A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open has shed new light on the benefits of drinking water. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco reviewed 18 studies on the topic and found the most evidence supporting the prevention of kidney stones and weight loss.
The study revealed that drinking eight cups of water a day significantly reduces the risk of developing kidney stones. Additionally, drinking six cups of water a day was found to aid in weight loss among adults. However, a study involving teenagers found that drinking over eight cups of water a day had no effect on weight loss.
The researchers also found potential benefits of drinking water for patients with migraines, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and low blood pressure. Although the evidence was limited, the study suggests that drinking water may have a positive impact on these conditions.
According to senior author Benjamin Breyer, "For such a ubiquitous and simple intervention, the evidence hasn't been clear, and the benefits were not well-established, so we wanted to take a closer look."
Breyer noted that encouraging people to drink water before meals could be a simple and cost-effective way to improve public health, particularly given the rising prevalence of obesity.
The study's findings also suggest that drinking water can have specific benefits for certain individuals. For example, adults who experience recurring headaches may find relief by drinking more water. Diabetic patients with elevated blood glucose levels may also benefit from drinking an additional four cups of water a day.
Ultimately, the study's authors emphasise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to drinking water. While dehydration can be detrimental, particularly for individuals with a history of kidney stones or urinary infections, drinking too much water can also have negative effects. As Breyer noted, "There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach for water consumption."
