bladder but it really is ridiculous and some of my friends experience the same thing. Am I doing something wrong?!

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 28/01/2022 12:08

If you’re drinking enough to be peeing all the time, you’re getting plenty.

Everyone is obsessed with drinking more water.

How much are you aiming for?

SheWoreYellow · 28/01/2022 12:09

How much are you trying to drink? There is a bit of an obsession of trying to drink loads of water, which really isn’t necessary, but you’d expect to be able to drink a big glass of water or squash (250-330ml) and a few cups of tea over a working day and only go to the loo every couple of hours.

PurpleDaisies · 28/01/2022 12:10

I think a lot of people forget that drinking plain water isn’t the only way we get hydrated. Other things provide water too, like most drinks (not alcohol) and food.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
WouldIBeATwat · 28/01/2022 12:11

I drink 2-3 litres a day and do go to the loo regularly. Usually it settles after about a week. How long have you been drinking more?

gamerchick · 28/01/2022 12:12

@SheWoreYellow

How much are you trying to drink? There is a bit of an obsession of trying to drink loads of water, which really isn’t necessary, but you’d expect to be able to drink a big glass of water or squash (250-330ml) and a few cups of tea over a working day and only go to the loo every couple of hours.
That's not very much liquid for a day.

When you up liquid you do piss like a racehorse for a bit, but you get used to it.

SheWoreYellow · 28/01/2022 12:13

It’s enough for while you’re at work. It’s a litre.

truthfullylying · 28/01/2022 12:18

You have to get used to it I think. Drink more when home, especially in the evening.

whereisnoah · 28/01/2022 12:18

Your bladder is a muscle - you need to train in to cope with more! Grin

Original poster
Blackbird1234 · 28/01/2022 12:21

I'm genuinely not drinking enough. On a normal day I'll have a coffee first thing in the morning, then maybe another one at some point during the day (usually an espresso). Maybe a glass of water (small glass) during the day when I'm working, then maybe about 2 glasses of water in the evening with dinner.
If I try and drink more, I'll have my coffee and then make sure that I have a full glass of water on my desk that I'll sip throughout the day, but it's rarely even a 1,5L bottle and that'll leave me going to the loo every 20-30 mins. It's the same if I drink too much coffee, a cup of tea or a glass of orange juice - it just goes straight through me.

OP posts:
PineappleWilson · 28/01/2022 12:22

No. Apparently (from a friend who drinks loads) if you keep going for about 3 weeks, your body gets used to the extra water and you're no longer dashing to the loo all the time. Keep going for a bit longer.

QuestionsorComments · 28/01/2022 12:22

I consider that the walk down the corridor to the loo is good for my health too Grin

IlIlI · 28/01/2022 12:24

Unpopular opinion but I think we don't need to obsess over water how we all seem to do and usually if you're not thirsty or showing other signs you need more water then you should be fine. We do get water from other things we eat and drink throughout the day too.
But I will say that the needing to run to the loo constantly does die down and you need to go less after a while. When I up my water because I notice I need more I am running to pee all day for a few days so I just usually time it to start on a weekend I'll be home most of the time or something.

PurpleDaisies · 28/01/2022 12:25

What makes you think you’re dehydrated?

chillydownwiththefiregang · 28/01/2022 12:25

I'm with you on this one OP. I think you know your own body. If you're being peeing all the time I wouldn't worry about drinking more, make sure you get lots of fruit and veg, oatmeal and fibre. That's what I do. I just can't cope with lots of fluid.

AlphabetStew · 28/01/2022 12:26

Your bladder is not a muscle. It does have muscles in it.

MaybeHeIsMyCat · 28/01/2022 12:27

It does settle down after a bit
I drink about 6 big mugs of tea a day and then about 1.5l sugar free weak squash

draramallama · 28/01/2022 12:32

I think you know your own body.

I dunno, I think most people don't know their bodies very well actually and aren't very connected to their bodies. As evidenced by not being aware that when you make a change it takes time for it to settle.

BreakingUpWithMyPhone · 28/01/2022 12:32

I'm like this - I'd never be out the bathroom if I drank the recommended number of litres of water per day. I prefer to drink with food / when I fancy it / when I feel thirsty.

Original poster
Blackbird1234 · 28/01/2022 12:33

I don't necessarily think that I'm dehydrated, I've just definitely noticed that I don't drink enough water so have been trying to do better with it. I've tried in the past and it always ends up with me reserving the office loo for the entire day because it's just silly how many times I need to go! It also happens when I eat soup or eat watermelon - clearly, my body doesn't like liquids other than gin, so I shall stick with that Grin

OP posts:
queenrollo · 28/01/2022 12:33

I agree with some others here, you have to keep going and eventually your body gets used to it and you will find the need to urinate so often goes away.

chillydownwiththefiregang · 28/01/2022 12:34

@draramallama

I think you know your own body.

I dunno, I think most people don't know their bodies very well actually and aren't very connected to their bodies. As evidenced by not being aware that when you make a change it takes time for it to settle.

Let me rephrase then, I know my own body.
PurpleDaisies · 28/01/2022 12:34

If you don’t think you’re dehydrated, why do you think you need more water? That’s the point of drinking enough. Confused

ABitOfAShitShow · 28/01/2022 12:35

Some people's bladders don't just get used to it. It's not just a muscle to train - there are nerves and elasticity at play too. Also - we don't all have the same bladder capacity and while bladder training is a thing, a lot of that is really about the mind, not the body and not everyone is starting from the same point physically - or can get to the same place.

OP, I agree with PPs about not fixating on a certain amount each day but I also hear you in that you've identified you aren't getting enough hydration. I guess you can only try to find a happy medium that works for you. You might also want to look at your salt intake - loads of water with no electrolytes is more likely to go straight through you.

Purplewithred · 28/01/2022 12:35

With respect, if you don't think you are dehydrated - ie you are adequately hydrated from what you do drink and from your food - why do you feel you need to drink more water?

wonderstuff · 28/01/2022 12:36

If your wee is dark you need to drink more, if its very pale youre fine. The 2 litre a day thing, like so much advice isnt based on much research and actually includes water in foods, not just drinks. amount you need also depends on heat and how active you are and your own metabolism.

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