Did you know that an estimated 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated?! When you’re even mildly dehydrated you can feel irritable, have problems concentrating, and feel fatigued, to name a few issues. And here’s the kicker. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. So, by and large, everyone needs to drink more water and make sure they’re staying hydrated. 

If you’re exerting yourself, it’s even more vital. When you sweat buckets at the gym, it’s a no-brainer that you need to rehydrate. But, don’t forget about when you’re soaking in your hot tub! Since you’re immersed in water, you’re probably not aware of how much you’re sweating, but the 102°F water raises your temperature, gets your blood pumping, and yes, makes you sweat. So, when you’re hot-tubbing make sure hydrating is on your list. 

Before, During, and After

If staying hydrated is your goal, don’t just drink a glass of water when you leave the hot tub and call it good. Instead, make sure you drink before your soak, so you enter the water already hydrated. And, if your soak is anything more than a 10-15 minutes, drink something while you’re in the spa, too. 

Hydrating Options

You can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned water, but there are plenty of other drinks that will keep you hydrated. 

• Herbal Tea: All tea is at least somewhat hydrating. But caffeine levels affect how hydrating it is, so non-caffeinated herbal teas are a great choice.
• Milk: Okay, you probably don’t want to drink milk while you’re in the hot tub, but it bears mentioning since research has shown it’s the most hydrating thing you can drink, even more than water!
• Fruit juices: Try freshly squeezed orange juice, a fruit “mocktail”, or Aqua Fresca (water and fruit juice mixed together). They’re all delicious and hydrating!
• Sports Drinks: There’s some debate about how healthy sports drinks really are, but thanks to their electrolytes and carbohydrates, they will help keep you hydrated.

Whatever your favorite hydrating drink, make sure you drink it while hot-tubbing. You’ll experience the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy without risk of becoming dehydrated. Want to learn more about those great health benefits? Come in for a chat and to see our hot tubs in person and we’ll tell you all about them!