- Full-fat milk.
- Oral rehydration solution.
- Skimmed milk.
- Orange juice.
- Cola.
- Diet cola.
- Iced tea.
- Hot tea.
- Sports drink.
- Water.
- Sparkling water.
- Lager.
- Coffee.
Why Do Milk and Some Sugary Beverages Have Higher Hydration Potential Than Water?
Mr. Liu explained that the daily intake of fluids is primarily eliminated from the body through four mechanisms. These include excretion by the kidneys in the form of urine, sweating through the skin, elimination through lung respiration, and the formation of feces in the large intestine leading to water excretion.The intake and excretion of water in the human body are generally in equilibrium, Mr. Liu said. However, the rate at which the kidneys excrete fluid can vary when consuming different beverages due to metabolism. Water molecules are absorbed and eliminated more rapidly due to their smaller size, whereas milk’s proteins undergo a hydration reaction, forming larger molecular compounds. As a result, as the study indicates, milk is metabolized more slowly and stays in the body longer than water.
Health Implications of Excess Fluid Retention
Some people worry that prolonged retention of fluids may lead to edema, or swelling. Mr. Liu explained that the human body has self-regulating mechanisms that allow it to eliminate excess water through the kidneys, lungs, and digestive system. However, in individuals with suboptimal health issues, ingested fluids may accumulate in certain areas, a condition referred to as water retention syndrome in TCM.In TCM, water distribution throughout the body is likened to the natural flow of rivers and lakes. Just as some areas in nature may experience water scarcity while others retain water, the body may also experience imbalances. Sometimes, the issue may not necessarily be a matter of insufficient water intake but rather a result of poor circulation or organ dysfunction. Therefore, addressing water deficiency does not always entail increasing fluid intake; it is crucial first to identify the underlying cause of the problem.
Mr. Liu explained that excessive fluid retention in the heart and lungs could lead to palpitations, rapid heartbeat, and chest discomfort. However, it might not necessarily indicate a heart problem. Meanwhile, fluid retention around the kidneys may cause abnormal urination, urinary tract issues, and edema. Fluid retention in the gastrointestinal system can result in bloating, stomach discomfort, and vomiting of clear fluid. Additionally, fluid retention in the limbs may lead to symptoms such as joint pain or restless leg syndrome.
Mr. Liu had a female patient who complained of dizziness, and despite Western medical examinations, the cause of her dizziness remained unidentified. Later, Mr. Liu noticed her tongue coating was excessively moist, indicating an abundance of fluids in her body. After he helped her eliminate excess fluids, her dizziness vanished. Ménière’s disease, caused by fluid accumulation in the inner ear, is a typical example of a condition characterized by localized fluid retention.
- Stimulation of sweating: Sweating removes excess water to treat edema.
- Regulation of spleen function: In TCM, the concept of the spleen refers to the body’s digestive and absorption system rather than just the organ as defined by modern medicine. The spleen plays a vital role in transforming ingested water and food into energy the body needs. If the spleen’s function is impaired, it can affect the body’s ability to regulate water content.
- Regulation of kidney function: Water passes through the kidney’s glomeruli and enters the bladder, where excess water is expelled. In addition to excreting water through urine, the kidneys also play a vital role in regulating metabolism, adjusting fluid excretion according to the body’s water needs.
Summer Hydration and Skin Care Tips
In the summer, our skin requires extra hydration due to increased sweating. Mr. Liu shared four essential tips for maintaining skin moisture:- Use moisturizing sprays to keep your skin hydrated, and apply moisturizing lotions to retain moisture and prevent water loss.
- Drink an adequate amount of water daily. In addition to regular meals, aim to consume 1.2 to 1.5 liters of water to maintain skin hydration.
- Consider using an air humidifier in a dry environment.
- Ensure you don’t get sunburned by watching your sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen when necessary.
Optimal Times to Hydrate
According to Mr. Liu, there are six optimal times for drinking water throughout the day. TCM posits that meridians are the channels through which energy flows in the human body. They are responsible for transporting qi and blood throughout the body, fundamental substances that constitute and sustain human life. The body consists of 12 major meridians, each corresponding to a specific organ. Each day is divided into 12 segments known as “shi chen.” During different shi chen, the qi and blood in the corresponding meridians become particularly active, leading to increased activity in the associated organs and viscera.- 7 a.m.: The large intestine meridian is most active between 5 and 7 a.m.; from 7 to 9 a.m., the stomach meridian reaches its peak activity. Therefore, drinking a glass of plain water (you can add some salt) around 7 a.m. can help stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis and facilitate the elimination of toxins.
- 9 a.m.: The body’s metabolism becomes more active at this time, and replenishing fluids can help boost the process.
- 11:30 a.m. or before lunch: A saying goes, “Drinking soup before meals keeps you slim and healthy.” Drinking liquid before a meal can slightly dilute stomach acid and help reduce hunger, thus aiding in controlling food intake.
- 3 p.m.: Replenishing with liquid is essential as the body metabolizes and absorbs foods consumed around lunchtime.
- 7 p.m.: Drinking water after dinner promotes digestion and absorption, improving gastrointestinal peristalsis.
- 9 p.m. or before bedtime: Drinking water at this time helps lower blood concentration, improves blood circulation, and reduces the risk of blood clots and nighttime strokes. However, it is advisable not to consume excessive water to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom, which can disrupt sleep quality.
