Urology Mythbusters: Winter 2022

All drinks are created equal. 

False. (Myth!) Your body needs water to survive and work properly. That’s why staying hydrated is so important. But not all liquids provide the same amount of hydration. Water is always a great choice. One study found that drinks with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein – such as milk – can be an even better choice for keeping you hydrated for longer. Sugar, fat and protein help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach. That keeps hydration happening over a longer period. Other good choices for staying hydrated include juice and sports drinks with electrolytes.

If I have urinary frequency I should restrict water intake. 

False. (Myth!) While limiting what you drink may help a little with urinary frequency, it can also cause dehydration. Drinking less water makes your urine more concentrated. Dark, concentrated urine can irritate your bladder and make urinary frequency worse. Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Most people need about eight, eight-ounce cups of fluid per day. If you drink a lot more than this, you will have to go to the bathroom more often. Spread out your fluids evenly throughout the day. Limiting fluids an hour or more before bedtime will help prevent unwanted nighttime trips to the bathroom and can help reduce kids’ bedwetting.

One can never drink too much water. 

False. (Myth!) In rare cases, drinking too much water leads to a condition called water intoxication. The excess water dilutes sodium in the blood and causes fluids to move inside cells. This causes the cells to swell. You might start to feel confusion, drowsiness and headaches. In extreme cases, water intoxication can lead to high blood pressure, low heart rate and even death. The condition most commonly affects people who take part in sporting events or endurance training. Many liters of water would have to be consumed in a short amount of time to cause water intoxication (one liter equals about four cups). Water is a great choice to drink and you should drink enough water to stay hydrated (about eight, eight-ounce cups of fluid per day).