Hydration - what do you qualify?

theruby

Aside from straight up water, do you account other things into your water intake? I wouldn't consider coffee of course, because it dehydrates you. Or even a cola because of all of the fluids required to remove/process the excess ingredients from your system. But what about an unsweetened black tea, with a bit less caffeine? Or something that you would add in like a crystal lite packet? sometimes I also like to do a half cranberry juice and water over ice. So, I was really starting to wonder how to caluclate a "true hydration" so to speak, when taking things like this into consideration. I just tried one of those generic liquid drop add ins to my water. Some have other ingredients such as vitamins/minerals. And some even have caffeine. Also I've been drinking those Sobe brand no sugar added deals, but again other things are added in. Just wondering others' thoughts on this and if anyone else has pondered something similar...

Morninglory81

All liquid you drink counts as hydration. Your body is good at separating out the water from your drinks as well as all the food you consume. If you drink it count it towards your water consumption.

cwolfman13

I don't even track it...I drink tons of water...at least 1-2 gallons per day. I also get fluids from food and other beverages. Just stay hydrated, that's all that is important.

LittleMissDover

The 'dehydration' caused by coffee does not outweigh the water contained in it.

All fluid counts as sigunsch said, even that in food.

LibbyCaramia

As far as tracking, I only track my glasses of water in my water count - and then add cups of tea/coffee/whatever as snacks. I like to see the number of glasses I drink And then I guess extra hydration through any other means is a bonus!