Juicing is one of the most popular ways to consume fruits and vegetables. Juicing as a regular ritual has become increasingly common for many people around the world. However, like the title asks, does juice hydrate you? Can they replace water? Or does juice consumption causes dehydration?
To answer these questions, you need to understand the term hydration. By dictionary, hydration is the absorption of plain water. it can be from any source, and even dry bread, like a bagel, contains about 50 – 57% water, to our natural processes. Staying hydrated is vital because, for all natural & organic processes to proceed smoothly, there are no alternatives to water.
As for us, human beings, dehydration can have severe effects and it begins with simple bowel movement problems which lead to many chronic diseases and ultimately can result in fatality. The initial effects of dehydration include headache, fatigue, constipation, or digestion problems. In other words, lack of fluid can affect our everyday performance and health status.
So does juice hydrate you? Yes & No, and after reading this article you will be able to justify both sides of the answer.
Is drinking juice better than water?
Juice is widely used as a means to easily digest packed energy and at the same time hydrate your body. But it has been shown that drinking juice for rehydration is not the most efficient and depending on the juice could make you more dehydrated than what you began with.
Digestion and juice
Digesting juice depends on when you are drinking it. If you drink juice with a lot of natural sugar, such as fruit juice, at night, then your body will not be able to process the sudden increase of sugar, and your blood glucose level could spike. This would mean that your body will have trouble processing all this sugar during sleep (particularly for a diabetic patient), and there could be serious consequences. Think again before drinking that glass of orange juice after dinner, as you will wake up with a headache & dehydrated in the morning.
The best time for drinking juice is in the morning, better yet on empty stomach, usually, fruit or vegetable juice contains lots of complex molecules which are packed with energy, and the digestive system is just waiting for those energy-packed molecules that are already in the liquid form for easy digestion. It is a recommended way to start your day and begin hydrating your body.
Why does juice dehydrate you?
Juices have natural sugar that causes dehydration. This is because the sugar nutrients don’t contain enough electrolytes to balance the fluids in your body, leading to an imbalance of water amount in the human body. It can lead to fatigue, light-headedness, and even hyponatremia, and each can be dangerous when severe.
How does Juice Hydrate You?
The high water content in juices also makes it easy for the body to absorb water because it’s already in a liquid form. The liquids from juices cause urination and help flush out toxins from the cells and tissues of the body quickly. And this process is hastened due to the presence of antioxidants.
Juices also contain many essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine, or sodium. Just one glass of right mixed fruit juice can provide your body with enough of these minerals. All these minerals play a vital role in keeping us healthy and stable. They stimulate the activity of our organs, especially that of the kidneys, heart, digestion, and circulation.
The high fiber content in juice makes it harder to digest when compared to pure water. The human body can not digest fiber. The fiber in the body help regulate blood sugar and keep you from getting hungry. Your stomach and intestines will not become as bloated when you drink juice instead of water because the fiber acts as a sponge for excessive water in the gastrointestinal tract.
Juice contains minerals that help to control the release of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating glucose levels in the blood and helps keep your energy levels up throughout the day. The high sugar levels found naturally in fruit juices will give you quick bursts of energy and reduce fatigue and exhaustion because they are absorbed easily by the body.
Why is it important to stay hydrated and what happens when we don’t drink enough water?
Hydration is extremely important for good health and proper functioning. Dehydration causes a host of problems, from weight gain to fatigue, headaches, and even constipation.
Dehydration can cause your blood pressure levels to rise and become irregular. If you are dehydrated, the cells in your body will not produce energy properly. As a result, you may feel tired get muscle cramps and it can even affect your heart to not function properly and risks damage or even failure in the long term.
How do I know if I’m dehydrated?
If you don’t drink enough water, it’s likely that your urine will be darker than usual and won’t smell too good, either! If your urine is bright yellow, that means you are not drinking enough water. You can also check if you’re dehydrated by looking at your lips. If they appear dry or cracked, then it’s time to start drinking more water.
Juicing Vs Drinking Water:Â Which Is Better For Hydration?
Water alone will not help us get all the nutrients and vitamins that we need. Without fruits or vegetables, our bodies will not be able to produce the necessary enzymes for digestion. Our digestive systems depend on potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals to function properly. If you’re looking for a way to get more vitamins into your diet, drinking juice is the perfect option.
There is also the issue of taste! Drinking bland water can be a bit boring hence a mix of fruits and veggies such as fresh orange, carrot, spinach, or a mixture of a few will create a variety of healthy & tasty juice drinks. This is convenient because you will always have a tasty treat on hand and won’t have to cheat with your diet.
Tips on staying hydrated while traveling, at work, in the car, or during exercise.
If you are planning on traveling for a lengthy period of time, then pack an empty water bottle and fill it up at your next stop. You can even take a pitcher with you to work or the gym if you have access to tap water.
How many glasses of juice are recommended per day? How many grams of sugar do they contain?
The daily recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables is one serving only. This equals about ½ cups, which is approximately 96 grams. One serving, or a cup of fruit/vegetable juice if you prefer, has approximately 100-125 calories and 23 – 27 grams of sugar.
Then how do I make my water tasty? My trick is to measure one cup of organic fresh juice with my 1.5-liter water bottle and keep sipping when I’m tired of bland water.
In conclusion…
Drinking juice can help you stay hydrated but not as much as drinking plain water. Fruit juice provides you with essential vitamins such as A, varieties of B, C, and essential minerals with the added benefit of taste. These are crucial for the proper functioning of the body. You’ll feel more energetic, and your skin will glow! The juice helps you detoxify your body and cleanse the digestive system from toxins.
In a nutshell, the juice is very good for you, and adding it to your diet will bring new life to your skin, hair, eyes, and body.
