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Water is, and always will be, the best and healthiest form of quench your thirst, but there are a few other options to try when you’re feeling especially drained, perhaps after a few glasses of wine or a strenuous workout. Whether you’re feeling bored with plain water or looking to really boost hydration, here are the best ways to manage thirst. when H2O it’s not cutting it.
Related: How to drink more water every day
ORS-labeled beverages are best for rehydration.
The World Health Organization has a gold standard when it comes to rehydration; anything that has the oral rehydration salts (ORS) stamp on it, which indicates a mixture of electrolytes of water, sugar and salt, explains a registered dietitian Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN, is optimal. “This is where I love being nerdy: There’s something called the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism, which is when the sodium, potassium, and glucose are properly balanced, like they are in an ORS formula,” she says. “This solution helps the body absorb electrolytes more effectively through osmotic force by drawing water directly into cells and rehydrating the body three times faster and more effectively than water alone.” You can spend hours trying to top regular water with foods that provide the same electrolytes, but drinking ORS-balanced beverages is the most effective way to rehydrate, aside from an IV, she says. And while water and water derivatives, such as seltzer-Really is the easiest and healthiest way to stay hydrated around the clockturning to these formulas when you’re exhausted will help you get back on track.
Coconut water is another option.
Alpert says that some of his favorite ORS formulas actually come in powder form (add to water and drink); she recommends the Cure powders ($22.99, amazon.com), a company that combines coconut water with those much-needed electrolytes. “Cure really is the best – their beverages meet the criteria for thirst quenching and health and, like ORS, have been scientifically shown to hydrate at the cellular level,” she explains. Alpert points out that you can drink alone coconut watertoo, but pair it with a healthy salty snack, like nuts, to help you hydrate Y replace missing sodium, she says.
Avoid sodas, energy stimulants, and sugary sports drinks.
Believe it or not, there are drinks that fall on the opposite end of the spectrum and can actually cause dehydration. Anyone who’s ever had too much to drink at a Friday night happy hour is familiar with this concept, but there are other sips you can turn to on a regular basis that could be working against your body’s hydration levels. “Beverages with excessive amounts of added sugars, colorings, and caffeine should generally be avoided,” says Alpert. This includes soft drinks, energy or sports drinks:overdo it with coffee and caffeinated tea can also cause problems.
