Water myths, busted

From the superiority of bottled water to our optimum daily consumption, we lift the lid on H2O fact/fiction with our five water myths, busted.

We’ve teamed up with Dr Emma Derbyshire, nutritionist and adviser to the Natural Hydration Council, to sort the fact from the fiction.

MYTH: If you drink more water you’ll spend all day on the toilet!
Many of us overlook the water content in food, which, just like any other fluids we drink, can make us need the loo more. We go to the toilet when the intake of water is beyond the amount that the body, at that moment, requires. Dr Derbyshire says: ‘Your body is very clever in that it will absorb and utilise the water that it needs, only excreting the excess.’ She goes on to explain that it’s best to sip fluids little and often rather than gulping large amounts at once. Purposely reducing fluid intake to avoid going to the toilet should be avoided as this can aggravate the lining of the bladder.

MYTH: Buying bottled water is best
Investing in your own longer-lasting water bottle that you keep by your side wherever you go is actually the most convenient – and cheapest – way to hydrate on the go. Fill it up before you leave the house, then refill at the gym, the yoga studio or at work to keep you going all day long. Can’t get access to a water fountain? Why not try a filtered water bottle? We love the Brita Fill&Go bottles – they’re sleek and stylish, and mean you can have access to fresh water wherever you are.

TRUTH: You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day
Dr Derbyshire explains: ‘Scientists will refer to water as a nutrient when advising on fluid intake, which can cause some confusion.’ The European Food Safety Authority recommends an intake of two litres of water per day for women. To supply your body with this amount it’s advised that 70-80 per cent of the intake comes from drinks while the remaining 20-30 per cent comes from food. These figures are backed up by the NHS, which suggests that women should drink eight 200ml glasses of water a day. Dr Derbyshire adds: ‘It’s good to note that water is one of the healthiest ways to hydrate as it contains no calories or sugar.’

TRUTH: You shouldn’t reuse a plastic water bottle
We’re told that reusing a plastic water bottle isn’t safe or beneficial for our health. Dr Derbyshire confirms there is truth behind this myth: ‘In the interest of hygiene and consumer safety it is not advised to reuse single-use bottles. However, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic is the main packaging material used for soft drinks and it is one of the safest plastics for storing them.’

MYTH: You need a sports drink rather than water to help you function during any kind of exercise
To boost performance and promote concentration during sport you don’t necessarily need an energy drink. Dr Derbyshire explains that water will rehydrate you adequately during any mild to moderate form of exercise that lasts less than an hour, such as walking, swimming and golf. For more high-intensity activity on the other hand (like marathon running, competitive cycling and tennis, and exercise that lasts over an hour and causes higher sweat rates), a sports drink may be needed. We like to make our own if we’re at home – check out our speedy recipe from nutritionist Lowri Turner below.

Sports drink recipe
½ cup fresh orange juice
½ cup BRITA filtered water
Pinch of sea salt

Combine all the ingredients together and serve.