Hydration: Why Most of Us Are Doing It Wrong

First, What Is Hydration Really?

Hydration isn’t just about water—it’s about how your body absorbs and uses fluids.

You could drink 2 liters a day and still feel tired, bloated, or sluggish…
because it’s not about how much you drink—it’s about how well your body uses it.

Your cells need water + minerals (electrolytes) + the right timing to truly stay hydrated.

Signs You Think You’re Hydrated (But You’re Not)

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  You drink lots of water—but your lips still feel dry

• You pee frequently, but still feel thirsty

• You get headaches in the afternoon

• Your skin feels dull or tight

• You feel bloated after drinking water

• You crash mid-day, even after eating and sleeping well

Sound familiar? Then it’s time to look closer.

1. You’re Drinking Too Much Water at Once

We often make up for forgetting to drink water by chugging large amounts in one go.
But your body can only absorb so much at a time.

The rest? Often flushed out without being used properly.

What to do instead:

• Sip small amounts regularly through the day

• Don’t wait till you’re parched to drink

• Keep a bottle nearby and sip, don’t gulp

2. You’re Not Getting Enough Electrolytes

Ever felt dizzy or tired even after drinking a lot of water?
That’s because your body needs electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, magnesium) to balance the water in your cells.

Without them, plain water just goes in… and comes out.

What helps:

• Add a pinch of rock salt or lemon to your water (natural electrolyte drink!)

• Eat more coconut water, banana, spinach, nuts, and curd

• Try ORS or homemade drinks if you sweat a lot or work outdoors

3. You Only Drink When You’re Thirsty

Thirst is a late signal—your body is already mildly dehydrated by the time you feel it.

Especially if you’re busy studying, working, or in an AC room, your body needs water even if your mouth doesn’t feel dry.

Make hydration a habit, not a reaction.

4. You’re Ignoring What Dehydrates You

You might be drinking water…
but also doing things that pull water out of your body like:

• Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol

• Eating salty, spicy, or processed food

• Stress (yes, it affects hydration too!)

• Sitting in AC for long hours

• Sweating excessively without replacing minerals

It’s like pouring water into a leaking pot.

Balance out what dehydrates you with extra fluids + electrolytes.

5. You’re Forgetting That Food Counts Too

You don’t always need to drink to hydrate.

Fruits, vegetables, and soups are full of water that’s easily absorbed by your body.

Best water-rich foods:

• Cucumber

• Watermelon

• Oranges

• Tomatoes

• Lauki (bottle gourd)

• Coconut water

• Homemade soups or daal water

The Mind-Body Side of Hydration

Hydration isn’t just about physical health. It affects how you think, focus, and feel too.

Even mild dehydration can make you:

• Feel foggy

• Struggle to concentrate

• Get irritated more easily

• Feel more anxious or low in mood

Your brain is 75% water—it needs fluid to function peacefully.

Drink when you wake up. Sip throughout the day. Eat juicy fruits. Rest when you feel dry inside—not just in your throat, but in your energy.