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The recommendation to stay hydrated is widely accepted knowledge. But it's not always easy to do when water has no flavour. A number of drinks can hydrate us, which is a relief, but we need to watch out for the ones that might actually make us thirstier.
Yes, it's true that some drinks make you pee more than usual. Even more so, many delicious drinks include excessive amounts of sugar, carbohydrates, and calories—all of which you are trying to reduce or eliminate from your diet. Here is a list of some of the best and worst drinks for staying hydrated, so you can make an informed decision.
Alcohol
It is well known that alcohol makes people thirsty. Because it is a diuretic, it makes you pee more, which can make you lose water and become dehydrated. In addition, alcohol stops the production of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that is very important for keeping water in the body. Because of this, drinking too much alcohol can cause chemical issues and poor hydration, especially when it's hot and humid outside.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks are often sipped in the morning to wake you up, but they can also make you lose water. The kidneys are affected by caffeine, which makes them make more pee and get rid of water faster. Moderate consumption may not pose major risks to your fluids, but excessive consumption, especially when combined with heat and humidity, can make you dehydrated and throw off your electrolytes.
Soda
Carbonated drinks with a lot of sugar, like soda, make it harder to stay hydrated in two ways. Apart from the caffeine, which is known to make you pee, they also have a lot of sugar, which can make you lose even more water. If you drink soda in hot weather, you might need to pee more, lose electrolytes, and have trouble staying hydrated. Also, soda's acidity can irritate the digestive system, which could make dehydration signs like nausea and discomfort.
Sports Drinks
People buy sports drinks to replace the fluids they lose when they work out, but they usually have a lot of sugar and artificial ingredients in them. Restoring electrolytes is important for staying hydrated, but sports drinks with too much sugar can be a problem. In hot weather, consuming these drinks may cause you to lose a lot of fluids quickly through increased urine production, which defeats the purpose of keeping you hydrated. Also, eating too much sugar can raise blood sugar levels and make dehydration signs worse.
Energy Drinks
Caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants are abundant in energy drinks, which are marketed for their energising effects. Caffeine may give you a short burst of energy, but it also causes you to lose fluids faster since it induces diuretic effects. Energy drinks' high sugar content also dilutes fluids already present in the body, which can make dehydration worse. Consistently drinking energy drinks, especially in hot and humid weather, can wash off your body's water balance and put you at risk for problems associated to dehydration.
Stay hydrated by sipping water or flavoured water all day long, or select one of the hydrating beverages listed below—especially with the heat and humidity on the rise!
What to Have
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a classic Indian drink that is both soothing and hydrating. It is a creamy, sour drink that is great for hot days. Buttermilk is made by adding water to yoghurt and seasoning it with herbs, salt, and roasted cumin. It has probiotic qualities that help digestion and keep the gut healthy. Buttermilk replaces the fluids you lose when you sweat. It is high in calcium, vitamins, and minerals, so it is a great way to stay hydrated in the summer.
Shikanji
Shikanji, which is also called Nimbu Pani or Indian lemonade, is a sour and refreshing drink that cools you down right away in the scorching heat. Shikanji is made from freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, sugar, roasted cumin powder, and black salt. It has just the right amount of sweet, sour, and salty flavours. Because it is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fluids, Shikanji not only quenches your thirst but also helps your body digest food and boosts your immune system. This makes it a popular choice for beating the summer heat.
Coconut Water
Nature's own electrolyte-rich elixir, coconut water, is a hydrating powerhouse packed with essential nutrients and minerals. Derived from young green coconuts, coconut water is naturally sweet and refreshing, with a delicate flavour. Low in calories and cholesterol-free, coconut water replenishes electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium lost during perspiration, making it an excellent choice for rehydrating after physical activity or prolonged exposure to heat.
Sabja Seeds Water
Sabja seeds, which are also called basil seeds, are a fun and cool way to stay hydrated in the summer. When these tiny black seeds are soaked in water, they get bigger and form a gel-like substance, like chia seeds. Sabja seeds water is full of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients. It helps digestion, makes you feel full, and keeps your blood sugar levels in check. Also, sabja seeds cool the body, which is why they are often used in Ayurvedic and traditional Indian medicines to treat illnesses caused by heat.
Jaljeera
Jaljeera is a tasty and spicy drink that is known for helping the digestive system and cooling you down. Jaljeera is a cool drink that is made from roasted cumin seeds, mint leaves, black salt, dry mango powder, and other spices. It makes you hungry, helps your stomach, and lowers your body temperature. Anyone can enjoy jaljeera as a drink on its own or with snacks like samosas or chaat. It gives you a flavorful and refreshing boost that wakes you up.
Kokum Sharbat
Kokum Sharbat is a sour drink from the coastal areas of India. It is made from the extract of the kokum fruit, which gives it its bright red colour and sour taste. The cooling effects of Kokum Sharbat and its capacity to reduce heat-related discomforts like tiredness and thirst make it highly sought-after. Kokum sharbat is full of antioxidants and important nutrients like vitamin C. It helps digestion, boosts immunity, and improves general health, which is why it's a popular way to stay hydrated in the summer.
