Whether you’re drinking from a humble cup or an insulated water bottle, you’d know that drinking water can benefit our overall health. It’s a refreshing way to regulate our body temperature, transport nutrients, and help our bodies eliminate waste. It can also help us stay alert and energised, and improve our skin.
An important part of staying hydrated is to frequently wash our containers. Unfortunately, because of our busy schedules, we tend to skip this essential routine and let the water sit on the table next to our beds. And one wrong way to start the next day is to drink a glass of stale, musty, and bacteria-infested water.
This article will explain why you should never drink old water and four ways to keep it tasting great.
A Scientific Explanation of Why Water Tastes Weird
Leaving out a glass of tap water overnight exposes it to the air, allowing the liquid to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Our bodies will then convert this carbon dioxide into carbonic acid through an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase. This enzyme can then reconvert the carbonic acid into carbon dioxide.
A More Simplified Explanation
If you missed that, here’s a more simplified explanation. When you leave your glass of water out for a long time, the carbon dioxide in the air will mix with the water and create carbonic acid, making the water taste more acidic and bitter, like it has gone stale.
Important Note to Remember
It’s also worth remembering that while the bad taste from prolonged CO2 exposure is unpleasant, it’s fortunately not harmful to our health. However, doctors warn that leaving drinks or water sitting out for more than a few hours can harm our health because bacteria can accumulate and potentially cause hazardous effects.
Why Does This Phenomenon Happen?
This phenomenon is not new because our bodies are susceptible to changing flavours due to carbonic acid levels. It’s also something that medications like Diamox and Trusopt can affect.
When these medications cause abnormal levels of carbonic acid in our bodies, it can change how things taste. For instance, leaving an insulated water bottle in the open may taste unpleasant after a few hours. You can prevent this unpleasant event by placing a lid over the bottle or storing it in a closed container. That way, you can enjoy better-tasting water and avoid bacteria production.
3 Ways to Keep Your Water Tasting Great
Here are three easy ways to keep your water fresh and tasting great. The below are also great ways in motivating yourself to stay hydrated.
1. Put a Lid on It or Use a Water Bottle
Nobody wants to drink stagnant water because it tastes terrible and can contain harmful bacteria. Fortunately, you can prevent this unpleasant experience and bacterial growth by investing in an insulated water bottle or putting a lid over your cup.
2. Replace the Water as Frequently as Possible
Besides preventing bacterial growth, frequently washing your cup or insulated water bottle can make daily hydration a better experience. You can always enjoy a refreshing drink of water by replacing it often and regularly cleaning its container.
3. Wash Containers Regularly
Many people use the same insulated water bottle multiple times without washing it more than using a cup because of their hectic schedules. Regardless of your choice, you should clean both and not leave them in the open for long periods to avoid bacterial contamination.
Conclusion
Nobody should ever start their day with a musty glass of water. Fortunately, investing in an insulated water bottle and practising good habits can help you stay hydrated and safe from bacteria.
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