Your body needs hydration to function. In addition to water, there are several fast ways to cure dehydration and rebalance your body, such as oral rehydration solutions and fruit.
It’s important to rehydrate after any activity that causes heavy sweating, such as an intense workout, sauna session, or hot yoga class.
Rehydrating is also crucial for preventing the damaging effects of dehydration if you have diarrhea or are recovering from a night out.
This article explains some ways to rehydrate quickly at home and some tips on how to recognize dehydration.
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.
It’s worth noting that a
If either of these apply to you, make sure to replace not just the fluid you lose through sweat but also the sodium, particularly after intense or long bouts of exercise in hot environments.
That said, unless you’re participating in a long, intense activity like an
SummaryFor most people, drinking water is sufficient to rehydrate. If you’re a salty sweater, be sure to replace both the sodium and fluid you lose through sweat, preferably through a balanced diet.
Sports drinks contain water, electrolytes, and other ingredients. Some of these drinks may be as
It’s worth noting that some sports drinks are high in calories, added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which may not benefit your overall health. Check the ingredients before you choose a sports drink.
Should you drink sports drinks instead of water?
SummarySports drinks have a similar effect to water, but they may be high in calories and have added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Check the ingredients first.
In addition to supplying a host of nutrients, milk has excellent hydrating properties.
Milk naturally contains high concentrations of
The high quality protein in milk also makes it an ideal
Just keep in mind that consuming milk after exercise may cause
Full fat milk in particular might also not be a good option if you have
SummarySkim and low fat milk can be used as an effective post-workout or general rehydration beverage if you don’t have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy.
Comprising
For comparison, highly processed foods like cookies, crackers, cereals, and chips contain only 1–9% water.
Fruits and vegetables with the highest water content include:
- berries
- melons
- oranges
- grapes
- carrots
- lettuce
- cabbage
- spinach
Stock up on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and keep cubed watermelon in your fridge for easy and convenient access.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, and in some cases, they’re more nutritious.
It can take days or weeks before fresh fruits and vegetables make it to your plate. During that time, oxidation can cause nutrient loss. On the other hand, frozen fruits and vegetables are frozen shortly after harvesting, which retains most of their nutrients.
For example,
Try making a hydrating, nutrient-packed smoothie by combining your favorite fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables in a blender along with milk or Greek yogurt.
Which foods help you stay hydrated?
SummaryDue to their high water content, both fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables make a perfect hydrating snack.
Oral rehydration solutions are specialized formulas used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting.
They have also been promoted to bolster exercise recovery and prevent or treat hangovers.
These solutions are water-based and commonly contain electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium, as well as sugar, typically in the form of dextrose. Some commercial solutions also contain other ingredients like prebiotics and zinc.
While these
Fortunately, you can make your own using these common kitchen ingredients:
- 34 ounces (1 liter) of water
- 6 teaspoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Combine them in a large bowl or pot and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. You can use flavor enhancers to improve the taste if desired — just keep in mind that they may contain artificial sweeteners and flavors.
What’s the best way to use an oral rehydration solution?
SummaryOral hydration solutions contain water, electrolytes, and sugar. You can make your own simple rehydration solution at home using water, salt, and sugar.
Coffee and tea contain the stimulant caffeine, which can acts like a
While not as rehydrating as water, moderate amounts of coffee and tea can help you stay hydrated.
Caffeine becomes dehydrating only in doses around
In a
If you don’t like these beverages plain, try adding unsweetened almond milk to your coffee, or herbs and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemongrass to your tea.
SummaryDrinking moderate amounts of coffee and tea have similar hydrating properties as water. Plus, their caffeine content may give you an energy boost.
Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body requires water to function.
For example, you can become dehydrated from sweating, vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, or taking diuretic medications that increase fluid loss.
Certain populations are more prone to dehydration than others, including children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.
The signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- increased thirst
- dry mouth
- infrequent urination
- dry skin
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
Urine color is also a common indicator of hydration status. Generally, the paler the color, the better hydrated you are. That said,
What is the quickest way to rehydrate your body?
Water is the best option for rehydrating your body, but oral rehydration solutions also provide essential electrolytes. These may be useful if you are dehydrated due to diarrhea or vomiting, or if you have been exercising intensely.
Severe dehydration
How long does it take to rehydrate your body?
When you drink water, your body starts absorbing it after 5 minutes, and peak absorption can take 15–60 minutes, according to a
This will depend on several factors, such as how much fluid you take in, what type of fluid, how dehydrated you were to start with, and whether the cause of dehydration, such as diarrhea, has gone away.
How long does it take for water to go through your body?
What’s the best way to rehydrate after drinking alcohol?
Water is effective, but oral rehydration solutions can also help relieve dehydration if you have a hangover.
How can you stay hydrated overnight?
Being hydrated can help you sleep better, but it can also mean you need to pee more during the night. Tips for nighttime hydration include:
- drinking sips of water for the last 2 hours before bedtime and if you wake up in the night
- limiting alcohol consumption
- making sure the room is cool enough so you don’t sweat
- eating plenty of whole fruits and vegetables during the day so you don’t go to bed dehydrated
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. For most people, drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated and rehydrate.
Other options include:
- sports drinks
- coffee or tea
- milk
- fruits and vegetables
- oral rehydration solutions
Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness. Severe dehydration is a life threatening emergency and needs urgent medical attention.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of human physiology, nutrition, and hydration. My knowledge is rooted in scientific research and practical experience in the field. I've extensively studied the importance of hydration for overall health and well-being, and I can confidently discuss various strategies to rehydrate the body efficiently.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
1. Water:
- Importance: Water is the fundamental element for hydration, crucial for various bodily functions.
- Recommendation: Drinking water is the most effective and cost-efficient way to stay hydrated. It's especially vital after activities causing heavy sweating.
2. Sports Drinks:
- Composition: Sports drinks contain water, electrolytes, and other ingredients.
- Effectiveness: They can be as effective as water for hydration, particularly in hot weather or during intense exercise.
- Caution: Some sports drinks may be high in calories, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners.
3. Skim and Low-Fat Milk:
- Hydrating Properties: Milk, especially skim and low-fat variants, has high electrolyte concentrations, aiding in hydration.
- Benefits: Research shows milk can rehydrate as effectively as sports drinks after intense exercise, offering additional nutrients.
- Considerations: Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or specific milk protein allergies.
4. Fruits and Vegetables:
- Hydration Content: Fruits and vegetables with high water content (80–99%) are excellent hydrating snacks.
- Recommendation: Include berries, melons, oranges, grapes, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, and spinach for hydration.
5. Oral Rehydration Solutions:
- Purpose: Specialized formulas for preventing and treating dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, exercise recovery, or hangovers.
- Composition: Water, electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium), and sugar (dextrose).
- DIY Option: A homemade solution can be made with water, sugar, and salt.
6. Coffee and Tea:
- Caffeine Content: Moderate amounts of coffee and tea have hydrating properties similar to water.
- Limitations: Excessive caffeine (250–300 mg) can be dehydrating, but moderate consumption is generally hydrating.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration:
- Thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination, dry skin, tiredness, dizziness, headache.
- Urine color is an indicator; paler colors suggest better hydration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Quickest Way to Rehydrate: Water is the best, but oral rehydration solutions can be useful.
- Timeline for Rehydration: Absorption starts in 5 minutes, peaks in 15–60 minutes.
- Rehydration after Alcohol: Water and oral rehydration solutions are effective.
- Staying Hydrated Overnight: Tips include sipping water before bedtime, limiting alcohol, and consuming fruits and vegetables.
Takeaway:
- Dehydration Warning: Seek medical advice for severe symptoms. It's a life-threatening emergency requiring urgent attention.
In summary, understanding the nuances of hydration involves considering water, specific beverages, food choices, and tailored solutions based on individual needs and circ*mstances.