4 Best Water Types to Drink if You’re Dehydrated

Ever felt so thirsty you could drink an entire lake? We’ve all been there – mouth dry as a desert, head pounding, and feeling like a raisin. Dehydration is no joke. But before you start chugging from the faucet, hold on.

When it comes to hydration, not all water is created equal. There’s a whole world of options out there, from regular H2O to electrolyte-packed drinks and coconut water.

So, grab your favorite cup, and let's explore. By the end, you'll know what drinks to prepare for a quick pick-me-up when you're dehydrated.

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Symptoms of Dehydration

• An early and often the most noticeable symptom, indicating the body's need for fluids.
• The mucous membranes in the mouth may feel dry, and the skin may lose its elasticity.
• A general feeling of tiredness or lethargy can occur as the body struggles to function without adequate hydration.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness can occur due to decreased blood volume and pressure from fluid loss.
• The heart may beat faster to compensate for lower blood volume.
• Lack of tears and moisture in the eyes can be a sign of dehydration.
• Loss of electrolytes through sweat can lead to painful muscle contractions.
• You may be confused or disoriented.
• You may also feel faint or weak when standing up due to low blood pressure.
• Skin may feel cool and moist as blood flow is redirected to vital organs.
• Less frequent urination or dark-colored urine can indicate dehydration.
• Urine that appears darker than usual suggests a higher concentration of waste products due to reduced water content.

» Learn how to check for dehydration at home

4 Best Water Types for Dehydration: Our Picks

Structured water has a lower surface tension than tap or bottled. Its molecules can more easily penetrate cell walls, leading to better cellular hydration. As a result, drinking it can flush out toxins and maintain optimal hydration throughout your body.

The hexagonal molecular arrangement makes this water easily absorbable by cells. This structure is similar to the water found in pristine natural sources, like mountain springs. The structure may enhance the water's ability to hydrate tissues and absorb nutrients more efficiently than regular water.

The MAYU Swirl uses vortex technology to create a swirling motion in the water. This motion is produced by a motor-powered impeller that generates a magnetic vortex within the carafe. This swirling action is important because it mimics the natural flow of water, promoting aeration and restructuring of the water molecules.

Coconut water is a refreshing and nutritious beverage packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are crucial for fluid balance in your body.

Here are some of the key electrolytes found in coconut water:

• Potassium: Coconut water is a great source of potassium, containing about 600 mg per cup. This is around 15% of the recommended daily intake. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance and muscle function, making it essential for recovery after workouts.
• Sodium: While it has less sodium than many sports drinks, coconut water still contains enough to replenish what you lose through sweat.
• Magnesium and Calcium: These minerals support muscle function and overall hydration.

Studies have shown that coconut water can be more effective than plain water for rehydration after exercise. One study found that people who drank coconut water experienced better hydration levels compared to those who drank plain water or traditional sports drinks. [1] This is likely due to its electrolyte content, which helps your body retain and balance fluids.

» Check out the best water types for cellular hydration

Lemon water is a simple but refreshing beverage made by adding lemon juice to regular water. It offers all the hydration benefits of plain water, which is essential for regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and eliminating waste through urination and sweating. If you find plain water boring, lemon water can be a great way to stay hydrated.

Although lemon water doesn't have as many electrolytes as coconut water, it does contain some potassium. This mineral is important for maintaining fluid balance and muscle function, making lemon water a helpful option for replenishing nutrients lost during exercise or hot weather.

» Learn more about different types of dehydration

Electrolytes are essential for nerve function. They help transmit electrical signals between nerve cells, which is important for coordination and muscle control. When you're dehydrated, your body's ability to maintain these functions can be compromised.

When you sweat, you lose water and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are crucial for:

• Fluid Balance: Electrolytes help regulate the distribution of fluids in your body.
• Muscle Function: Adequate levels are essential for muscle contraction and relaxation.

Infusing your water with electrolytes helps replace the water you've lost through sweating, as well as restore the electrolyte balance in your body, improving brain, muscle, and heart functions.

One of the easiest ways to drink electrolyte water is with Mayu Water's Electrolyte Drops. Unlike bottled beverages, they are free from added sugar or flavorings, making them a much healthier option. They also have beneficial nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and other essential minerals.

Types of Dehydration

Dehydration can be classified into several types based on the underlying electrolyte balance and fluid loss. The primary types of dehydration include:

Based on Electrolyte Concentration

• Isotonic Dehydration (Isonatremic): This occurs when the loss of water and electrolytes is proportionate, maintaining normal sodium levels in the blood. It is the most common type in cases of diarrhea and vomiting.
• Hypertonic Dehydration (Hypernatremic): This type occurs when water loss exceeds electrolyte loss, leading to elevated sodium levels in the blood. It often results from inadequate fluid intake or excessive sweating.
• Hypotonic Dehydration (Hyponatremic): In this case, there is a greater loss of electrolytes compared to water, resulting in low sodium levels in the blood. This can occur in situations like prolonged vomiting or diarrhea with significant electrolyte loss.

» Discover natural ways to increase the pH level of water

Based on Severity

• Mild: Characterized by a loss of 3-5% of body weight, it may present with slight thirst and dry mouth but typically does not require medical intervention.
• Moderate: Involves a loss of 6-9% of body weight, with symptoms including increased thirst, decreased urine output, dry skin, and fatigue. Medical attention is often needed for rehydration.
• Severe: This is marked by a loss of more than 10% of body weight and can lead to serious complications. Symptoms may include extreme thirst, very dry skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and potentially life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical treatment

» Find out how dehydration affects your brain

Replenish and Rehydrate

So, there you have it. When it comes to battling dehydration, you've got options beyond just turning on the tap. Whether you're reaching for electrolyte-enhanced water after a killer workout, sipping on coconut water to beat the heat, or treating yourself to some mineral-rich H2O, the key is finding what works for you and your body.

Remember, while electrolyte beverages might have their perks, plain water is still a hydration hero. The drink is ultimately the one you'll actually have consistently. So, keep that bottle handy, listen to your body, and don't wait until you're parched to start sipping.

» Create perfect hydration water with electrolyte drops