The Best Foods & Liquids To Hydrate The Body

Because your body is largely composed of water, drinking enough to help maintain its fluid balance is important. Lack of water can lead to weakness, fatigue and muscle twitches. If you have lost a significant amount of water due to exercising, illness or poor water consumption, choose foods and drinks that can restore your lost water levels.

In Cases of Dehydration

Dehydration is severe lack of fluid in the body that causes you to experience symptoms like confusion, vomiting and muscle weakness. You may experience it after an endurance exercise session or an illness. In these instances, drink fluids that contain electrolytes, which include sodium and potassium. Electrolytes help to restore fluid balance in the body. Look for labels like "rehydration fluids." You also can make your own rehydration solution by mixing 1/2 tsp. of salt with 6 tsp. of sugar and 1 liter of water. Sports drinks are another option to replace lost fluids.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables naturally contain water, which can help to hydrate your body. Examples of water-containing fruits are watermelon, honeydew melon and cantaloupe. Vegetables also can be high in water. Examples of vegetables with high water content include onions, celery and cucumbers.

Water

When it comes to keeping you hydrated, water is the ultimate drink. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking at least eight glasses of water per day to sufficiently hydrate your body. If you do not like the taste of plain water, you can steep leaves from plants like mint, verbena or linden to make flavorful teas. Avoid caffeine-containing teas, however, as the teas can have slightly dehydrating effects.

Soups

Broth-based soups can hydrate your body because they are chiefly water. If you add vegetables to the soup, this can further increase the amount of fluid sources you take in. However, soup may not be the best rehydration option if you are severely dehydrated. Having symptoms like mental confusion or muscle weakness may necessitate an electrolyte-containing beverage such as a sports drink.

Warning

While there are many foods and fluids that can keep you hydrated, sometimes you may need medical intervention to restore fluid balances. If you have not been able to replace lost fluids due to excessive vomiting, difficulty swallowing or a prolonged bout of diarrhea, seek immediate medical attention. Your physician may recommend an intravenous solution to restore fluid balance.