Drinking water may seem like a simple task. While that is true, some unhealthy habits while drinking water from a bottle may affect one’s hydration levels and lead to health consequences. They may include adding artificial flavors, not cleaning the bottles after usage, and leaving the bottle in the sun for a long time. To stay on track with one’s hydration goals, look at some common mistakes to avoid while drinking water from a bottle.

BPA bottles

Many plastic water bottles are made using BPA or bisphenol – a chemical that is harmful to the human body. BPA can get into food and drinks, and too much exposure to this chemical can even lead to congenital disorders. Although no conclusive research supports this, researchers speculate that overexposure to BPA could potentially lead to the rise or development of diseases like hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and also some cardiovascular conditions. Bottles made of stainless steel or even glass are safer alternatives. One can also check for BPA-free water bottles.

Keeping bottles clean

When using water bottles, make sure they are cleaned after usage. Most water bottles have rings around the bottleneck and caps. These tiny spaces may need a thorough cleaning to ensure the water does not get affected and, in turn, cause some infection.

Stay away from sunlight

One must avoid keeping their plastic water bottle in direct sunlight for long periods. This is because direct exposure to sunlight for a long time can cause the breakdown of plastic, allowing chemicals to enter the water inside. Furthermore, sunlight exposure can also lead to bacterial growth in the water.

Using dirty hands

While drinking from a water bottle, ensure one’s hands are always clean. When removing the cap or opening the sipper, germs may transfer from the unclean hands to the opening, leading to a health risk.

Using artificial flavors

Adding some flavors to the water bottle can make the drink easy to sip on, but making it a habit can be problematic in the long run. Some research suggests that drinking too much flavored or sweetened water could put individuals at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cancer. The presence of high amounts of sugar in such flavors may also lead to unusual cravings and eating disorders. It eventually leads to high glucose levels, causing fatigue and other hormonal imbalances. So, it is advised not to use anything with high fructose content, sugar, aspartame, and sucralose.

Drinking too fast

It is necessary to take time to finish the water in a bottle. Drinking too much water in one go may make one uncomfortable and lead to stomach pain. Therefore, sip water slowly throughout the day to avoid overwhelming the system.