Better than Water? This Everyday Beverage Keeps You Hydrated Longer than Plain Water Ever Could

Key Points:

• Research since 2007 indicates that milk can maintain positive fluid balance longer than water, especially in the hours immediately after consumption, due to its unique nutrient composition and electrolyte content.
• Milk's combination of lactose, protein, fat, sodium, and potassium slows gastric emptying and reduces urine output, enhancing hydration compared to plain water and some sports drinks.
• Studies show milk and milk-derived beverages outperform water and carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions in restoring hydration after exercise-induced dehydration, though these studies are small and short-term.
• Despite milk’s hydration benefits, its high calorie content—often exceeding 1,000 calories in study volumes—makes it unsuitable for everyday hydration, especially for those not engaging in intense physical activity.
• Health experts recommend water as the primary daily hydration source, emphasizing drinking according to thirst except in extreme conditions involving heavy fluid loss.