Are modern people drinking water "too frequently"?
Many people carry water bottles with them and drink water all day long, but judging from the lifestyle of our ancestors, they did not drink water constantly all day long.
While the body needs water, the frequency of drinking water may be more important than the amount of water consumed.
Some studies have shown that the act of feeling thirsty itself can produce an important hormone called oxytocin .
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Thirst can increase oxytocin levels, which can help reduce stress.
Oxytocin is often referred to as the "trust and connection hormone".
Its functions include:
- Lower stress hormones (such as cortisol)
- Enhance sense of security and emotional stability
- Enhance social interaction
- Enhance intimate connections and trust
Thirst can prompt the body to release more oxytocin.
If you drink water all day long, your body is less likely to send out real thirst signals, and thus less likely to activate this natural stress-relief mechanism.
In addition, the following factors can also increase oxytocin:
- Heat and sweat
- Positive interactions with people or animals
- Share and help others
- Social communication
Therefore, "not drinking water too frequently" may actually reduce stress.
Another problem with drinking too much water: diluting sodium in the body.
Drinking too much water can dilute sodium levels, affecting the body's electrolyte balance and even leading to hyponatremia .
Too low sodium levels can cause:
- Weakness, fatigue
- Increased burden on the adrenal glands
- Sympathetic overactivity
- tension
- Decreased sleep quality
Sodium deficiency can also lead to cramps, abdominal pain, and even increased insulin resistance.
Therefore, it is very important to maintain sufficient sodium levels and avoid excessive dilution of body fluids with water.
If you are concerned that sodium intake will raise your blood pressure, you can increase your potassium intake at the same time to maintain a balance.
When is the right time to drink water?
The key advice is not to "drink less water," but rather to "avoid frequent, constant sipping."
You can try:
- Drink water only when you are truly thirsty.
- Do not force yourself to drink large amounts of water before meals (to avoid diluting stomach acid).
- Focus your water intake on times when you feel thirsty, rather than taking only a few sips throughout the day.
Our bodies lose water daily through breathing, sweating, urination, and dry weather, so drinking water is still important, but the "rhythm" is even more crucial.
Especially in winter when humidity is low, the body is more likely to lose moisture due to dry air, so don't neglect your need to stay hydrated.
Microplastic risks from plastic drinking bottles
Drinking bottled water regularly has another hidden concern:
- On average, one may ingest approximately 16,000 microplastic particles per year.
- Opening the bottle cap once may release approximately 500 microplastic particles.
- Approximately 93% of bottled water in plastic containers tested positive for microplastics.
This is an additional factor worth considering when choosing a drinking method.
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Conclusion: Drinking water intermittently is more in line with the body's rhythm.
Water is necessary, but it doesn't need to be consumed all day long.
Drinking water according to thirst signals will not only prevent you from becoming dehydrated, but may also increase oxytocin, reduce stress, and allow your body to return to a more natural rhythm.
At the same time, avoiding excessive dilution of electrolytes can help the body function more balanced and the mind more stable.
YouTube source: https://youtu.be/Ci3Fto7a9-o
YouTube Column: Dr. Berg's Chinese Health Knowledge
