drinking water being poured from a pitcher into a glass
By CHRIS SANDS
Water Isn't Actually The Best Beverage For Hydration

A 2016 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that water isn't the best drink for hydration — at least in terms of long-term bodily fluid balance.

The study’s findings state that skim and whole milk can be more hydrating than still water, even accounting for the drink's inherent water content.

Nutrients in milk like fat, lactose (or milk sugar), and sodium (or salt) contribute to its ability to stay in the body longer, thus providing more hydration.

That doesn't mean we should rely on milk rather than water for the bulk of our hydration. On the contrary, it is still essential to consume water on a daily basis.

It is also important to note that milk, despite its excellent hydration qualities, contains a lot of calories. However, it can be a great way to recover from high-intensity workouts.

The study results also suggested that fruit juice is another good beverage for hydration. However, juices that contain added sugars should be avoided.