An ENT explains why water might taste bad to you, and it isnt in your head.
Plus, how this might mean youre actually a supertaster.
The devastation alone makes your mouth even more parched.
In fact, you may actually be a supertaster and not even know it…yet.
What gives water its flavor?
By now, you may be wondering, what does water taste like?
otolaryngologist affiliated with Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana
And although this may sound like an oxymoron, water does, in fact, have flavor.
For the most part, these are not routinely sensed by taste buds.
Meaning water can definitely taste like more than just plain ol nothing.
Meanwhile, samples with higher concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride scored the lowest.
Of course,Christina Li, a water sommelier based in Canada, can attest to this.
According to Li, the minerals in mineral water give it an unparalleled taste and sensation on the palate.
However, one of her biggest responsibilities as a professional water taster is sourcing water that simply tastes delicious.
Depending on the task at hand, Li will opt for different water choices that serve unique purposes.
Indeed, hydration is a priority, but in Lis purview, the flavor is equally as important.
otolaryngologist affiliated with Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana
Those with sensitivity to bitterness are called supertasters, a term coined byProfessor Linda Bartoshuk, she says.
[Supertasters] are also more sensitive to umami, salty, sweet, and sour.
This heightened sensitivity tends to make them more picky eaters as well, says Dr. Husain.
Our taste and affinity toward overpriced bottled water are justifiable after all.
How can I hydrate without water?
(Plain water, that is.)
But there are plenty of other ways to stay well hydrated thatdontinvolve drinking plain water.
When dealing with dehydration, it can quickly result inelectrolyte imbalances, which can wreak havoc on the body.
For context, watermelon is made up of 92 percent water, while cucumbers are 96 percent.
These foods also contain a bevy of additional nutrients that plain waterdoesntoffer.
Cucumbers, on the other hand, contain gut-healthy fiber that promotes digestion.
But why do I hate drinking water?
Although theres no substitution for water, drinking plain watercanbe difficult.
Oftentimes, its rather boring for our palates or unpleasant, especially when water tastes metallic.Ick.
Cue: Thehealthiest sparkling waters.
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