Is Weak Tea Okay Instead of Water?
QUESTION
Dear Nutritionist,
I have moved to a new town and our new water is bad tasting. I have been drinking weak tea instead of plain water. Is this OK or do I need to buy bottled water?
Thanks,Sheryl
ANSWER
Hi Sheryl,
If the water is "bad tasting" you may want to think about bottled water or some type of water pitcher that contains a filter. You need to be drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily if not more.
The problem with tea is that it contains caffeine and caffeine acts as both a stimulant and diuretic. Even if it the tea is weak, if you are drinking enough to get your recommended intake of water than you may be drinking too much. Some health professionals suggest that small amounts of caffeine are OK though others advise against caffeine at all during pregnancy.
-- Kimberly, RD LD
Kimberly Tessmer
Kimberly A. Tessmer, RD LD has been a registered dietitian since 1992 and is also an Ohio licensed Dietitian. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Technology (Dietetics) from Bowling State University in Bowling Green, OH. She currently owns and operates a consulting business called "Nutrition Focus" www.nutrifocus.net, in which she specializes and offers services in the areas of weight management, general nutrition, authoring, menu development and a variety of other services.
To date Kim has authored three books including "The Everything® Nutrition Book", "Tell Me What To Eat If I Have Celiac Disease", and "The Everything® Pregnancy Nutrition Book". In addition, Kim has written numerous articles for various health/nutrition web sites and magazines including Bally Total Fitness Magazine, Well and Healthy Women Magazine and Healthology.com, Inc as well as continuing education courses for www.care2learn.com. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association and the ADA Practice Group, Nutrition Entrepreneurs.
