From sipping it hot for our gut health to ”stacking” a ton of nutrients in it, we’re always talking about how to get the most out of drinking water. It is, after all, the gold standard when it comes to our hydration needs. But what if there was one—or several—drink that was actually more hydrating? Is that even possible?
No, this isn’t some viral trend floating around all our socials that we’re about to disprove. Turns out, a few drinks are sneakily more hydrating than plain water—and they’ve got the studies and experts to back them up. There are just a few things to consider. So if you’re looking to add variety into your drink rotation, consider the following:
How Much Hydration You Need
Hydration is essential to our health. “The human body is made mostly of water, making it essential for nearly every bodily function,” says Kara Kash, RD, a registered dietitian and head of nutrition at Factor. There are many benefits to staying hydrated, such as being able to sustain energy, regulate body temperature, keep joints moving, and allowing the body to flush out toxins and waste.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need 11.5 cups to 15.5 cups of fluids a day. But Kash says your exact fluid needs depend on many factors, like your age, health, activity level, and the climate of where you live. If you’re trying to gauge your hydration status, she says to monitor your urine color and pay attention to those early signs of dehydration, such as fatigue and headaches. When left unchecked, she says it can lead to more serious symptoms, like decreased kidney function, chronic constipation, dry skin, and extreme fatigue.
And it also proves to be another great post-workout drink. She points to studies that show 100% orange juice can support post-exercise hydration just like water and sports drinks. “[It’s] a refreshing option when you want something with a little more flavor,” she says.
This one is dependent on how active you are. Kash says that electrolyte drinks that contain sodium and glucose, which work together to increase fluid absorption, are a great option if you need added hydration. This is most beneficial for any high-intensity activity when you need quicker, more effective hydration than just plain water.
Both experts say it’s a good idea to consume other beverages (and foods) in addition to water to meet your hydration goals. Kash adds that we actually consume about 2 cups of water per day through food alone, so it’s a good idea to mix in some hydrating foods into the mix. “Fresh fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers and watermelon, are especially great options because of their high water content,” she says.
And even drinks like tea and sparkling water can count towards your daily goal, says Kash. But water is still the standard. “Plain water remains the best everyday choice,” she says.
“View them as beverages to drink alongside water,” Ehsani agrees. “Rather than a replacement.”
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