Overview
- This week, German outlets revisited a 2016 St. Andrews study that measured how much fluid different drinks left in the body over four hours and found an oral rehydration solution and milk scored highest on the Beverage Hydration Index.
- Scientists explain the effect as slower gastric emptying from sugar, fat or protein and sodium-driven retention, which helps fluids stay in the body longer than plain still water.
- Practical advice in the coverage includes a simple ORS recipe from the University of Virginia (about 1 liter water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar) and the tip that small snacks or milk can help when drinking is limited.
- Health bodies continue to say ordinary water or unsweetened tea is fine for daily use, but fluid needs rise in heat or heavy work and the DGE guideline of about 1.5 liters a day can increase two to four times in those conditions.
- Reporters and experts warn against overreliance on sugary or alcoholic drinks, note the original study tested only 72 men so results do not prove universal benefit, and recommend using ORS or milk mainly for heat, endurance or restricted-intake situations.