Frugal Tip 31: Water

Earlier this year, I started posting a more in depth look at each of the frugal tips. Over the next few weeks I will publish the frugal tips that I have collected. Please note that not every tip will work for everyone. Chose as many of the tips that will work with you and your family and start implementing them. Today we will proceed with Tip #31 Only drink water.

This one I don't do as much as I should. In fact I was even taken to task for drinking one can of soda by some of my readers. One of whom actually suggested this tip. So I thought I would include it. Yes, it would be healthier (then soda) and yes if you use tap water it would be cheaper then bottled or any other beverage you would buy. However, NPR found some myths associated with the whole drink more water thing. Let's take a look.

Myth No. 1: Drink Eight Glasses Each Day

Scientists say there's no clear health benefit to chugging or even sipping water all day. So where does the standard advice of drinking eight glasses each day come from? "Nobody really knows," says Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, a kidney expert at the University of Pennsylvania.
- National Public Radio

Myth No. 2: Drinking Lots of Water Helps Clear Out Toxins

The kidneys filter toxins from our bloodstreams. Then the toxins clear through the urine. The question is, does drinking extra water each day improve the function of the kidneys?

"No," says Goldfarb. "In fact, drinking large amounts of water surprisingly tends to reduce the kidney's ability to function as a filter. It's a subtle decline, but definite."
- National Public Radio

Myth No. 3: Lots of Water Equals Healthier Skin
Myth No. 4: Drinking Extra Water Leads to Weight Loss
Fact it's more helpful but it is not the magical fix-all.
Myth No. 5: It's Easy to Get Dehydrated During a Workout

Dehydration sets in when a person has lost 2 percent of his or her body weight. So for a 200-pound man, this means losing 4 pounds of water.

Marathon runners, bikers and hikers all need to recognize the signs of dehydration. "It is also obvious that individuals in hot, dry climates have increased need for water," says Goldfarb.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that athletes drink 16 ounces of fluids a couple of hours before starting sports practice.

But for a stroll in the park, no water bottle is necessary. Goldfarb's advice: Just drink when you're thirsty.
- National Public Radio

Okay so there you have it. What do you think? You have now heard from the experts. Can we all do a better job with water consumption? Sure we could. We just need to do so in balance.


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