Water isn’t the most effective hydrator? Yes, you read that right!
We’ve all been taught since childhood that water is the best ally against thirst and dehydration. But a new study from the University of St Andrews in Scotland throws a cold splash of reality on this popular belief. It turns out that plain water, while it hydrates quickly, isn’t the most efficient when it comes to long-lasting hydration.
Dairy products: the secret weapon of hydration
Professor Ronald Mogan from the Medical Faculty explains that milk, thanks to its composition including lactose, proteins, fats, and sodium, hydrates better than water. These ingredients slow down stomach emptying, meaning the fluid stays longer in the body, and sodium helps retain water by reducing urine production. Milk acts like a sponge holding moisture inside you!
Rehydration drinks and electrolytes – the heroes of hydration
Rehydration drinks used for diarrhea contain small amounts of sugar, sodium, and potassium, which help retain water in the body. Nutritionist and personal trainer Melissa Madjumdar points out that electrolytes like sodium and potassium improve hydration, and calories in drinks slow stomach emptying, delaying urination.
Fruit juices and sodas – hydration or a trick?
Although fruit juices and sodas stay longer in the stomach, their high sugar content triggers osmosis in the small intestine, leading to water loss from the body. Plus, added sugars and calories in these drinks don’t provide the same satiety as real food. So if you thought juice or soda would hydrate you better, think again!
Alcohol and coffee – friends or foes of hydration?
Alcohol is a known diuretic, meaning it makes you pee more and can cause dehydration. However, Professor Mogan says beer, which contains more fluid, causes less water loss than strong alcoholic drinks like whiskey. As for coffee, a regular cup with about 80 mg of caffeine hydrates almost as well as water, but higher caffeine intake can have a mild diuretic effect.
Why water still matters
While water isn’t the most efficient for long-term hydration, it’s still essential for liver, kidney, and skin health. Water helps flush toxins, keeps skin looking healthy, and lubricates joints. So don’t ditch it completely.
When hydration really counts
Most people don’t need to worry too much about how hydrating their drink is because the body signals when it’s thirsty. However, athletes training in hot conditions, people who sweat a lot, or those losing concentration due to exhaustion need to pay special attention to proper hydration.
Bottom line: Water is good, but not the best!
So next time you’re thirsty, think about milk or rehydration drinks instead of just plain water. And remember, too much sugar in drinks can be more harmful than helpful for hydration. And if you thought beer or coffee would save you from thirst, now you know it’s a bit more complicated.
What about you? What drink do you reach for when you’re thirsty? Ready to try milk as the secret hydration weapon? Or are you loyal to water? Drop a comment and let’s see who the real hydration champ is!
