The Hydration Myth

Why Drinking More Water Is Not Always Better for Your Health

Sam Badalian MD PhD

Listen to your body, not the hype.

“Drink eight glasses of water a day. You’ll be healthier.” We’ve all heard this same message time and time again, taking it to be fact. But what if it isn’t true? In a world where hydration has become a trend or a sign of purity, The Hydration Myth brings a science-backed look into drinking water, calling out its biggest myths.

As the chief of the Department of Women’s Health at Bassett Healthcare Network and a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Badalian weaves science and personal accounts with his patients to call out a culture obsessed with constant hydration. In this book, you’ll learn

• the signs of overhydration,

• how water bottles have become status symbols,

• the hidden dangers of IVs,

• water safety during pregnancy, and

• how to restore balance with your body and listen to its natural signals.

The Hydration Myth is a wake-up call to the beliefs we’ve blindly accepted, asking us to find the way back to trusting our bodies.

Dr. Sam Badalian is a urogynecologist in upstate New York who specializes in the treatment of female urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor disorders. He serves as chief of the Department of Women’s Health at Bassett Healthcare Network and is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Board-certified in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery, Dr. Badalian is internationally recognized for his expertise in pelvic floor disorders and reconstructive surgery. He has authored more than forty-five scientific publications, served as a reviewer and editor for leading medical journals, and contributed as a grants reviewer for the American Urogynecologic Society Foundation.

Throughout his career, Dr. Badalian has remained committed to advancing women’s health, educating future physicians, and improving access to high-quality care. His work combines scientific rigor with a practical, patient-centered approach to helping women achieve better health and quality of life.