New Study Finds Water Isn’t the Most Hydrating Drink — Other Beverages Might Work Even Better

Whenever we feel we need to get hydrated, the first option that comes to mind is water, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, a new study finds that water may not be the most hydrating drink, and that other beverages might work even better.

Water is still one of the best ways to hydrate your body, and it is exceptionally good at it. It is the primary component of the human body’s fluids; it helps regulate our temperature, aids in the removal of waste, and can also transport nutrients to the rest of the body. So, let’s find out what the scientists discovered and how it is possible that other drinks could hydrate better.

The Science Behind Hydration

Dr. Ronald Maughan from St Andrews explains that the drink’s composition heavily influences how our body will absorb its fluids and empty the stomach. They also mentioned that water empties quickly and could dilute bodily fluids rapidly, which is one of its best features, especially when someone is dehydrated.

However, drinks with nutrients and other substances can remain longer in a human’s stomach, leading to a more gradual absorption of fluid and better hydration control. So, drinks with sugar, fat, protein, and electrolytes are some of the best options.

Read more: Harvard Street

What Outperforms Water?

Did you know this beverage is more hydrating than water?

The best drink that stood out in the study was Milk, due to its content, like lactose, casein protein, fats, sodium, and potassium. With all of these nutrients mixed with the liquid, the body takes time to absorb the fluids, resulting in slower loss and more water staying in the body.

However, according to the study, aside from Milk, other drinks come out more hydrating than still water or sparkling water. The most hydrating, in order, were: skim milk, oral rehydration solutions, whole milk, orange juice, and cola. To see the whole list, you can read more in the complete study.

But the point was that these mentioned beverages might work better at that single job, hydration. Now let’s look at some limitations and actual practical insights.

Practical Insights & Limitations

In the study, high-sugar drinks, like juices and sodas, scored exceptionally. But due to osmosis in the intestine, the net movement of solvent particles, their effectiveness drops dramatically, as the water is pulled out of the body.

Milk and the other beverages might be good for hydration, especially for extended physical activity or heat exposure, as they will help you retain more fluids and electrolytes, but experts stress that water itself is essential. It is often even considered a fundamental requirement for life. For everyday hydration, nothing still beats the old glass of plain water, without added nutrients or energy.

Read more: Medical Brief

Broader Implications

What this research has accomplished really is not about telling us to replace water; it is more so about our definition and understanding of hydration. This considers fluid retention and nutrient balance, and not just water intake.

It has also sparked some debate about whether what really nourishes our body is water alone, or do we need some type of mixture of nutrients with it. Whatever the answer experts come to conclude with this argument, there is no denying that water is life, and we need it.

Study finds milk may hydrate better than water

Author's Final Thoughts

While water remains the king of hydration, especially for everyday use, other beverages might serve our body better under certain conditions and circumstances.

Since drinks like Milk can provide not just liquid, but also nutrients, they can offer long-lasting hydration. Ultimately, this study helps us understand and define what hydration is, but it does not take away the importance of water.

This article is based on publicly available research and media reports. It is intended for informational purposes only, where results are analyzed and discussed, and does not constitute medical or nutritional advice.

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