New York City influencer Taylor Donaghue recently shared on social media that her doctor advised her to cut back on her water intake. Donaghue, 23, told her 365,000 followers that she visited a urologist due to her frequent need to use the bathroom.
“You guys, I am that friend that would use the bathroom like every hour… it’s gotten out of control,” Donaghue explained in a TikTok video that has garnered over 1 million views. She decided to consult a urologist and underwent various tests, including sonograms.
To her surprise, the doctor’s solution was simple: drink less water. Donaghue revealed, “I just paid $500 to be told by a doctor that I just need to drink less water.” The doctor noted her 40-ounce water bottle and suggested that excessive water consumption was the root of her problem, stating that too much water is bad for her health.
Donaghue typically fills her 40-ounce bottle three times a day, consuming about 120 ounces of water daily. This far exceeds the recommended 92 ounces of fluid per day for the average woman, which includes all liquids consumed, not just water. The Mayo Clinic states that hydration needs can also be met through fruits, vegetables, coffee, and soda.
The doctor advised Donaghue to gradually reduce her water intake and space out her drinking times. The medical professional wanted to avoid unnecessary medications or procedures, such as catheters, given her young age.
Viewers of Donaghue’s video agreed with the doctor’s advice, with one commenter claiming to be an MD, saying, “I have no idea where everyone got the idea they need to drink SO much water.” Donaghue admitted in a follow-up video that she had been “forcing” herself to drink large amounts of water, thinking it was healthy. This raises the question, how much water is too much?
Many commenters also suggested Donaghue get her blood sugar checked, as frequent thirst and urination can be symptoms of diabetes. However, Donaghue confirmed in a follow-up video that she did not have diabetes and had been overdrinking water out of a misguided belief in its health benefits.
This incident highlights the misinformation often spread on social media regarding water consumption. Last year, the #WaterTok trend saw influencers adding artificial sweeteners and syrups to their large water bottles, which was criticized by dentists and dietitians. They warned that such practices could harm gut health and contribute to behavioral and cognitive issues.
