Many people have the habit of putting a glass of water on their bedside table, because it helps maintain water balance immediately after waking up. However, liquid left in the open air or in a reusable bottle for a long time does not change its properties for the better. Regularly changing the contents of your mug is not only a matter of taste, but also biological safety.
Ideal environment for microorganisms
As soon as you take the first sip, the sterility of the water is broken. The container contains particles of epithelium, food debris and saliva. In a warm room environment, this turns an ordinary glass into a veritable incubator for bacteria. If the water is not changed, but simply topped up, colonies of microorganisms continue to multiply, which can cause indigestion or discomfort in the body. This is especially true for bottles with narrow necks, which are rarely washed properly.
Chemical changes and taste
You’ve probably noticed that water that has stood overnight has a strange, slightly sour taste. This is not due to the fact that it has “spoiled” in the usual sense. Liquid actively absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. As a result of a chemical reaction, a small amount of carbonic acid is formed, which changes pH balance drink Although it is not fatal, drinking such water is less healthy and enjoyable than drinking fresh water.
Dust and external pollutants
An open glass acts as a trap for anything floating in the air. In just a few hours, something invisible to the eye settles on the surface of the water. household dustmold spores and microparticles of pet hair. For people prone to allergies, such a “cocktail” can become a trigger for worsening well-being. Clean water should be protected with a lid, but even in a closed container it should be refreshed every few hours.
Features of plastic containers
If you reuse single-use plastic bottles, the risk increases. Exposure to sunlight or just cheap over time plastic begins to release toxic substances into the water, such as bisphenol A. This compound can accumulate in the body and affect hormonal levels. Therefore, it is necessary to change not only the water itself, but also the containers for storing it, giving preference to glass or high-quality stainless steel.
Fresh, clean water is the foundation of a healthy metabolism, so it’s better to take an extra minute and refill than risk your well-being.
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