As a family doctor, I am exposed to a wide variety of health issues on a daily basis, but some are so common that they become almost part of our daily conversations. One of them is the many misconceptions about drinking water. At the end of the day, I often see patients carrying water bottles that they haven't touched all day, and the water already has a subtle floating film in it. It's not just a question of personal hygiene, it's an issue that can have long-term health implications.
I remember one time, I received a patient who often felt tired and had headaches. After asking him about his diet and lifestyle habits in detail, I found out that he had a habit of filling a large bottle of water every morning and drinking that bottle of water throughout the day, sometimes even the next day. He thinks it's both environmentally friendly and convenient. However, this habit may be one of the reasons for his health problems.
Plain water that has been left out for a long time is prone to spoilage, and not only because of the growth of bacteria in the water. Subtle changes in chemical composition and contaminants in the environment can also slowly accumulate to the point where they can have negative health effects. Through this patient's example, I realized that many people may not realize that their drinking habits may be quietly harming their health.
There is a risk of plain water being left for more than 16 hours
In our daily life, we often have the habit of drinking water, such as drinking a glass of water in the morning or keeping a glass of water on the table in the office. However, few people have noticed that plain water that has been left out for too long can pose a threat to our health.
Growth of bacteria
First of all, even boiled plain water is not immune to the problem of bacterial reproduction. Studies have shown that when boiled water is left at room temperature for more than 16 hours, the total number of bacteria increases significantly. This is because boiling, while killing most of the bacteria in the water, does not ensure an absolutely sterile environment, especially in open containers, where airborne microorganisms can recontaminate the water source.
Chemical changes
In addition to bacteria, there may be some chemical changes that can occur when water is left out for too long. Water that is exposed to air for a long time may absorb impurities such as carbon dioxide from the environment, causing the pH value in the water to gradually decrease, thus affecting the taste and safety of the water. In addition, some plastic containers may release trace amounts of chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), which are potentially harmful to human health after storing water for long periods of time.
Case study
Consider two common scenarios in everyday life: home and office. In families, many people have a habit of leaving a glass of water at the head of the bed overnight so that they can drink it at night or in the morning. In the office, an employee may pour himself a glass of water early in the morning and forget to drink it because he is too busy, and the glass of water may sit all day. These scenarios can easily lead to drinking water that has been left out for too long.
Three common drinking myths
Proper drinking habits are essential to maintaining good health in our daily lives. However, many people have some misconceptions when it comes to drinking water, and these misconceptions can adversely affect our health. Here are three common drinking myths and tips to help you avoid them.
Myth 1: Believe that bottled water is always safe
Many people believe that the bottled water they buy is safer and cleaner than tap water. While bottled water is purified during the production process and may be more drinkable to some extent than tap water, that doesn't mean it can be stored for long periods of time without contamination. Bottled water can be stored for too long, especially after opening, and can easily become contaminated by bacteria. In addition, there is a risk that the chemicals in plastic bottles can leach into the water after prolonged storage, especially in high-temperature environments.
Tip: Try to buy bottled water from reliable brands and pay attention to checking the production and expiration dates. Drink as soon as possible after opening and keep bottled water stored in a cool, dry place.
Myth 2: Relying too much on the water purifier and not cleaning
Water purifiers are common drinking equipment in modern homes, which help remove impurities from tap water and provide safer drinking water. However, some users often ignore the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning after installing a water purifier. If the filter element is not replaced for a long time, its purification effect will be greatly reduced, and it may even become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Suggestion: Regularly check and replace the filter element of the water purifier, and maintain it according to the manufacturer's instructions. This not only ensures the water quality, but also prolongs the life of the water purifier.
Myth 3: Don't drink water on demand and ignore your body's signals
Some people have a habit of drinking water only when they are thirsty, which is actually a warning sign from the body that they are already dehydrated. By the time you feel thirsty, your body may already be mildly dehydrated. In addition, some people drink too much water, believing that drinking more water can "detoxify", but drinking too much water can also cause a burden on the body, especially on kidney function.
Recommendation: Learn to observe your body's needs and drink plenty of water. Adults are generally advised to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day, but this also needs to be adjusted according to individual activity and ambient temperature. At the same time, the water status of the body can be judged by looking at the color of the urine - a clear pale yellow is ideal.
Proper drinking habits and techniques
Water is an integral part of our daily lives. But you know what? There are also many scientific methods and tips for drinking water, which can help us make better use of water to maintain our health. Here are some tips and tricks to help you optimize your water routine.
1. Choose the right storage time
For plain water, the best time to drink it is usually within 24 hours of boiling. After this time, microorganisms in the water may begin to multiply, and dissolved gases and minerals will gradually disappear, affecting the taste and possibly safety of the water. Therefore, it is advisable not to leave boiled water at room temperature for more than a day, especially in a hot or humid environment.
2. Choose and clean drinking containers correctly
It is very important to store water in clean and safe containers. Avoid plastic containers, especially those that are not labeled as edible or of low quality, as they may release harmful substances. Glass or stainless steel containers are recommended, as these materials are more stable and less likely to chemically react with the stored water.
Washing drinking containers regularly, at least once a week, thoroughly with hot water and mild detergents, and then drying, can prevent bacteria from growing.
3. Change the water source regularly
Even if it is filtered water, care should be taken to replace the filtered elements and the water quality should be checked regularly. If the filter is not replaced for a long time, its filtration effect will be greatly reduced, and it may even become a breeding ground for bacteria.
For direct drinking water systems, follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and filter replacement to ensure the purity and safety of the water quality.
4. Drink water according to your body's needs
Everyone's water needs are different and often depend on weight, activity, health and environment. A simple calculation is to multiply your body weight (kg) by 30-35 ml, which is the amount of water you need per day.
Pay attention to your body's signals, such as thirst, urine color (the lighter the color, the more hydrated), etc., to adjust your water intake.
5. Avoid drinking large amounts of water at one time
Distribute the amount of water you drink throughout the day evenly and avoid drinking a lot of water at once, which can lead to a burden on the body's functions, especially on the kidneys. Drinking slowly in small sips and serving multiple portions is a more ideal way to drink water.