Is It Bad to Drink Water that’s Been Sitting Overnight – or Longer?

At least once in your life time you have consumed water that has been sitting overnight. But the question is whether this stale water is safe for consumption?
It is completely normal once you wake up in the morning to feel thirst, but the problem arises whether you should consume the water that has been sitting next to your bed overnight.
Drinking water from and open glass that has been sitting around is not really sanitary because it gets dust, debris, or even some small flies might get in it. Also closed container with water is not so safe for consumption because you can transfer on it dead skin cells, nasal discharge, sweat, and dust. Once you put this again in your mouth it can cause health problems because you will contaminate the bottle.

On the other hand, our saliva contains lots of bacteria which can cause health problems once they are transferred from our mouth to the bottle. Marc Leavey, a primary specialist at Mercy Medical center in Massachusetts stated this in regards to this topic: “If it’s allowed to incubate for hours, that could potentially contaminate the water, and make you ill by reintroducing that bacteria. Once you have put your lips to the bottle, you should consume that bottle in one sitting and then discard it.”

Many people think that the fact that it is your own bacteria you might not get sick, so as a result of that they continue sipping from the same glasses, mugs and bottles. This might be true to some extent, but it gets worse once you start sharing the bottle with someone else. People that are having low immune system, such as transplant patients, people with AIDS/HIV, people that undergo chemotherapy, should avoid using such contaminated water.

You should know that there is not difference whether the water is boiled or it is coming from the tap. It is a myth that boiled water is cleaner because both have the same hygiene standards.

Also you should avoid consuming water that has been sitting in your car under the sun because it has been heated up and this way it allows bacteria to breed. Even though you might place the bottle under your sit, it still will heat up and develop bacteria.

Some of the plastic bottles contain BPA which can leach in the water, especially if you leave it under the sun for longer period of time. Some research studies reveal that BPA is causing serious health problems on your brain and behavior, even though FDA has stated that BPA transference is within the range of safe limits. The best thing it to use bottle that is BPA free in order to avoid these problems, but this does not mean that you can avoid the growth of bacteria if the water is heated up in the car or any other place.

It is important to stay hydrated, but also it is important to recognize the signs of dehydration. Dr. Leavey reveals that everyone should avoid putting the mouth in the bottle when you drink. You should instead pour it into a cup or directly into your mouth.

source http://www.homehealthyrecipes.com