3 kinds of drinks that actually dehydrate you — and why

• Staying hydrated is important for the overall function of the body.

• Coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol are drinks that people associate with dehydration.

• Alcohol is a diuretic, which removes water from the body.

• Drinks such as coffee and soda are mild diuretics, although they can have dehydrating effects on the body.

Hydration is a key component to feeling good and staying healthy.

There are many different beverages to choose from too keep you hydrated throughout the day. Although plain, old water is an obvious choice, some people also turn to sports drinks and coconut water to keep their body hydrated.

Other drinks that many of us tend to consume on a daily basis, such as coffee and various types of alcohol. Although, some of those drinks might be affecting your hydration in a negative way.

Alcohol causes your body to lose water

Alcohol is a diuretic, which makes the body lose fluids by making you have to go to the bathroom more often.

Due to the fact that diuretics make you have to go to the bathroom more, people feel like they shouldn't drink water while consuming alcohol.

However, this is exactly how to help your body regain hydration and prevent hangover symptoms after a night of drinking.

Caffeinated drinks can cause symptoms of dehydration

Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks are all popular caffeinated beverages. All of these beverages also can have mild diuretic effects on the body.

Research has shown that diuretic effects do not make the body dehydrated, however, they may cause other symptoms of dehydration, such as headaches and dry mouth.

Coffee and tea, along with some sodas can positively contribute to your daily fluid intake.

If you are looking for a performance-enhancing jolt of caffeine, it may be best to just stick with water. According to Rice University, highly caffeinated beverages mixed with endurance exercise can lead to dehydration and cramping.

Sweet, sugary drinks can stop the body from absorbing water

Fruit juices, along with other drinks with a high sugar content can inhibit the body from absorbing the water it needs.

Although sports drinks are helpful because of their source of electrolytes and sodium, which help replenish hydration, fruit juice doesn't have enough sodium.

The sugar content in both sports drinks and fruit juices, along with other sugary drinks, can be diluted with water. This will make the drinks less sugary and more hydrating on top of that.

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