A boy in Brazil drinks from a public fountain (stock image)
Image: dpa
Water is the elixir of life, and drinking a lot is known to promote good health. But how much is enough? And is it always better to drink more?
AEvery few hours the mobile phone screen lights up and warns “Warning!” or “Water helps you feel better!”. This app is designed to remind me to drink enough. Everyone knows that it has to be at least two liters of water a day. Anyone who drinks this amount or more is promised youthful skin, full lips and slimness from many quarters. Staying hydrated prevents headaches, provides energy, prevents disease and detoxifies the body.
Actually, I should be the epitome of health: I downloaded the app for this article, which calculated an ideal drinking amount of 2.1 liters per day. I never leave the house without a water bottle, and in the restaurant I order a whole bottle of water for myself. The app shows me: I rarely drink less than three liters. Other people admire me for it. I keep hearing, “I just can’t drink enough.”