Iced tea are very dehydrating due to the tea and sugar
As summer heat worsens, there are various ways in which we keep our bodies cool and ourselves hydrated. Summer is all about iced drinks and refreshing foods. However, many drinks we consume and think of as ‘refreshing' might not be healthy at all. In this article, we discuss drinks that might seem refreshing but are dehydrating to the body.
8 refreshing drinks that are actually dehydrating your body:
Iced tea
Iced tea is often considered to be a healthier alternative to processed drinks. Although is healthier, it is equally dehydrating. Teas are usually high in caffeine which makes them dehydrated. Even though you might beconsuming it with lemon and cold water, it might still suck out the water levels of the body.
Iced coffee
Similar to iced tea, iced coffee is also high in caffeine which makes it extremely dehydrating. Although iced tea and iced coffee both taste refreshing and help boost energy, they might dehydrate you over time. In addition to this, cold coffee or other cold variations of drinking coffee are also to be avoided. Although 1-2 servings may not dehydrate you, you must still go for other refreshing drinks.
Lemonade
Yes, drinking lemonade might be dehydrating your body. This might be a shock to many people as drinking water and lemon are both great to hydrate the body. However, lemonade also has sugar in them which reduces the water levels in the body. You can make lemonade hydrating by removing or alternating honey or stevia with the sugar.
Packed coconut water
Processed and packed coconut water might have added sugar to it to enhance the taste of the coconut water. This as discussed above, can increase your sugar intake. Eating his sugars and/or sodium reduces the water levels in the body, living you feel dehydrated.
Beer
People that drink beer often find it very refreshing. However, it is no surprise that beer like other alcoholic drinks is dehydrating. It might taste and feel refreshing but drinking too much beer can significantly reduce the amount of water in the body.
Hard liquor
Hard liquor, as well as wine, are very dehydrating to the body. Drinking these regularly or consuming multiple servings can cause a massive drop in the water levels of your body. In addition to this, hard liquor is often served through co*cktails that are very high in sugar which makes them even more dehydrating. Headaches by the end of the day or morning after drinking is an indication of severe dehydration.
Energy drinks
Energy drinks as the name suggests, do provide energy in summer. Staying under the sun can reduce your energy levels and these drinks might help. However, most energy drinks have high levels of sugar and are highly processed. This makes energy drinks extremely dehydrating.
In conclusion, not all water-based iced drinks are necessarily hydrating. These drinks might bene refreshing but they can dehydrate you at a quicker speed. Hence, if you wish to stay hydrated this summer, drink lots of water, buttermilk, sugarless drinks, detox water, and so on. You can also alternate sugar with honey as it is a hydrating and much healthier alternative.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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FAQs
Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor increase urine output and could cause dehydration if consumed in large amounts. Caffeinated energy drinks may also contain ingredients that increase urine production and contribute to dehydration.
What drinks are the most dehydrating? ›
Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor increase urine output and could cause dehydration if consumed in large amounts. Caffeinated energy drinks may also contain ingredients that increase urine production and contribute to dehydration.
What drinks actually hydrate you? ›
We've listed the best drinks for you to hydrate below, so make sure to read them all.
- Water. No surprises here. ...
- Milk & milk alternatives. One scientific study . has suggested that milk is right up there with the most hydrating drinks. ...
- Fruit and herb-infused water. ...
- Fruit juice. ...
- Sports drinks. ...
- Coconut Water. ...
- Tea.
Drink water throughout the day, including at meals. Avoid soda, alcohol and caffeinated drinks. One way to make sure you're properly hydrated is to check your pee. If it's clear, pale or straw-colored, it's OK.
What's the worst thing to drink if you're dehydrated? ›
Sugary drinks
Experts believe that too much sugar may make dehydration and other symptoms worse. This is likely because of the interaction of sugar and water within the cells. Higher sugar intake causes the cells in the body to transfer more water and increase urination.
What is the number 1 hydration drink? ›
Surprised? Plain water is the best way to hydrate, no second guessing necessary. And this stylish water bottle makes it easy to drink enough.
What hydrates better than water? ›
Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks. Researchers credit milk's natural electrolytes, carbohydrates and protein for its effectiveness. Drinking milk after exercise helps replace essential electrolytes that are lost in sweat.
What is the healthiest drink besides water? ›
8 healthy drinks besides water
- Green tea. ...
- Mint tea. ...
- Black coffee. ...
- Fat-free milk. ...
- Soy milk or almond milk. ...
- Hot chocolate. ...
- Orange or lemon juice. ...
- Homemade smoothies.
To prevent dehydration, you should drink water throughout the day. Water is best, but other drinks can also be helpful like milk, flavored sparkling water, and low-sugar fruit juices. Even frequent small sips are helpful if you cannot drink a full glass at a time.
What is the fastest way to reverse dehydration? ›
The fastest way to cure dehydration is to drink fluids, particularly those that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions. People unable to drink properly due to medical conditions may require IV hydration for faster results.
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:
- feeling thirsty.
- dark yellow, strong-smelling pee.
- peeing less often than usual.
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- feeling tired.
- a dry mouth, lips and tongue.
- sunken eyes.
But you might think boiling an egg would ruin it's hydrating potential, right? The fact is, that 75 percent water content remains and combines with high protein levels and a bounty of essential nutrients to make boiled eggs another hydrating addition to a salad.
Is lemon water good for hydration? ›
Lemon water is a refreshing drink that can provide vitamin C and help someone maintain hydration. However, lemon water is unlikely to add any significant nutritional benefits. Lemon water is a popular home remedy, with some online sources claiming it can improve digestion, detox the body, or promote weight loss.
What drink is the most dehydrating? ›
It's no surprise that coffee tops this list as one of the most dehydrating drinks due to its caffeine content—but don't worry, one or two cups of joe won't tip you over into total dehydration.
What is the best liquid to drink to stay hydrated? ›
Water is a healthy and cheap choice to keep you hydrated, but other drinks can also count towards your fluid intake. We also get some fluids from the foods we eat. Not getting enough fluids can lead to dehydration.
Which alcohol drink dehydrates you the most? ›
Perhaps you should avoid those the next time you hit the town. In general, drinks with a higher alcohol content – think spirits such as vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum – are higher on the spectrum of alcohol content, making them more dehydrating per ounce than alcohols such as beer and wine.
What dehydrates you more, coffee or tea? ›
However, it's a myth that caffeinated beverages are dehydrating due to their diuretic effect. Coffee and tea do contain varying levels of caffeine, but it's important to note that they both are mostly water and therefore can be hydrating.
What foods drinks dehydrate you? ›
You can combat dehydration by cutting back on foods high in added salt, like fast foods, chips, and pizza, and limiting your intake of alcohol and drinks very high in caffeine.
What beverages count as water intake? ›
In addition, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are composed mostly of water. Even caffeinated drinks — such as coffee and soda — can contribute to your daily water intake.
