Water is your best bet for everyday hydration, since it is free of sugar, calories, and caffeine. All of your daily food and beverages contribute to your daily fluid needs.
There's probably nothing more hydrating than water on earth.
Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks. Researchers credit milk's natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein for its effectiveness.
Think of coconut water as nature's all-natural electrolyte drink. Aside from its 94% water content, this hydrating beverage is filled with electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, key minerals that play an important role in keeping you hydrated and maintaining proper fluid balance.
Water. While it likely comes as no surprise, drinking water is most often the best and cheapest way to stay hydrated and rehydrate. Unlike many other beverages, water contains no added sugars or calories, making it ideal to drink throughout the day or specifically when you need to rehydrate, such as after a workout.
The fastest way to hydrate is with an oral rehydration solution. These products are packed with electrolytes which are minerals found in your body that balance fluid levels and maintain optimal hydration. While you can hydrate fast with regular water, focus on electrolytes.
Coconut water is, undoubtedly, the best hydrating drink. It is low in calories and rich in potassium and is known to have better hydrating qualities than plain water.
The most thirst-quenching drink, according to science, is everyone's favorite: a glass of cold seltzer.
Besides guzzling water, milk is a top choice to refuel. Sodas, even diet ones, get a bad rap for lacking nutritional value, but they can still be hydrating. Juices and sports drinks are also hydrating -- you can lower the sugar content by diluting them with water. Coffee and tea also count in your tally.
As to the second question, no, humans cannot rely on a different compound than water. The human body is made up of about 60% water, and every living cell in your body requires water to function.
"Milk is good for hydration, but water is a better option purely for hydration," Dr. Casaubon says, adding that water is typically the smarter option for those with diabetes, or whose doctor has prescribed a lower caloric intake, since milk can be high in calories and carbohydrates.
Water is the best source of hydration, but any beverage will do, cites FamilyDoctor.org.
Simple H20 isn't the most hydrating beverage around, according to a study from Scotland's St. Andrews University. While both still and sparkling water can quench thirst, it can be defeated by sweet, fat or protein-rich beverages in keeping a person hydrated, researchers found.
Milk scored better than water on a test of how long various fluids stayed in the body before exiting as urine. The researchers reason that the longer liquid stays in the body the better it hydrates you. Milk scored its unexpected hydration win because of its mix of electrolytes, sugars, proteins and fats.
Juice and soda are not only less hydrating, but offer extra sugars and calories that won't fill us up as much as solid foods, explained Majumdar. If the choice is between soda and water for hydration, go with water every time.
The Eatwell Guide says we should drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count.
Medium-dark yellow urine is often an indication that you are dehydrated. Drink 2-3 glasses of water now.
While Gatorade can help you stay hydrated, it's best to only drink it when needed. For people who aren't exercising for at least one hour, five days per week, water is the best bet for staying hydrated. Electrolytes coming from natural sources without added sugars and dyes are recommended.