How Hydration Fuels Digestion
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Why is hydration important for digestion?
Staying hydrated is important for a lot of health reasons, including digestion. But what does drinking enough water and getting fluids from our food exactly do?
Water supports digestion
Water helps with the process of breaking down nutrients, readying them for digestion while pushing the nutrients that aren’t absorbed out of the body in the form of stool.
- Water impacts the consistency of the stool. Fluids can help keep stool soft enough for comfortable passage, and tell your body it’s time to go
- Helps with the digestion of fiber. Soluble fiber + water = a gel! This gel helps to “bulk” stool.
- Important for replenishing losses. If you experience chronic diarrhea, it’s important to rehydrate. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 1 cup (8 oz) of liquid for each bowel movement
What fluids count toward my hydration goal?
While water is the number one beverage to drink, you may be wondering what other fluids count toward your hydration goal? Be sure to choose fluid sources you like and tolerate.
Preferred fluid sources:
- Water
- Flavored water (unsweetened)
- Unsweetened teas (hot and cold)
- Milk (dairy and non-dairy)
- Seltzer water (if tolerated)
- Soups and broth
- High fluid content fruits and vegetables (like cucumbers, celery, oranges, melon)
Fluids that aren’t as hydrating:
- Coffee (works as a diuretic, which means it removes water from the body)
Fluid sources to limit or avoid:
- Sodas
- Fruit juice
- Sports drinks
- Sweet tea
- Lemonade
- Fruit punch
- Energy drinks (similar to coffee; very concentrated in caffeine)
- Alcohol
*References available with PDF download.