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Wasatcher t1_j6cq7ld wrote

Reply to comment by ShiraCheshire in ELI5: why do our bodies randomly act like we haven’t had water in days and that we need to chug a bunch randomly? by Serratedlily

Too many people don't realize if you're hydrated to the point your urine is clear (which is a good thing) you're also flushing out all your electrolytes and need to replace them.

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huskers2468 t1_j6csxuy wrote

*pale yellow

Clear is a bit much, but if you add electrolytes, then it should balance out.

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Wasatcher t1_j6ct5l7 wrote

I feel like you just reiterated exactly what I said with different phrasing

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huskers2468 t1_j6ctk86 wrote

Ahh I was just pointing out that clear wasn't exactly the goal, it overshoots it a bit. However, like you said, electrolytes can be added back in.

I know you had it right, but the common adage of "clear is the best" is not correct. People have been overdrinking water for a decade. "Force yourself to drink a gallon of water a day" is not a good thing.

Sorry, I should have made it clear I agreed with you. Just not with the common practice that gets floated around.

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Wasatcher t1_j6cuxh9 wrote

Well I do agree very pale yellow is best. In the army they have pee charts in front of the toilet and they want it clear. But they also hand out electrolyte packets like candy and on really hot days it's "required equipment" to have a couple in your pocket.

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huskers2468 t1_j6cvd39 wrote

Oh yeah, I agree. Each situation is different, and that would probably be the best practice for that scenario.

Seeing people in an office suffering to finish their water is a different story.

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