10 Things You Must Know About Drinking Water

 

We drink water every day, but: Are you drinking it the right way? Are you drinking enough? Are you drinking the best kind? Today, let’s clear up the 10 most common questions about drinking water!

 

How much water should you drink daily?

Adult men should drink 1,700 milliliters per day, and adult women should drink 1,500 milliliters. If you are in a hot environment, doing physical labor, or engaging in intense exercise, aim for at least 500–1,000 milliliters per hour. If you have kidney issues, consult a doctor to determine how much water is safe for you.

 

When is the best time to drink water?

Anytime. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Try to drink water throughout the day in small amounts rather than consuming a large quantity all at once. Keep hydrated continuously.

 

Should you drink honey water or salty water when you wake up?

Neither is recommended. Honey water doesn’t have the promised benefits for digestion, and salty water can actually worsen dehydration, adding additional stress to your body’s metabolism of sugar and salt. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease should definitely avoid these. The best drink for the first cup of the day is plain water—no sugar, no salt, and no burden on your body.

 

Which type of water is the best?

Mineral water, purified water, boiled water, distilled water, or soda water—what’s the best? They are all fine. The difference is in their processing and the mineral content. However, if you want to replenish trace elements, it’s better to eat vegetables, fruits, and meat. The main purpose of drinking water is hydration, so from this perspective, there is no significant difference between these types of water. You can choose whichever suits you.

 

Can you drink "Yin-Yang water"?

It depends. "Yin-Yang water" is a mixture of half cold water and half boiling water. Whether it’s safe to drink depends on the type of cold water used. If the cold water is untreated (e.g., well water or river water), it could contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and should be avoided. If it’s cooled boiled water, it’s perfectly fine to drink as it’s just a mixture of water at different temperatures.

 

Can you drink water that has been boiled multiple times?

Yes, you can. When tap water is boiled repeatedly, even after 8 boils, the amount of nitrites present is only about 1/300th of the safety standard (1 milligram per liter). Even if you drink 1–2 liters of this water per day, it’s difficult to reach a harmful dose of 0.2 grams.

 

Does drinking water before meals affect digestion?

Not if your digestive system is healthy. In fact, drinking water before meals can aid digestion, improve appetite, and even help with weight loss. However, if your digestive system is weak or you already have digestive issues, it’s best to avoid drinking too much water right before eating to avoid overloading your stomach.

 

Is it safe to drink overnight water?

Yes, it is. Boiled water, if covered properly, can be left overnight without issues. Even if left at room temperature for up to 3 days, the nitrite content remains within safe limits and won’t pose a cancer risk.

 

Do health waters really work?

No, they don’t. Claims about health waters like hydrogen-rich water, oxygenated water, and water infused with other elements have no scientific evidence supporting additional health benefits, let alone disease treatment.

 

What kind of water should you absolutely avoid?

Unsafe and unsanitary water. Examples include:

• Untreated raw water (e.g., well water, spring water, or lake water);  
• Water that has been boiled but left uncovered and exposed to air for a long time; 
• Water stored in contaminated containers (e.g., expired or uncleaned water bottles);  
• Overly hot water (water above 65°C could increase the risk of esophageal cancer).