The fastest way to hydrate involves drinking fluids with electrolytes, like Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) or sports drinks, which speed up water absorption compared to plain water, especially after intense sweating or illness. For mild cases, water is great, but for significant dehydration, ORS (sugar/salt/water mix) or electrolyte drinks work best, with IV fluids being the absolute quickest in severe medical emergencies. Sip fluids steadily over a few hours for best results.
The fastest way to hydrate is to drink an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), a mix of water, sugar, and electrolytes (like salt), especially if you're losing fluids from sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea; otherwise, for mild dehydration, water is key, but adding a pinch of salt helps absorption, and sports drinks or electrolyte powders also work well by replenishing sodium and potassium quickly. For severe cases, intravenous (IV) fluids from a healthcare provider are the fastest method.
Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks.
Best fluids to treat dehydration
The best clear fluids for most children with dehydration are water, apple juice mixed with water and oral rehydration solutions – either liquids or icy poles. Oral rehydration solutions give the body fluids and salts; you can buy them at supermarkets and pharmacies.
However, if you are just trying to rehydrate efficiently and don't have symptoms of severe dehydration, the fastest option is to sip on water for one to two hours, or until you are no longer dehydrated. Adding in electrolytes or another oral hydration solution can also help you treat dehydration more quickly.
Symptoms of dehydration
We grab a bottle of water and guzzle it down, often in one go, to satisfy that thirst. But that's not really the best way to hydrate, says Lindsay Baker, PhD, a senior principal scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. “In general, it's best to sip a little bit throughout the day,” Baker says.
Serious cases can become a medical emergency. You should go to the ER if you're having signs of severe dehydration, such as confusion, fainting, dark urine, or no urine. In the ER, the medical team will evaluate you to see if you need IV fluids.
Start with small sips
“Anyone feeling thirsty should start with small sips of water,” Kadri said. “Gulping a full glass may cause more vomiting.” Here's how much to give: Children: Give two to three teaspoons of fluid every five minutes for three to four hours.
According to new health recommendations, the best drinks for kids and teens are plain water and plain pasteurized milk, with limited amounts of 100% fruit and vegetable juice.
Water. Surprised? Plain water is the best way to hydrate, no second guessing necessary. And this stylish water bottle makes it easy to drink enough.
Adding a small amount of salt to your drinking water helps replenish these lost electrolytes, promoting better water absorption and preventing dehydration. “If you are dehydrated and need an extra boost, it should be just a pinch, not enough to taste,” Bastian says.
Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. According to Mitchell and others (1945), the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.
If you're looking to rehydrate fast, you can drink 8 oz to 12 oz of water every 15 minutes. But make sure not to exceed 1.5 L — or 6.3 cups — in 1.5 hours. More than this amount can increase your risk for developing low sodium levels, which can be harmful.
Milk is more hydrating than water
The same can be said for oral rehydration solutions that are used to treat diarrhea. Those contain small amounts of sugar, as well as sodium and potassium, which can also help promote water retention in the body.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Should I keep drinking water if I throw it up? Yes. Vomiting can cause your body to become dehydrated very quickly, so it's important to keep up your water intake as much as possible. Your body absorbs water better through these solutions because they contain salts and glucose.
best electrolyte drinks
Is it dehydration or something else?
Moderate dehydration typically takes several hours to a day. Severe dehydration requires prompt medical attention, as it can take several days depending on the extent of fluid loss and the treatment response. In severe cases, IV fluids may be necessary to rapidly restore hydration.
You can quickly check for dehydration at home. Pinch the skin over the back of the hand, on the abdomen, or over the front of the chest under the collarbone. This will show skin turgor. Mild dehydration will cause the skin to be slightly slow in its return to normal.
Insufficient Electrolytes
As we already discussed, maintaining bodily hydration requires electrolytes. While water certainly helps with fluid balance, your body can still struggle to retain water if you're not getting enough electrolytes—and that often equals dehydration.
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men. About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.