When it comes to improving your health, one of the most straightforward steps you can take is to assess your fluid intake. The choices you make about what you drink have a significant impact on your body’s ability to function properly. In fact, proper hydration is essential for every system in your body.
So, what should you be drinking? The key is to focus on
non-caloric, unsweetened fluids. This is the “gold standard” for true hydration.
What Counts Toward Your Fluid Intake?
● Water: Plain, filtered, or tap water is the best choice.
● Unsweetened Tea and Coffee: Black coffee or tea (black, green, or herbal) without any added sugar or sweeteners are good options.
● Club Soda, Seltzer, and Mineral Water: These are great alternatives to plain water, as long as they are unsweetened and without artificial flavors. Mineral water also provides added electrolytes.
What Does Not Count?
Certain beverages do not contribute to proper hydration because they contain calories, sweeteners, or other additives. Your body has to use valuable resources to process these ingredients, which reduces the overall hydration benefit.
● Sweetened Beverages: This includes sugary teas, coffees, juices, and sodas. Even 100% fruit juice, despite being natural, is high in sugar and calories.
● Caloric Drinks: Smoothies, milkshakes, and anything with calories require your body to process them.
● Diet Sodas: Although calorie-free, diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners that do not hydrate your body in the same way as water.
● Alcohol: Alcohol acts as a diuretic and can actually contribute to dehydration.
Why This Distinction Matters
Water is the foundation of your body’s health and is involved in virtually every biological function. When you consume beverages with calories or sweeteners, your body must use resources to process those additives, which reduces the overall hydration benefit.
By choosing the right fluids, you support your body in:
● Regulating Body Temperature
● Aiding Digestion
● Transporting Nutrients
● Removing Waste
● Protecting Joints and Tissues
To begin your journey toward better hydration, simply start by paying attention to the types of beverages you are consuming each day. This small step of building a baseline awareness is the key to improving your hydration habits and laying the foundation for better overall health.
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