Unfortunately, filtered water, including the water that comes through your refrigerator or in prepackaged bottles, isn’t enough to keep you hydrated. This isn’t necessarily because you’re not drinking enough water, but rather the minerals necessary to keep you hydrated aren’t in your water. And for many people, drinking from the tap isn’t a viable option. That’s why this article will review what you can add to your water bottle for an extra boost of hydration.
Add Slices of Fruit
Including fruit slices, such as lemon, strawberries, and oranges, in your water is a great way to add the minerals necessary to absorb it. Some of these minerals include sodium, potassium, and chloride; while there are many more minerals necessary, those are the big three. These minerals help your body regulate the balance of water in different parts of your body. Adding fruit can help you obtain the essential minerals and absorb more water. You can even add ginger, basil, apples, or whatever fruit and vegetables strike your fancy.
On top of adding nutrients to your water, adding fruits and vegetables can add flavor and trick your brain into wanting more. This is a technique used by cyclists to stay hydrated. Adding and switching up the flavor of your water will keep your brain interested in the taste and make you want to drink even more.
Use Electrolyte Tablets
Electrolytes help the body rehydrate and retain fluids at a much faster rate. This is especially important after an intense workout, which is why there are so many post-workout electrolyte drinks on the market. Electrolyte tablets add salt, potassium, and magnesium into your water to help you retain it. In addition, most tablets will add bicarbonate to their formula to neutralize the acid in the stomach and help your body absorb the electrolytes.
Use Trace Mineral Drops
As mentioned earlier, you need certain minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, to help you absorb water. However, you need many more to help your body retain and absorb water. You require tin, zinc, copper, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium in small amounts to keep your body hydrated, hence why we call them “trace minerals.” There are trace mineral drops on the market that you can add to your water to get these essential nutrients that your body needs.
Knowing what to add to your water bottle for extra hydration will keep you feeling your best and reduce your rehab time after an intense workout. So be sure to monitor your minerals when you refuel.
