HEALTH: Chugging Water Isn't the Only Way to Hydrate

Headlines for a healthier you

Claire Bugos, Staff Writer

You're Better at Hydrating Than You Think

Staying hydrated when it's hot out is important to avoid heat-related sickness. Drinking water is a great way to keep your body humming in a heatwave–it's cheap, healthy, and relatively accessible. But there are plenty of other ways to get your fluids. Juicy fruits and vegetables add to your overall body water, and beverages like milk and juice can even be more hydrating than water. How do you know if you're well hydrated? Try for pale yellow pee.

Know More

You may have heard that drinks with caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating because they cause you to pee more often. These drinks do contribute to your overall body water, but it's best to avoid them during a heatwave.

Feel Better

Electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium are key for helping your body retain hydration. High-performance athletes or people who sweat a lot may need to replenish these electrolytes with sports drinks. But most people get enough electrolytes by eating a diet with fruits, vegetables, and salt.

What Else Should You Know

How Dangerous Are Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks can be a flavorful way to get a kick. But the drinks can be packed with sugar, poorly studied ingredients, and enough caffeine to damage heart health. Health experts say adults should drink no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, and adolescents should top out at 100 mg. Some newly popular energy drinks among teens, such as Celsius and Bang, contain more than double this amount.

The Pandemic Made Antibiotics Less Effective

Antibiotic medications and disinfectants for hands and surfaces are supposed to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and fungi. But when they're overused, harmful pathogens can become resistant to those antibiotics. Due in part to increased hygiene and antibiotic prescriptions during the pandemic, infections and deaths from these "superbugs" increased at least 15% between 2019 and 2020, per a CDC report.