Not only is it hearty and filling, oatmeal is also very hydrating. When oats are cooking, they expand and absorb the water or milk they're being paired with. Not into warm breakfasts when it's hot out? Try overnight oats.
Foods that hydrate you
Foods that typically provide the highest water content are raw fruits and vegetables. Eating a diet heavy in produce is a good way to give the body vitamins, minerals and fiber while increasing your daily water intake.
Milk is more hydrating than water
For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
Mineral, structured, and pure spring water are some of the healthiest water you can drink because they're clean and contain all the essential minerals your body needs. Filtered water removes contaminants but might also remove essential minerals.
Scientists say milk is the most hydrating drink
While the team found water — both still and sparkling — does a great job of hydrating people, they also found that it's missing a few key ingredients to really make it work efficiently in the human body. Namely, plain water is missing just a touch of fat, salt, and sugar.
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.
The most unhealthy drinks to keep you hydrated
Fizzy drinks. Soft drinks or sodas have a high sugar or caffeine content, which can actually cause dehydration. It's also bad for oral health. Try to moderate your intake of soft drinks.
Watermelon is made up of 91% water, which makes it one of the best fruits to eat if you are feeling dehydrated. Strawberries. Like watermelon, strawberries are made up of nearly 91% water. These small, red fruits are a favorite sweet treat.
Check if you're dehydrated
peeing less often than usual. feeling dizzy or lightheaded. feeling tired. a dry mouth, lips and tongue.
Bananas and avocados are rich in potassium, and many fruits are good sources of simple carbohydrates that, in the right quantities, can help your body absorb fluids and use later.
We all need to drink water — typically more than we realize. So, what if you drink loads of water each day but are still feeling thirsty and dehydrated? It can be a sign that something else is going on. Factors like your medication, how much you sweat and if you're sick can affect your levels of hydration.
Can tea replace water as a source of hydration? In short: no. In the water-versus-tea battle, water still wins. Because water doesn't contain caffeine, sugar, or other additives, it's the purest form of hydration.
In general, however, it usually takes about two hours for your body to rehydrate fully after drinking a significant amount of water. As for how you should rehydrate, water is the best choice. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, can be helpful for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.
Mild, moderate, and severe dehydration have similar treatments and warning signs but at varying levels. For more mild or moderate cases of dehydration, expect your body to feel better after just a few hours, but full rehydration won't happen until about three days later.
According to a recent study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, your body can alleviate mild dehydration in 45 minutes with 20.3 oz (600ml) of water.
Best Overall: Gatorade
The levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) are moderate and sensible with 160 mg of sodium and 45mg of potassium per 12 fluid ounce serving. You can also find Gatorade varieties with higher sodium, zero sugar or no calories depending on your needs.
Here is one more reason to enjoy that morning cup of joe: “Coffee counts toward your daily water intake,” says Lauren DeWolf, MS, RD, a registered dietitian with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers. The water in coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages helps us meet our daily fluid needs.
In fact, water may not even crack the top five of the most hydrating drinks out there. According to a study from Scotland's St. Andrew's University, milk, Pedialyte and soda top the list of most hydrating beverages.