A Guide to Staying Hydrated While Drinking Alcohol

Specifically, alcohol can lower levels of potassium and magnesium, two important electrolytes. Low levels of electrolytes can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue. Other lifestyle factors, such as exercise, climate, and medication use, can also impact alcohol’s dehydrating effects. The frequency and duration of drinking can also impact the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Different types of alcohol have varying effects on the body’s hydration levels.

why does alcohol dehydrate you

But when your liver is processing alcohol or sugars, no matter how much or how little, it becomes all the more important to not just fight the hangover, but stay healthy all evening long. That’s why the best time to rehydrate after drinking alcohol is while you’re still drinking or straight after. So-called energy drinks like Gatorade are also a great way to rehydrate quickly after drinking alcohol.

So, grab an Elemental bottle today and sidestep that hangover headache!

Contrary to popular belief, alternating alcoholic drinks and water will not help you avoid dehydration. But you can certainly ensure you are as hydrated as possible before consuming alcohol. You can also drink water before you go to bed to help replenish hydration levels. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy alcoholic mixers while also staying hydrated, Bobelo has the perfect blend for you!

  • While there is no absolute cure for a hangover, many methods can help relieve symptoms.
  • Your metabolism can turn parts of alcohol into nutrients and energy.
  • Drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you sip on.
  • BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
  • A good rule of thumb is to drink a large glass of water for every drink you have.

Electrolytes are minerals that can conduct electricity and use that ability to help the body relay messages. Electrolytes can help direct water to where it’s most needed, and DripDrop has three times the electrolytes of a sports drink. Multi-flavor pouches are available for mixing it does alcohol dehydrate you up, and subscriptions allow users to save 25%. A wide range of factors determines how the body responds to chronic heavy drinking, but this activity can result in significant harm. Chronic heavy drinking can result in high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of kidney disease.

Other stories about alcohol & dehydration

Alcohol increases fluid loss, leading to dehydration. Is there anything you can do to offset or prevent problems caused by dehydration from drinking alcohol? Not all alcoholic drinks will affect your hydration status to the same extent. Certain beverages contain more water, while others have a greater amount of alcohol by volume. Drinks that contained electrolytes—milk and oral rehydration solutions, for example—were more hydrating after two hours compared to water. In other words, subjects peed less relative to their fluid intake two hours after consuming these drinks compared to water.

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