Five Healthy Drinks You Can Drink If You Hate Water, According to an Expert

Water is widely recommended as the healthiest drink, but what if it’s not your thing?

Since it’s much easier to stay hydrated if you choose a drink you love, Jordan Mazur, a San Francisco-based professional sports dietitian and nutrition advisor for beverage company Hint Water, offers tastier alternatives for H2O haters.

“Water is undoubtedly the best choice for hydration, but there are other healthy alternatives,” he told Fox News Digital.

Here’s what you need to know.

What to drink instead – and what to avoid

Herbal teas, especially those without caffeine, can contribute to daily fluid intake.

Coconut water is another good option because of its electrolyte content, which can be beneficial for rehydration, according to Mazur, sports dietitian for the San Francisco 49ers.

“Milk, whether dairy or plant-based, provides hydration as well as essential nutrients like calcium,” he said.

Another option is to add a little spice to the water to make it more palatable.

“If you think water can be boring sometimes, try infusing water by adding slices of fruit like cucumber, lemon or berries to enhance its flavor and add a subtle boost of vitamins,” a Mazur suggested.

There are also ready-to-drink alternatives that add natural flavor to water without added calories or artificial sweeteners, he said.

Alternatives to avoid

Alcohol and sugary drinks, including soda and fruit juice with added sugars, are not ideal alternatives to water, Mazur cautioned.

“Although they contribute to fluid intake, their high sugar content can have adverse health effects, including weight gain and increased risk of metabolic disorders,” he said.

Caffeinated beverages like coffee and some teas can have a diuretic effect, potentially leading to increased fluid loss, Mazur added.

Importance of hydration

As a professional sports dietitian, Mazur works with high-performance athletes at the peak of their sport.

“Proper hydration is an essential part of our daily nutrition plan to replenish fluids lost during exercise and enable proper recovery throughout the season,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Even if you’re not paid to play a sport professionally, the principles of hydration can still apply to everyone.”

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining bodily functions, Mazur said.

“Water plays a central role in digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation and waste elimination,” he said.

“Adequate hydration ensures optimal organ function and overall well-being.”

Warning signs of dehydration

Common signs of dehydration include dark yellow urine, dry mouth, headache, dizziness and fatigue, Mazur said.

“Additionally, a lack of sweating during physical activity, decreased urine output and increased heart rate may indicate dehydration,” he said.

“It is essential to pay attention to these signals and increase fluid intake accordingly.”

Dehydration can impair cognitive function and physical performance, and can even lead to serious health problems, the expert said.

What is the right amount?

The general guideline is to follow your body’s signals, according to Mazur.

“Monitoring the color of your urine is also helpful: light yellow usually indicates good hydration,” he said.

Hydration needs can also vary depending on different factors, he explained, such as physical activity levels, environmental conditions and health status.

“For example, during exercise, especially in hot or humid environments, individuals lose fluid through sweating, increasing their need for hydration to maintain optimal performance and prevent dehydration,” Mazur said.

“Similarly, during illnesses characterized by fever, vomiting or diarrhea, the body loses fluid more quickly, requiring increased hydration to compensate for these losses and promote recovery. »

When making recommendations to his clients, Mazur uses the “8×8 rule,” or approximately 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day, adjusting based on unique requirements and environmental conditions.

“Although thirst is a natural mechanism for regulating fluid intake, it is not always a reliable indicator of hydration status, particularly in certain populations, such as older adults who may have a feeling of diminished thirst,” he said.

Studies have shown that waiting until thirsty to drink may not be enough to prevent dehydration, he noted – “particularly in situations where fluid loss is high or when conditions predispose individuals to the dehydration “.

“Therefore, it is advisable to drink fluids regularly throughout the day, even if thirst is not felt.”

However, it is possible to drink too much water, Mazur warns.

Excessive water consumption can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, in which low levels of sodium in the blood can be harmful.

“Listen to your body and find a balance that works for you,” he advises.