Recently, I have become quite interested in a new feature on my smartwatch that calculates my hydration levels. The idea is to remind me to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration. While a watch tracking hydration may seem like a gimmick, recent research suggests that even mild dehydration can have lasting health effects.
However, I’ve encountered a challenge in my quest for proper hydration: plain water can be quite boring. Thankfully, there are now numerous other types of fluids available, such as sports drinks, energy drinks, coconut water, and even coffee – my personal favorite. But are any of these alternatives suitable substitutes for water when it comes to health and hydration? And do I really need to think so much about my fluid intake?
Our understanding of what we should be drinking is often clouded by half-truths and questionable health claims. Therefore, this guide aims to provide clarity on modern hydration by exploring the science behind what we truly should be drinking and in what quantities.
Water is the primary component of the human body, constituting approximately half of our adult body mass. The body has precise mechanisms in place to regulate our water intake and output, ensuring that the concentration of salts, minerals, and electrolytes in our blood remains balanced. When dehydration is at risk, hormonal and neural mechanisms kick in, stimulating thirst to encourage water intake and increasing water reabsorption by the kidneys to minimize water output.
How much water should you drink?
The question of whether we drink enough water for optimal health has been a topic of debate …
