What’s More Hydrating Than Water?

Next, we have oral rehydration solutions. ORS are the most clinically effective hydration solutions – but you should not use oral rehydration solutions to replace water. Instead, use them if you’re recovering from illness, experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea, or if you are severely dehydrated.

ORS drinks contain:

• glucose (helps with sodium absorption)
• sodium
• potassium

ORS drinks are clinically proven to hydrate faster than plain water, particularly in extreme fluid loss situations. Is it proven to substantially reduce mortality, hospitalizations, and progression to severe dehydration in cases of diarrhoea. In fact, if cholera victims had access to ORS, the fatality rate would reduce from 30% to just 3% – highlighting just how hydrating oral rehydration solutions are. 

Tip – Mix with the exact amount of water recommended for optimal effect.

Coconut water is a natural, low-calorie electrolyte drink with a slightly sweet taste. In one cup of coconut water (8 fl oz), there are around 45 to 60 calories. Sweetened versions may be higher, with around 100 cals per cup. 

Coconut water contains:

• Potassium (more potassium than many sports drinks!)
• Moderate sodium (which helps maintain fluid balance during exercise)
  
  

Coconut water also has a refreshingly low sugar content – so you can stay hydrated without the added calories of many sports drinks and fruit juices.

 

Hydrogen Water 

Next, we have hydrogen water! Hydrogen water is regular water infused with molecular hydrogen (H₂).

First of all, hydrogen itself does not significantly enhance hydration, but it may reduce oxidative stress after exercise. Fluid retention is similar to plain water, but the potential recovery benefits make it a great post-workout hydration choice. Learn more in our ultimate guide to hydrogen water. 

Hydrogen water has many benefits – it may reduce fatigue, boost immune function, improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and of course, support proper hydration. It does this by helping regulate water balance at the cellular level and supporting improved recovery markers associated with fluid and electrolyte management – making it a great choice during exercise. 

 

You can even combine hydrogen water with electrolytes if you need rapid hydration!

 

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are great for fast hydration during intense or prolonged exercise. This makes them perfect during hot weather or after long workouts. However, one thing to note is that sports drinks can often be high in calories. 

Some branded options, such as Powerade and Gatorade, have around 90 calories per 500 ml bottle. They contain almost no fat and protein, but plenty of electrolytes for hydration.

Sports drinks contain:

• Electrolytes (to replace any sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost through sweat)
• Carbohydrates (to provide energy while slowing fluid loss)
• B-group vitamins, such as B1, B6, B12, and vitamin C

They can be absorbed quickly too, which is great if you’re an endurance athlete!

 

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea containing trace electrolytes and beneficial probiotics. It’s known as being great for your gut health, but can also be quite hydrating. However, it’s not as hydrating as milk or ORS. 

Choose low-sugar or lightly fermented versions to avoid excess sugar intake – Kombucha is pretty much fat-free, but can contain around 35 calories per 6oz. 

Kombucha contains:

• Electrolytes & minerals to help maintain fluid balance.
• Probiotics (which may indirectly support hydration by improving digestion and nutrient absorption!)

Note – Make sure you drink kombucha in moderation – some formulations and individual sensitivities could lead to digestive upset or even allergic reactions.

 

Fruit Juice

First of all, make sure you drink diluted fruit juice – full-strength fruit juice is too sugary to be considered ideal hydration alone. Dilute 1 part juice to 3 parts water for optimal hydration (without the excess calories). 

 

Some hydration benefits of fruit juice include:

• Electrolytes – Potassium and trace minerals in juice support fluid retention.
• Carbohydrates – Help with water absorption.
• Tastes good – Encourages increased fluid intake if you struggle with plain water.

The natural sugars in juice help your body absorb water more efficiently, and certain juices are rich in electrolytes like potassium, which supports hydration and fluid balance. 

Here’s how much potassium you can expect in different juices:

• Orange juice: ~470 mg potassium per 250 ml glass
• Prune juice: ~700 mg per 250 ml
• Tomato juice: ~530 mg per 250 ml

 

Can I Replace Water?

No, you should not replace water. The drinks listed above may hydrate you better than water in some situations, but water should still be your main source of daily hydration.

Here are some examples of when you can substitute water for another hydrating beverage:

Top Hydration Tips

1. Drinking regularly instead of in large volumes – your kidneys absorb fluid more efficiently when you sip consistently
2. Add electrolytes when you sweat a lot – Exercise, saunas, heat and illness increase electrolyte loss
3. Choose hydrating foods – Such as fruit, vegetables and soups
4. Filter your water for better taste – Filtered water can encourage you to drink more – check out our Electric Water Filter Pitcher.
5. Track your hydration signs – Check urine colour, energy levels, thirst, and focus

What Are The Worst Drinks for Hydration?

Some drinks can improve hydration, but others can have the opposite effect... If you're trying to rehydrate quickly, limit (or completely avoid) these drinks:

 

Alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic – it increases urine production and causes your body to lose water and electrolytes. This is why you often feel thirsty (or even dehydrated) the morning after drinking.

It increases fluid loss, disrupts electrolyte balance, and can lead to headaches, fatigue, and dry mouth. If you drink alcohol, try alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water or an electrolyte beverage listed above! 

 

Caffeinated Energy Drinks

Energy drinks aren’t inherently dehydrating as the caffeine amount isn’t usually high enough to cause major fluid loss. However, they’re still not a great hydration choice due to:

• High sugar content (which can slow hydration and spike blood sugar)
• Stimulants that can increase heart rate
• Artificial additives that offer no hydration benefit

 

Very Strong Tea & Coffee

Mild caffeine is hydrating overall. However, large, concentrated doses (like multiple espressos or strong black tea) can have a mild diuretic effect in some people. When you need to hydrate, stick to herbal teas or weaker brews. 

 

Undiluted Fruit Juice

Fruit juice is hydrating when diluted, but full-strength juice can work against hydration due to its very high sugar content and lack of sodium (which is needed for water retention).

Ready to Hydrate Smarter? Try Hydrogen-Infused Water

If you’re looking to take your hydration to the next level, one of the most effective ways is with hydrogen-infused water – and the PIURIFY Hydrogenator Bottle makes it both easy and convenient! 

With one click of a button, the bottle infuses your water with molecular hydrogen using advanced SPE/PEM electrolysis. This gives you clean, fresh-tasting hydrogen water in just 5–10 minutes. It’s portable, USB-rechargeable, and designed for everyday use at home, work, or the gym. Get started today!