Drinking still water throughout the day can lead to dehydration; it is necessary to add a pinch of salt to your water for optimal hydration.

noli's read

This advice is based on the physiological principle that sodium facilitates water absorption in the intestines via sodium-glucose cotransporters, a mechanism well-established in exercise physiology (ACSM hydration recommendations). For intense or prolonged physical activity, the addition of electrolytes is scientifically validated by numerous studies (RCTs) to maintain water balance and prevent hyponatremia. However, the claim that still water 'dehydrates' a person on a daily basis is a notable exaggeration for a sedentary or moderately active individual. For the general population, the kidneys effectively manage fluid balance without additional salt intake, as the diet generally already provides sufficient sodium. Dr. Sims' approach is highly relevant in the specific context of active or perimenopausal women, where hormonal changes can alter water retention, but it is less generalizable to overall public health. It is therefore useful to distinguish between performance hydration and basic daily hydration.

the sources

1. 1Valtin H 2002
2. 2Maughan RJ et al. 2016
3. 3Hew-Butler T et al. 2015