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Be sure to drink plenty of water!

This is a phrase most of us have heard when visiting the doctor.

The implication is drinking enough water will help us recover from whatever sickness we have. For my entire life, I've just assumed this to be true.

From what I can find, most online resources say "yes, it's good" but don't seem to cite any sources indicating it actually has any benefit.

  • Is there any actual medical reason doctors consistently suggest this?

Note: I am looking for reasons other than preventing dehydration.

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Do you mean benifits above and beyond avoiding dehydration? – Rob Z Jan 8 at 19:46
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Why do they suggest this? I always thought it was to prevent dehydration if someone is vomiting, sweating, or has diarrhea they need to replace that lost fluid. – Sam I Am Jan 8 at 19:49
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No, it’s just to rehydrate – physiology 101 (literally). Nothing else (usually); otherwise please find a notable claim of effects in addition to rehydration. Note that keeping hydrated is itself pretty important when being sick. – Konrad Rudolph♦ Jan 8 at 22:37
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Shouldn't this be closed unless someone can provide a reference to a notable claim that states drinking extra water aids healing even when dehydration is not an issue? – RedGrittyBrick Jan 9 at 10:13
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Actually, plain water isn't really that great for vomiting, sweating or diarrhea because it doesn't replenish electrolytes very well. It's better than not drinking anything, but most doctors will recommend gatorade or pedialyte in such cases. – Kibbee Jan 9 at 13:51
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closed as not constructive by RedGrittyBrick, Oddthinking♦, Christian, Tom77, Ilya Melamed Jan 11 at 4:51

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