The 7 Best Foods for Hydration
Here are the most hydrating foods our experts suggest you start consuming to prevent symptoms of poor or low hydration.
Citrus Fruits
“If you purchase 100% Florida orange juice, it is about 89% water!” says Gorin. Other citrus fruits, like grapefruit, boast similar hydration levels. “Just make sure you are not taking any medications that would negatively interact with it.” Citrus fruit lovers will also benefit from an abundance of immunity-boosting properties like vitamin C and flavonoid antioxidants.
Cucumbers
Not only do foods like cucumbers (made of 95% water!) help to hydrate, but they also contain vitamins and nutrients that can rid the body of excess fluid. “Cucumbers are water-packed and loaded with vitamin C,” claims Frank. Vitamin C can help to flush the body of toxins and keep skin healthy enough to withstand extreme changes in temperatures.
Mangos
Not every fruit on this list is obvious, with fibrous and starchy mango containing more than 80% water content. Gorin recommends adding a few slices to your oatmeal (coming up next) for double the benefit. Be mindful of mango’s high sugar content, though, which can shorten DNA protein structures called telomeres. “These protect chromosomes against dehydration and damage,” reveals Frank. “And a diet rich in sugar can actually shorten them, whereas foods like seaweed, nuts, and some fruits can actually lengthen them.”
Oatmeal
The grain is not only a hearty, comforting, winter-time breakfast staple, but also a wonderful way to increase your H2O intake. “To cook oatmeal, you need to add water,” reminds Gorin. Despite the fact that a lot of it evaporates when microwaved or placed on a stove top, a runnier oatmeal will still yield more water content than a bowl of dry cereal with barely any milk. “Plus, it provides filling soluble and insoluble fibers, which means that eating oats will help bulk up the weight and size of your stool,” she adds, making it a wonderful addition for those who frequently suffer from diarrhea, which can be dehydrating.
Peaches
Stone fruits like peaches, surprisingly, are some of the most water-heavy fruits you can find, with levels that can exceed 90%. “In addition to that water, you also get vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber,” says Gorin.
Soup
It may seem like a no-brainer, but soups made with chicken broth or vegetable broth can provide a wonderful source of water. “I love to recommend broth-based soups such as minestrone or vegetable,” shares Gorin, though she and Frank are quick to address that many canned or packaged varieties are chock-full of sodium, which can cause dehydration of the skin.
Tomatoes
Perhaps the most hydrating food on this list is tomatoes, due mostly in part to their presence of lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that research has shown to protect the skin specifically. “It has been shown to increase procollagen, which can actually reverse skin damage,” says Frank. “Tomatoes are also 97% water and may help protect your skin from UV damage,” Gorin adds.
Quick Tips to Stay Hydrated
If you’re not a fan of the aforementioned foods or want other ideas to ensure you’re getting enough water, keep these quick tips in mind:
Drink a Lot of Liquid
“I like to tell people to think of hydrating foods as bonus hydration,” says Gorin. “So aim to drink the base of your water—which can come from plain water, seltzer, tea, and even a few cups of black coffee. And then when you eat water-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and soup, you are getting bonus hydration that will work to help your body function even better.”
Consistency Is Key
Don’t munch on these foods once and expect to see an immediate reaction. “Aim to include them in every meal and snack so that you stay properly hydrated,” says Gorin. “Hydration is important for so many things, even unexpected ones like mental clarity and preventing headaches. … Consider these additions as lifestyle enhancements.”
