You’d be in dire straits if you went consecutive days without drinking water. But the notion that eight glasses of water per day is ideal—that’s shaky reasoning. From the looks of it, we’re a civilization preoccupied with obtaining our eight glasses of water a day.

While being hydrated is crucial, how many of us see hydration doesn’t fully line up with what the research tells us. We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent ways you could be drinking water incorrectly, as well as what you should be doing instead. Read up, drink up, and don’t forget to stock up on the healthiest foods to eat right now while you’re at it.

Not drinking water with alcohol

Drinking Water The Correct Way

Alcoholic beverages are diuretics, which means they cause your body to produce more urine. And excessive peeing might cause dehydration. To counteract this, drink one glass of water for every cup of coffee or alcoholic beverage you consume.

You underappreciated the water content in substantial foods

Drinking Water The Correct Way

Approximately 20% of our regular H2O consumption comes from solid meals, specifically veggies and fruits. Although it is important to be careful of how much water your system requires, you may also replenish with fruits and vegetables, the majority of which are mostly water.

For example, a cucumber is 96.7 per cent water. However, except for pure water, these meals are high in a variety of minerals and vitamins. Drinking a considerable amount of water is a wonderful method to attain your health and fitness objectives.

Not drinking a full glass of water with pills

Drinking Water The Correct Way

Do not drink only enough to get them down your throat. Take advantage of vitamins and medicine as a chance to hydrate. A full glass of water also prevents drugs from becoming lodged in your oesophagus and aggravating it. It also aids in the absorption of water-soluble vitamins.

Including artificial ingredients 

Drinking Water The Correct Way

It’s good occasionally, but it’s not something you should do every day. According to research, artificial flavourings and sweeteners may increase your risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer. They can also make you feel more hungry. Anything containing sugar, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, or sucralose should be avoided. Instead, use lemon, lime, mint, herbs, or cucumbers. But don’t forget to first wash them.

“When I’m tired I don’t reach for it”

Drinking Water The Correct Way

Do you feel tired but don’t know why? It might be an indication of dehydration. You don’t have to be unwell or engage in strenuous exercise to get thirsty. Every day, you lose water via essential bodily operations such as breathing and defecating.

You’re not taking your time

Drinking Water The Correct Way

A glass or two of water is OK, but don’t get out of bed and drink a gallon. There is no proof that it increases your metabolism. You also don’t want to drink a lot before bed and spend the entire night in the bathroom. This interferes with your sleep. Instead, sip slowly throughout the day. Experts advise consuming no more than 1 litre each hour.

Taking a drink from a river or a stream

Drinking Water The Correct Way

Natural water sources may appear clear and pure, but they can be contaminated by a variety of factors. Toxic plants, animal pee and dung, and illicit chemical dumping are examples of this. Before using natural water, use filtration tablets or water filters to clean it.