Drinking water is considered the fundamental factor in hydration—the human body cannot survive without it. That’s why drinking enough water, especially during working hours, is essential. Imagine your day without water; you would feel lethargic and sluggish. In the summer, when the temperatures are sky-high, you will feel more dehydrated, and your productivity will decrease accordingly.
Water alone doesn’t quite cut it in terms of hydration; you need minerals that provide electrolytes to ensure your body is functioning at its best.
Electrolytes are essential for various bodily functions, such as regulating the heartbeat and blood pressure, digestion, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Therefore, it is paramount to look at your drinks’ electrolyte and mineral content to optimize hydration.
Sports Drinks
Although drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated, sometimes, we need an extra boost. That’s where sports drinks come in. Sports drinks contain minerals such as sodium and potassium, as well as carbohydrates for energy.
There are many types of sports drinks, usually categorized by the number of carbohydrates. These are isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic sports drinks. Each type has its use in different sports and physical activities.
Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration during extended exercise or heat exposure periods. But not all sports drinks are made the same. Check the ingredients to find out which sports drink has the right balance of minerals, carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep you going.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a drink that many people consume to hydrate themselves. It has many benefits and can be used to substitute for water intake when one is feeling dehydrated.
Coconut water is an excellent source of minerals and hydration. It’s packed with electrolytes, including potassium, magnesium and sodium, which help keep your body hydrated and functioning properly. Coconut water is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for keeping your body hydrated and healthy for sports or daily life.
Vegetable and Fruit Juices
Vegetable and fruit juices contain minerals and vitamins that can help the body stay hydrated. These juices are made up of mostly water. They are also a good way to pack the body with more nutrients.
Look for juices with high water and lower carbohydrate content for hydration, such as cucumber, watermelon, honeydew and other melon juices.
Coffee
Coffee is often cited as a dehydrating beverage, but this is not entirely accurate. While coffee does have a mild diuretic effect, it is not dehydrating in the sense that it causes your body to lose more water than it takes in.
In fact, coffee contains a fair amount of minerals and other nutrients that contribute to your overall hydration levels. Especially when mixed with milk, coffee can be quite beneficial to your hydration.
Of course, it’s important to remember that coffee is not a water replacement, and you should still make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. But if you’re looking for a way to get a little extra boost of minerals and hydration, coffee may be a good option.
Milk
Milk is a great option for hydration. A study found that skim milk is one of the best ways to combat dehydration. Many minerals found in milk can help hydrate your body, including calcium, potassium and sodium. However, a significant portion of the population is lactose intolerant. If you’re lactose intolerant, avoid milk as a source of hydration.
A Parting Reminder
Drinking plenty of fluids is the best way to stay hydrated, but not all fluids are created equal. Water is always the best choice for hydration, but other drinks, with their solid mineral composition, can help. Just be sure to choose a drink that contains the right minerals that are easily absorbed and used by the body for replenishment and hydration.
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