The summer sun blazes, and staying hydrated becomes more important than ever. While everyone reaches instinctively for a glass of water, there might be a better option waiting in your fridge. What if the best drink to keep you refreshed and hydrated this season isn’t just water?
Discover the drink that hydrates better than water
You may have always believed that water is the absolute best source of hydration, especially during hot days. However, surprising new research from the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland flips this idea on its head. According to their studies, the most hydrating beverage isn’t plain water at all — it’s actually milk.
Why is milk more hydrating? The answer lies in its unique nutritional composition. Milk contains a combination of lactose (a natural sugar), proteins, and fats. These components cause the body to hold onto fluids longer by slowing digestion, which extends hydration beyond the immediate quench that water provides. Additionally, milk’s sodium content helps the body retain more fluid, acting like a sponge to lock in moisture and reduce water loss through urine.
This principle is similar to why oral rehydration solutions work so well to treat dehydration: their carefully balanced mix of sugar, sodium, and electrolytes helps the body retain water effectively. The takeaway? It’s not just about drinking any liquid but drinking the right kind that keeps your body hydrated over time.
Why sugary drinks don’t keep you hydrated
It’s tempting to reach for sweet sodas or fruit juices, especially when you need a quick energy boost. But despite their sugar content, these drinks aren’t great for staying hydrated. In fact, beverages loaded with sugar can cause fluids to move quickly through your system and be excreted, making you feel thirsty again faster.
For steady hydration, the key is to balance between water and nutrient-rich liquids like milk or small amounts of natural juices and teas. Our bodies, made up of over 75% water, constantly lose fluid through breathing and sweating. Even a mild dehydration of just 2% body weight can leave you feeling tired, confused, and less coordinated — symptoms that can escalate to serious issues like falls or infections.
As someone who once ignored hydration advice during a hot hike, I learned the hard way how important it is to drink not just often, but wisely. Remember, it’s not just quantity but the type of drink that matters.
The health benefits of choosing milk for hydration
Besides keeping you hydrated longer, milk packs a nutritional punch. It offers energy through its natural sugars and fats while providing essential nutrients like calcium, vitamins A, D, B2 (riboflavin), and B12. These nutrients support bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
Experts recommend including two to three servings of milk per day to ensure your body gets enough of these vital nutrients. For perspective, an 8-fluid-ounce glass of milk contains roughly 300 milligrams of calcium, contributing significantly to daily bone-strengthening needs.
Of course, hydration isn’t just about fluids; a balanced diet rich in vegetables, grains, fish, and lean meats also contributes significantly to your daily water intake. Still, being mindful about your drink choices can make a real difference, especially for children, pregnant women, and athletes who have increased hydration needs.
Everyone’s hydration needs are unique, and experimenting with milk alongside water might just be the trick you’ve missed to feel fresher and more energized all day long.
What’s your go-to drink to stay hydrated? Have you ever tried swapping some of your water for milk during a hot day? Share your experiences below — and don’t forget to spread the word so everyone can stay healthy and hydrated this summer!