Staying hydrated is essential for overall health. To many, it comes as little surprise to find that humans need water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the human body depends upon proper hydration for its function, so when the body is not properly hydrated, dehydration occurs and hinders normal physiological function.
Maintaining effective hydration every day is an essential component of good health. Perfect hydration relies on the balance of liquid, glucose, and salt. Whether you need quick rehydration or want to add flavor to your routine, here are 17 of the best drinks to keep you hydrated and healthy.
Yes, water should be your go-to drink for hydration. It does not contain calories, fat, cholesterol, or sugar, and it’s generally good for you.
For everyday drinking, the best option to maintain hydration is to consume enough water to help restore hydration from a deficit. Water is essential for growth, reproduction, carrying nutrients to cells, cushioning vital organs, and digesting food. It also helps regulate your body temperature.
"Mother Nature's sports drink" is what we refer to coconut water as. It has everything that a sports drink lacks like natural sugar, potassium, and sodium. Coconut water is not as aggressive as sports drinks, and it won't cause an upset stomach that is often accompanied by sports drinks.
It is a natural fruit drink and contains very few calories the taste is rather sweet and therefore makes it a healthy option for sports drinks. It also has natural vitamins and minerals which make it good for your overall body health.
No matter if you are exercising or if simply you just fancy something to drink that is good for your health tasty coconut water is the answer. Besides, the beverage is the most natural choice of drink with no extra sweetening and chemicals as in other popular drinks.
If you're looking for a milder flavor, herbal teas are an ideal option, especially for those nighttime cups. There are countless herbal teas on the market, which means you're bound to find a few go-to flavors.
They have been consumed for thousands of years for their high concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids, which are beneficial for health.
People have used herbal teas to remedy various illnesses, soothe symptoms, and promote recovery because many herbal teas have a variety of therapeutic properties. Many herbal teas are also non-caffeinated, so you can reap the relaxing, digestive-soothing, and overall hydration benefits of warm herbal tea without caffeine.
If you're in favor of a little more flavor without the need to rely on artificially flavored hydration options, infused water might be exactly what you're after. Infused water is a great way to add a touch of subtle flavor to your daily hydration requirements without the use of more sugary additives.
This method is accomplished by combining water with other ingredients such as fruits, herbs, or any other healthy ingredients. Infused water is also associated with numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, and a great source of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Organic options such as fruits and vegetables are within reach, plus they are super refreshing with the powerful health benefits of being loaded with tons of vitamins that you can drink all-day.
What makes sports drinks so special? Sports drinks are special because they contain more sodium and carbohydrates than other drinks. Sodium helps facilitate the absorption of water, and carbohydrates provide fuel to the muscles and cells.
When you sweat through exercise, you lose sodium. Consuming a drink with sodium helps to replace the sodium lost. The more intense the workout and the more you sweat, the more sodium and carbohydrates your body loses. Because of the added sodium and carbohydrates, in the correct ratios, sports drinks are superior to water in helping to maintain an athlete's total body water, muscle function, and sources of energy (carbohydrate and fat).
Plain milk can be an excellent alternative to water and can help you stay hydrated. It is loaded with a variety of nutrients that can help you maintain your health. Not to mention, it also has great muscle recovery benefits after a strenuous workout.
Dairy milk is rich in carbohydrates and protein, which can be helpful when you need to replace depleted glycogen stores in your muscles and rebuild muscle proteins. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who consumed a concoction made with milk, rather than sugar-sweetened sports drinks or water, after a workout had better muscle recovery.
Dairy milk also contains sodium and potassium, two notable electrolytes that can help you rehydrate after a workout.
Besides water, your body also needs electrolytes (essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium) to avoid dehydration. This is especially important during workouts that can cause excessive sweating and the consequent loss of both water and electrolytes.
Electrolyte drinks are an ideal way to give your body the nutrients it needs to replenish and rehydrate. A combination of these beverages with water or other low-calorie options is recommended for those in need of quick electrolyte replenishment. Electrolyte drinks can help maintain proper hydration levels and replace lost electrolytes during intense physical activity.
The sweet, refreshing taste of fruit juice is the perfect antidote to a stuffy mouth on a hot summer day. Most fruit juices are better at hydration than soda or coffee, but they are enhanced with some added beneficial nutrients.
Freshly squeezed juices like orange, watermelon, or grapefruit juice are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your overall health. They provide a quick and tasty way to replenish fluids, especially on hot days or after physical activities.
While fruit juice can be a great part of your hydration routine, it's best to consume it in moderation due to its natural sugar content. Be sure to take note of the calorie content and keep a cap on your intake of these refreshing drinks.
All vegetables contain water. Some contain more than others. Because of this high water content, vegetable juices provide one of the most hydrating liquids for the human body.
What's great about making vegetable juices is that you capture all of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in the raw vegetables in a refreshing, hydrating, and quenching beverage that you can enjoy any time of day.
Vegetable juices may also provide a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work together to support various metabolic processes and promote overall health, energy levels, and immunity. It is best to make your vegetable juices at home or at a juice bar to avoid the added high sodium levels found in pre-packaged vegetable juice products.
Vegetable or Fruit Smoothie keeps you hydrated while providing plenty of vitamins and nutrients from their ingredients. Plus, they're just a sweet, refreshing treat. Smoothies can be incredibly hydrating, especially when you pack them full of fruits that have a high water content.
In particular, watermelon, strawberries, and peaches are a few of the more watery fruit options. Plus, coconut water holds on to its high water content when used in a drink like a smoothie. Smoothies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a great choice for a quick meal or snack.
Whether you blend up a beautiful green smoothie, a delicious and refreshing fruit smoothie, or a cool and soothing berry smoothie, these drinks are a fantastic way to keep hydrated with boundless options to please your taste buds.
A simmering liquid made with the boiled bones and connective tissue of animals, bone broth is rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Because of its bonus blend of electrolytes and the potential for other minerals to dissolve away from the bones, this broth can help maintain normal neural and muscular function, fluid balance, heart rhythm, and more.
Its rich, savory flavor makes it a comforting drink, especially in colder weather or when recovering from illness. Whether sipped on its own or used as a base for soups and stews, bone broth is a versatile and healthful addition to your hydration routine.
Aloe vera juice is made from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. This refreshing drink is made from the gel of the aloe vera plant and is known for its soothing and hydrating qualities. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which help to replenish fluids and provide necessary nutrients to the body.
Aloe vera juice is hydrating because it is primarily water with some active components such as enzymes and amino acids that, once consumed, are broken down and absorbed into the body. These active components might also play a role in digestion, explaining the laxative effect associated with aloe vera.
Sparkling water is an excellent way to keep hydrated as it's a good way to make water taste more interesting. It's water mixed with carbon dioxide under pressure which creates the characteristic fizz. It provides the same hydration benefits as regular water.
Sparkling water is calorie-free and often comes in various natural flavors, making it a refreshing and healthy alternative to sugary sodas and other carbonated beverages. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a splash of fruit juice for extra flavor.
The biggest benefit of lemon water comes from the fact that it is water with a bit of lemonade in the mix. This fact means that many of the benefits of the drink are melded from both water and lemons.
So what can you expect when hydrating with lemon water? The acidic nature of lemon juice is mostly on display in these benefits. Since it is indeed high in vitamin C, lemon juice will also help prevent colds and the flu. The acid works to break down the oils and fats within your food, helping keep your body running smoothly.
Unlike other infused waters that are flavored simply for taste, lemon water has distinct health benefits as both water and lemon juice alone provide necessary hydration benefits to the body.
If you're no stranger to the summer heat, you've likely heard that cucumber water makes a refreshing treat. It is great for staying hydrated. In addition to supplying your body with a good amount of water, cucumbers contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making them good for you.
Vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium, are also present in cucumber juice. It has a mild, crisp flavor, making it a light and revitalizing drink option, especially on hot days. It's also a great addition to your hydration routine if you're looking for a natural, low-calorie drink.
Watermelon is by far one of the best food sources of water due to its incredibly high water content. It contains 92% water, which can count towards your daily hydration. Watermelon is also a good source of potassium and magnesium, which is good for lowering blood pressure and helping with water balance in your system. Make it a delicious afternoon snack or add it to your summer salads.
Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. Let's not forget that its calorie content is rather low. It is also a source of vitamin C and vitamin A, so you're rehydrating your body and getting essential nutrients at the same time. Plus, studies show that the red pigment in watermelon can help reduce the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer.
Buttermilk is a great source of vitamins, high in calcium, and provides a healthy dose of probiotics. While it may be tart in flavor, it is a great hydrator as well. With its nutrients and calorie content, it can nourish the body without making it ache.
Buttermilk is full of riboflavin, potassium, and minerals, with significant health benefits. If you can get over the sour taste of buttermilk, it is a great drink for hydration, as well as improving gut health.
Enjoy the health benefits, even if the flavor isn’t the best you’ve ever tasted. In situations where water is not available but good drinks may be, consider taking buttermilk for hydration. It has a wide range of nutrients and microorganisms that hydrate the body well.
