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Apr 2, 2008 6:39 pm US/Eastern
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Health: Too Much Water?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Water, water everywhere, you don't have to look far to see people toting around a steady supply of hydration. A Philadelphia researcher said there is no need to drink so much water.
"It's quite clear that human beings need water," said Nephrologist, Stanley Goldfarb with the Hospital of University of Pennsylvania.
Beyond survival, it's believed water does everything from remove toxins, to make skin glow. It's even touted as a weight loss aid.
"Water is truly natures best appetite suppressant," said weight loss expert Julia Griggs.
Like many dieters, Julia increased her intake of water as she shed 130 pounds.
But Dr. Goldfarb says those trips to the tap, might be overrated.
"Drinking eight ounces of water, eight times a day really has no basis in scientific fact," said Dr. Goldfarb.
That's right, after pouring over numerous studies, he found there really aren't any obvious benefits linked to drinking that much water.
That goes for you skin.
"No evidence that anybody had actually demonstrated a glowing complexion or an improvement in the skin," said Dr. Goldfarb.
And it's no help to your waistline either.
"There was no objective evidence to show that drinking water either before your meal, with your meal would really reduce your caloric intake," said Dr. Goldfarb.
"As far filling up on water to cleanse toxins, it might work in the washing machine but not our bodies.
"It causes you to go to the bathroom more often but not to increase your excretion of toxins. And if anything, it might reduce it slightly," said Dr. Goldfarb.
He says you really only need water when your body says so.
"If you're thirsty, drink. If you're not thirsty, you needn't drink," said Dr. Goldfarb.
Doctors say, some people with certain medical conditions might need a little extra water. It's also important for children and the elderly to stay hydrated. Also, if you're working out or in very hot water you may want to take in extra fluids.
RELATED LINK:More Info On Water
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