> **Healthylife** — Healthylife Pharmacy | Your online health destination > [Products](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse) · [Health Hub](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn) > > --- # What’s the best way to rehydrate? ![What’s the best way to rehydrate?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/1eabc875-8e96-4089-9d58-f70029247c31/woman-rehydrating-at-home-h.webp?quality=75&auto=format) Sarah Gray|8 October 2024|4 min read [](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/best-way-to-rehydrate "twitter sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/best-way-to-rehydrate "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") ### Jump to Are you confused about what drinks are best for hydration? With so many products out there that spruik benefits, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. If you are looking for an everyday way to hydrate, the short answer is: drink water. In some cases like illness or prolonged exercise, other [drinks may be beneficial.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765193/) ## **The best way to hydrate** The dietary guidelines recommend [we drink regular tap water](https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/australian-dietary-guidelines-1-5) as our main source of water because it’s naturally sugar-free, plentiful and contains trace minerals. Generally tap water is considered safe to drink in Australia, however [tap water will vary](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/water/Pages/drinking-water-and-public-health.aspx), depending on where you are and what treatment plant your water comes from. If you’re concerned about the taste, smell or have particular preferences around tap water, then a [water filter may be beneficial.](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/is-tap-water-safe-to-drink) There are some situations where you might need to replace lost electrolytes and rehydrate quicker. ## 3 tips to stay hydrated: 1. Drink before you feel thirsty 2. If exercising, [hydrate before, after and during](https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Exercise-the-low-down-on-water-and-drinks) to set yourself up for success. You continue to lose fluid through urine and sweat, even after you stop exercising, so hydration during and post exercise is equally important.  3. [Consider an oral rehydration solution](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dehydration) (electrolyte tablets) after illness, travelling or excessive sweating from prolonged exercise. ## **How long does it take to rehydrate?** The amount of time it takes to rehydrate [will depend on factors such as](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/) how much fluid has been lost, how severe the dehydration is and how much is being consumed. [Most individuals](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration) with mild dehydration will start to feel better within 10 minutes of consuming fluids. ## **Are electrolytes good for hydration?** Proper oral rehydration solutions are specially formulated, based on World Health Organisation guidelines, to rehydrate people who want to prevent or treat dehydration. These are especially useful for rehydrating after cases of gastro, food poisoning and excessive sweating. During prolonged periods of exercise such as long runs, these drinks may be beneficial to replace the electrolytes lost from sweat and help with performance. Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist for more information on the best product for you. ## **Are sports drinks good for hydration?** Sports drinks [are specifically designed for athletes](https://www.sportsdietitians.com.au/factsheets/fuelling-recovery/sports-drinks/) to provide an easily digestible drink of carbohydrates, electrolytes and fluids. They can provide a quick energy boost and may be beneficial before or during prolonged exercise. For most individuals who are not necessarily training at an elite level, water is still the best option. ## **What’s the difference between hypotonic and hypertonic?** - **Hypotonic** means it contains the right balance of sodium, glucose and water in comparison to what’s inside your cells. A drink that is hypotonic means effective rehydration by allowing sodium, glucose and water to quickly move into your cells before being transported to the bloodstream. It also helps to replace the water lost by your cells through sweat. - **Hypertonic** means it contains higher amounts of salts and sugar compared to your body cells. These drinks are more likely to provide fuel and water to your body, and more for prolonged exercise. ## **How do I know if I need a sports drink?** Performing exercise at different intensities means that we need different amounts of water to replace what is lost, and to help keep your body cool.  Not sure what your exercise intensity is and therefore hydration needs? Take this short quiz to find out!  **Related articles:** - [Tap water: is it safe to drink in Australia?](https://www.healthylife.com.au/) Spread the word [](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/best-way-to-rehydrate "twitter sharing")[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/best-way-to-rehydrate "facebook sharing")[]( "email sharing") This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional. ## About this article AuthorshipSourcesHistory ![Sarah Gray](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/945506fe-c146-4719-aac9-22e3a8d02dc0/sarah-gray.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ### Sarah Gray Registered Pharmacist and Nutritionist, Chief of Health Operations and Innovation at Healthylife. Sarah Gray, The Nutrition Pharmacist, is a Melbourne-based Registered Pharmacist and Nutritionist with 15+ years of experience across community pharmacy, health education, and integrative health care. Her ultimate goal is to make a difference in the health journeys of many. Passionate about integrative health, Sarah has over 10 years of experience educating emerging practitioners in pharmacy practice and integrated pharmacology. --- **About Healthylife**: Find everything you need for a healthy life: Shop over 15,000 curated health products, pharmacy, fact-checked health information, telehealth & health programs. **Useful links**: [Customer Support](https://www.healthylife.com.au/contact-us) · [Browse All](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse)