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Water-Guzzling Benefits Don't Wash

No proof 8 glasses a day does a body good: study

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 3, 2008 12:22 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Kidney experts looking into the alleged health benefits of drinking lots of water have found the evidence to be far from watertight, Reuters reports. Claims that increased water intake improves skin tone, flushes toxins from the body, reduces appetite, and prevents headaches have little solid research behind them, according to a study to be published in the Journal of American Phrenology.

"Our bottom line was that there was no real science behind these claims and that they probably represent folklore," a researcher said. The findings pour cold water on claims that eight glasses a day boosts health, but the doctors emphasized they also found no reasons not to drink water. "Drink when you're thirsty," one said. "That's the way your body is designed."

The researchers said it was fine to drink as much or as little water as one liked as long as serious dehydration or water excess was avoided.
The researchers said it was fine to drink as much or as little water as one liked as long as serious dehydration or water excess was avoided.   (Getty Images)
Kidney specialists discovered that drinking more water did not translate into any clear health benefits.
Kidney specialists discovered that drinking more water did not translate into any clear health benefits.   ((c) Bludgeoner86)
Researchers found that while athletes and people in hot, dry climates needed lots of water, there was little to back up the belief that people needed eight glasses per day.
Researchers found that while athletes and people in hot, dry climates needed lots of water, there was little to back up the belief that people needed eight glasses per day.   (Shutter Stock)
Water, specifically eight glasses of it a day, might not be as good for you as billed.
Water, specifically eight glasses of it a day, might not be as good for you as billed.   (Shutter Stock)
Water, specifically eight glasses of it a day, might not be as good for you as billed.
Water, specifically eight glasses of it a day, might not be as good for you as billed.   (Shutter Stock)
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Study finds water claims don't hold water
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health • water • medical research • kidney • drinking water

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