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One Small Change
The Unforeseen Side Effects of Guzzling Water
If it were possible for me to make your computer emit the same piercing noise that your radio or television does when the Emergency Broadcast System is conducting one of its tests or warning of severe weather, then I would do so now. In my quest to keep myself optimally hydrated this entire month (drinking anywhere from 84 to 150 ounces of fluid per day depending on how hot it is and how much I exercise), I’ve encountered a disturbing side effect that I need to immediately warn you about.
None of the scientific literature that I’ve read mentioned anything about this. And even my expert advisor, Douglas Kalman, who possesses nearly as many degrees as a thermometer, gave me a head’s up. So it came as a shock. And if you’re doing this experiment along with me, you need to prepare yourself.
I’ve lost my taste for beer. Please give me a moment while I compose myself. Typing it out like that has made me a bit emotional. There now.
Just a few short months ago I realized a lifelong dream and got my own beer fridge. I moved our old workhorse Amana out to the garage, tacked on a Harley-Davidson calendar, and stocked it with everything from Lite to Leffe. After a hard day’s work, I’d choose a brew (or two) that matched my mood, relax in a deckchair, and wait for all to once again be right with the world. But now I’ve lost that.
Because I’m drinking so much water throughout the day (and no, beer doesn’t count towards my fluid goal because of its dehydrating alcohol content), I don’t have any room left in my stomach or even a thirst to quench. Granted, it’s probably a more healthful existence that will help me shed a few pounds, but I miss that daily respite, the carbonated pause that refreshes. In fact, if I knew ahead of time that this was part of the deal, I wouldn’t have poured myself so wholeheartedly into this.
And here’s a further warning about another unanticipated side effect for those of you who not only like to drink beer but also, shall we say, sow some wild hops. When you reach maximum hydration and have all that fluid sponging your tissue, don’t be surprised to find that your fingers are a bit plumper and, as a result, your wedding ring won’t come off.
But you didn’t hear that from me. Another round (of ice-water), please.
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About The Author
Joe Kita – Joe Kita is a noted writer, editor, motivational speaker and teacher. He authors the blog "One Small Change" for CorePerformance.com.
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