The 7 Best Drinks To Prevent Dehydration

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Looking for the best drink to fight dehydration? It turns out there are quite a few options when it comes to filling your body back up with water and electrolytes. Whether you’re looking for post-workout replenishment or trying to keep your body hydrated during a bout of the stomach flu, these options will help you feel better.

1. Water

As you can imagine, water is one of the best drinks to fight dehydration. Drinking water throughout your workout helps replace the water you’re losing by sweating. It’s also key to drink when you’re not feeling well. And, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, you’ll probably be able to find a glass of water.

2. Electrolyte-Infused Water

What’s even better than water? Water with electrolytes. When you’re dehydrated, you’re depleted of electrolytes that help your kidneys function—drinks like Smartwater and Trader Joe’s Alkaline Water Plus Electrolytes can come to the rescue and ward off a headache or other mild dehydration-related issues.

3. Pedialyte

Pedialyte is an advanced, medical-grade hydration formula containing the key electrolytes potassium, sodium, and chloride designed to restore your body’s sugar and electrolyte balance. Good for both children and adults, Pedialyte gets you on the fast track to feeling better, especially when you’re sick with a stomach flu or other illness.

4. Gatorade

A favorite of athletes and workout warriors, Gatorade is chock full of electrolytes—but it’s also high in sugar. Sugar, in this case, is not all bad: it’s actually helping your body absorb the electrolytes more efficiently. Plus, Gatorade does have an option with less calories and sugar called G2 for those watching their sugar intake.

5. Homemade Electrolyte-Rich Drink

With the right ingredients, you can whip up your own electrolyte-infused drink. The key is including sugar, salt, and plenty of water. This delicious lemon-ginger electrolyte drink recipe calls for ginger, lemon, lime juice, agave, sea salt, and mineral water.

6. Watermelon

It’s not a drink, but watermelon is 92% water. Any time you eat watermelon, you’re getting water and a hefty dose of vitamin A, vitamin C, and electrolytes.

7. Coconut Water

Coconut water is nature’s version of a sports drink. It contains five main electrolytes: potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and sodium. Like a sports drink, coconut water also has sugar. What’s the difference, then? A store-bought sports drink has up to four times as much sodium as coconut water, but it also contains high-fructose corn syrup instead of natural glucose and fructose.

What to Avoid When You’re Dehydrated

On the other end of the spectrum you’ll find drinks that can actually make you more dehydrated. Namely, drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Avoid reaching for coffee, tea, and soda, no matter how refreshing it looks.

As for alcoholic beverages, keep this in mind: the higher the alcohol concentration, the more dehydrating the drink—that’s why it’s important to always drink water alongside your cocktail!

Symptoms of Dehydration

Not sure if you’re dehydrated? In addition to thirst, these are the tell-tale symptoms of dehydration:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry Mouth
• Irritability
• Constipation
• Dark-colored urine
• Dry skin

Dehydration can be illness-related, due to the vomiting and diarrhea caused by a stomach flu and food poisoning. Dehydration can also be caused by exercise, heat, or even travel. The next time you’re feeling dehydrated, grab any of the above drinks to get your body back in balance!