When you’re thirsty, what drinks can keep you hydrated? Researchers reveal the answer, which may be surprising to some.
Many may think of the classic glass of water, but it’s not the most hydrating drink, according to a study from the University of St Andrews, Scotland.
Experts have realized that while water is a good choice, lightly sweetened or protein drinks are a better option for staying hydrated longer, US media outlet CNN reported.
Milk would therefore be a better choice than water, for example. It contains sugar (lactose) and protein, which help slow the evacuation of liquids from the stomach and maintain hydration for a longer period.
Milk also contains sodium, which acts like a sponge and retains water in the body, reducing urine production.
According to Ronald Maughan, a professor at St Andrews Medical School and author of the study, the reason has to do with how our bodies react to drinks. One factor is the volume of a given drink: the more you drink, the faster the drink empties from your stomach and is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it can dilute body fluids and keep you hydrated.
Drinks not recommended for hydration
However, you have to be careful: drinks with more concentrated sugars, such as fruit juices or soft drinks, are not as hydrating as other low-sugar drinks.
They may spend a little longer in the stomach and empty more slowly than plain water, but once these beverages enter the small intestine, their high sugar concentration is diluted through a physiological process. called osmosis. This process “pulls” water from the body to the small intestine to dilute the sugars in these drinks. Technically, everything in the gut is outside of your body.
Juices and sodas are not only less hydrating, but they contain extra sugars and calories that don’t fill us up as much as solid foods. If you have to choose between a soda and water for hydration, always opt for water.