Water is best, but fruit -- even meat -- can help hydrate you

By Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic - Feature

Reviewed By Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD

There's no doubt about it. Water is the best way to rehydrate your body.

"There's been a real water revolution in this country," says WebMD Weight Loss Clinic Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD. "Water is non-caloric, it plumps up your skin, and it hydrates your muscles. Water is the staff of life, and now it's everywhere. It's very socially acceptable to walk around with water bottles, sucking on them."

Sodas, iced tea, coffee, and other drinks that contain caffeine are second best to good old-fashioned water when you're trying to stay hydrated. "They act as diuretics, so even if you're getting water, you're also pulling a little extra fluid from your body because of the caffeine," Zelman says.

As for other sources of hydration, many fruits and other foods contain water. Amazingly, meat contains a high percentage of water -- as much as 60%, says Zelman.

Some good alternative sources of water include:

1. Hamburger

2. Chicken breast

3. Soup, stew, broth

4. Jell-O

5. Grapefruit

6. Grapes

7. Watermelon

8. Fruit juice

9. Sports drinks or flavored waters

10. Smoothies

SOURCE: Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD, LD; WebMD Weight Loss Clinic consultant.

Originally published October 13, 2003.

Medically updated July 25, 2005.

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