Water Intake Myths & WLS?

Hey Guys,

Just wondering if anyone has the skinny on this recent article that says there's no evidence in favor of (or against for that matter) increasing water intake or even drinking water, unless you are thirsty. Does anyone know if the "thirsty" rule applies to us?

Here's the article link and an excerpt, and below there's link to similar  2002 article:

2008 article -

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20080302211643data_trunc_sy s.shtml

"Their review also looked at studies related to the notion that increased water intake improves kidney function and helps to clear toxins. While drinking water does have an impact on the clearance of various substances by the kidney, these studies did not indicate any sort of clinical benefit that might result.

The researchers also questioned water's effects on the functioning of organs. They indicate tha****er retention in the body is variable and depends on the speed with which water is ingested — if it is gulped quickly, water is more likely to be excreted, while if it is sipped slowly, it is retained in the body. However, none of the studies documented any sort of benefit to organs based on increased water intake, regardless of speed.

Negoianu and Goldfarb also pooh-poohed the theory that drinking more water will make people feel full and curb their appetite. In addition, water has been touted as an elixir for improved skin tone, but no studies have shown any clinical benefit to skin tone as a result of increased water intake."

2002 article-

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20020711213420data_trunc_sy s.shtml

Thanks,

Dave

I don't know, I know I feel better when I drink my 60 ounces a day (I count decaf and sugar free water based drinks as water, i.e. decaf iced tea), maybe that is all in my head.  I didn't realize the effect the diet soda was having on me until I went cold turkey before my surgery, this was a big culprit in my head hunger.  I also have to say, it seems to me that many people here feel that by drinking enough water it helps keep the weight loss going.  I guess that my feeling is that unless you are drinking gallons of water a day or you have a medical condition that makes you limit your fluid intake, drink water should not have a negative effect on your health.

My Doc wants me to drink 60 ounces of fluid a day, with only one serving of caffeine a day.   I trusted him enough to let him reroute my insides, so I am going to follow these instructions.  I tend to follow the belief that if you become thirsty, you are dehydrated and have not been drinking enough.

I would think with the workout programs that many guys have on this board, they would even be loosing more fluid via sweating that they have replace. 

I don't have any scientific information to back up these beliefs, but it seems to work for me.

Jim 

For WLS folk I would assume the benefit would be a greater sense of satiation. The studies did not include people with reduced absorption due to WLS or those who were in Ketosis, or athletes, or even  those ‘working out.’ “Valtin emphasizes that his conclusion is limited to healthy adults in a temperate climate leading a largely sedentary existence -- precisely, he points out, the population and conditions that the "at least" in 8 x 8 refers to. At the same time, he stresses that large intakes of fluid, equal to and greater than 8 x 8, are advisable for the treatment or prevention of some diseases, such as kidney stones, as well as under special cir****tances, such as strenuous physical activity, long airplane flights or hot weather.” Low water consumption is listed as the #1 cause of the development of Kidney stones. And while a body is in Ketosis, extra water assists removal from the system. (at the very least, the water increase dilutes Ketone saturation) For the Average Joe sitting in an office not losing weight with complete digestive system, I’m sure the studies are right on target.  However, I didn’t find evidence of the drawbacks of “Too Much of a Good Thing” except simple self-delusion. In order to have adverse effects of “Water Over-dose” one has to take in FAR More than the “8x8” amount. Best Wishes- Dx

Hey Dave,







I can just share some anecdotal information about me personally. I have chronic kidney disease (right kidney is 50% functional, left is 75%), and i've always been told by my doctors that healthy kidney function is directly related to high water intake.







Also, the many times i've been hospitalized for this condition over the years, i've almost ALWAYS been dehydrated to some degree, when I've developed a kidney infection and required hospitalization.







I know that since my WL surgery in 3/07, i have been very strict in getting my water in, most days exceeding 100 ounces - and, i haven't had a single problem with my kidneys (i'm sure all my organs appreciate the 270 pound weight loss too LOL)..... But, for me I know the water intake has sure helped me to "flush" the toxins - and this has always been stressed by my nephrologist and internist.







So, that's my experience, and I think my kidneys would agree



Chuck

A few things come to mind;  Kidney stones (as DX has mentioned), gout (which can be related to kindey stones, having high uric acid). Dehydration early on....For anyone losing weight quickly there is a great concern for maintaining a water balance.  Dehydration is the # 1 reason for readmits to the hospital after WLS. For those who have stableized in their weight it may not be an issue.  But just warning those who are dropping quickly...DON'T SHORT YOUR WATER.  Brian  PS if I recall when we work or exercise and become slighly dehydrated, sometimes our body will tell us it is hungry.  It is not hungry, it is thirsty.  You would see this in the summer quite a bit.  You rehydrate yourself and the hunger goes away. 

Thanks, Guys!

Time to go drink some more water, I guess.

Best Wishes,

Dave

As I understand it from other articles, the kidneys flush out about 64 oz of fluid per day so it is necessary for us to replenish that amount daily.  Other than tha****er is important for flushing out fat.

From personal experience, I told my doctor that I know that I don't get the required amount of water in that I'm "suppose" to. I also said that it's because I'm rarely thirsty..so it's hard. He told me that I don't show any signs of being dehydrated, and that I should drink when I'm thirsty and not worry about it.  It's very hard for me to force fluids.

I was thinking the same thing - strictly in terms of hydration, not satiety - Your body will tell you when you need water. I'm certain though tha****er does help me to more quickly feel like I've taken in enough food.

Best Wishes,

Dave

Im not real fond of plain water, but I have no problem getting down Iced tea.   Ive noticed that when I'm really busy around the house, I forget to drink,  After a while I notice I am getting disoriented, and confused,  Once i realize what is happening, a little break with some refreshments does the trick for me, kevin