By Deborah Bamisaye
‘Self-deceit’ is one of the worst things that can happen to a ‘man;’ especially if the person concerned knows. It is another form of self-hate. Can you imagine me hating myself? Or you hating yourself? No way! Never! God forbid! For where? I dey craze?! For most of us: these are our natural responses without even giving it a second thought.
Alright then but is there a way we are ‘ignorant and honestly-guilty’ of this? Wait! Don’t respond yet, at least not until you have read this article on water.
Do You Remember this Popular Recommendation?
One of the main “lies” about drinking water is the rigid rule of “8 Glasses a Day” which should actually be relative. Individual water needs vary by activity, climate, diet, and health, and you get water from many sources, not just plain water, with thirst being a good guide. There are health conditions that require you not to wait till you’re thirsty before you drink some water.
Only After Meal & Weight Loss
Drinking with meals is bad – you remember this, right? No, it doesn’t have to be. It’s fine in moderation, but not excessive amounts that dilute stomach acid. ‘You get it?’ I guess you just did!
Some said – more water equals better skin or weight loss. Yes, it aids, but isn’t a magic wand thing. There are other factors that must come into play for these to be achieved.
Creating a False Hydration
For years, we’ve been told a simple truth: drink more water. Bottled water, sachet water, purified water – the clearer, the better. Right?
Now, pay attention – this is where it gets deeper.
While water is essential to life, not all water hydrates the body the same way. In fact, water stripped of its natural minerals can sometimes give the illusion of hydration without delivering its full benefits.
Welcome to the uncomfortable truth about modern drinking water. Hydration isn’t merely about filling the stomach or quenching thirst. True hydration happens at the cellular level, I repeat – at the cellular level. This is where water must move efficiently into cells and support vital functions such as: Muscle contraction, Nerve signaling, Temperature regulation and Nutrient transport.
For this process to work well, electrolytes and minerals are essential. Water alone is only a part of the equation.
What Are Minerals, and Why Do They Matter?
Natural water contains trace minerals such as: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium.
These minerals act as electrolytes, helping water enter cells and remain there. They regulate fluid balance, support nerve impulses, and prevent dehydration-related fatigue.
When water is heavily purified through processes like reverse osmosis or excessive filtration, these minerals are removed. The result? Water that looks pure but lacks functional depth.
The False Sense of Hydration
Mineral-free water can still: Satisfy thirst temporarily, Fill the stomach & Feel refreshing but without electrolytes:
1. Water may pass quickly through the body.
2. Cells may not retain it efficiently.
3. Frequent urination can occur.
4. Signs of dehydration may persist despite drinking “enough” water.
5. This is what creates the false sense of hydration – drinking plenty, yet still feeling tired, dizzy, dry, or weak.
Why Modern Water Is Different
Many commercial water sources prioritize: Long shelf life, Crystal clarity, Taste neutrality.
In the process, nutritional value is often sacrificed. ‘You see that? If you know, you know.’
Ironically, water from natural springs and traditional sources once provided subtle but important mineral support – something many modern water options no longer offer. You want to tell me you haven’t heard this before? No problem, let’s continue.
Does This Mean Pure Water Is Bad?
No oh. You will never hear that from me – biko! I’m just saying though – Clean water is critical but the real issue is balance, not purity versus safety.
Water should be: Free from harmful contaminants and Supportive of the body’s mineral needs. Drinking mineral-free water occasionally is not dangerous. But relying on it exclusively, especially in hot climates or during physical activity, may not support optimal hydration.
How to Hydrate Smarter
You don’t need complicated solutions at all. These simple steps should help:
1. Eat mineral-rich foods (vegetables, fruits, nuts)
2. Include natural electrolytes in your diet
3. Avoid excessive reliance on ultra-purified water alone.
4. Pay attention to signs of true hydration, not just thirst.
Hydration is a system, not a single habit.
The Bottom Line
Water is life – but water without minerals tells only half the story. True hydration is not about how much water you drink, but how well your body can use it. Before we draw the curtains on this today, I think it’s wise to help those who, because of lack of availability of natural sources, largely depend on shelf water, the crystal clear and the ones whose tastes have been neutralized.
I highly recommend that you eat foods that provide natural electrolytes:
1. Bananas – potassium
2. Oranges – potassium
3. Coconut water – potassium, sodium, magnesium
4. Avocado – potassium, magnesium
5. Spinach & leafy greens – magnesium, calcium
6. Sweet potatoes – potassium
7. Yogurt (plain) – calcium, potassium
8. Pumpkin seeds – magnesium
9. Bone broth – sodium, potassium
10. Sea salt (small amounts) – sodium
Now you know that mineral-free Water Can Create a False Sense of Hydration. So, listen to your body, recognize water from food, and avoid extremes like overhydration (water intoxication/hyponatremia.) Now, you know that the clearest water isn’t always the most nourishing and sometimes, what feels like hydration isn’t.
Aren’t we Lucky to be able to sieve the noise from the truth? I bet we are!
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