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Hydration Isn’t Just About Water, Here’s What Most People Miss

Deep down, we all know how important it is to drink plenty of liquids.

It’s one of those things we’ve heard a thousand times—and for good reason.

But not all liquids are created equal—and deep down, most of us already know that soda or alcohol aren’t doing any favors when it comes to hydration.

That said, even if you’re drinking lots of water, it still might not be enough.

Because hydration isn’t just about volume—it’s about what your body can actually absorb and use.

Let’s talk through some practical, real-world strategies that can help you feel more energized, think more clearly, and hopefully reduce the frequency of things like headaches or muscle cramps.

And if you care about staying active, mobile, and flexible as you age—hydration plays a bigger role than most people realize.

Let’s break it down.

How Much Water Should You Actually Drink?

You’ve probably heard the general guideline:
Drink half your body weight in ounces each day.

So if you weigh 200 pounds, then you'll want to drink about 100 ounces of water each day.

This isn’t a hard medical rule, but it’s a solid starting point.

If you’re hitting that number, you’re likely right on track to being well-hydrated.

But keep in mind, you’ll need more water if you’re:

  • Working a physical job
  • Spending time in hot weather—especially if you live where it gets hot like it does here in Arizona
  • Exercising, hiking, or playing sports

Staying hydrated in these situations is even more critical because your body loses fluids faster through sweat, and without enough water, performance and recovery both take a hit.

Why Water Alone Might Not Be Enough

Drinking plenty of water doesn’t always mean you’re truly hydrated.

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Your body also needs the right balance of electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium—to absorb and use that water effectively.

These minerals are essential for muscle function, fluid balance, and overall energy levels. If they’re out of balance, you might still feel tired, foggy, or still get muscle cramps even if you’re drinking a lot of water.

And when hydration is off, it can affect more than just energy—it can impact how your joints move and how flexible your body feels.
Staying hydrated helps keep your body in motion.

What Works for Me

Personally, I use trace minerals most days

Especially when I’m:

  • Doing yardwork
  • Hiking—especially my bigger hikes like the Grand Canyon
  • Spending time in the heat

I’ve found that trace minerals work better for me than sports drinks like Gatorade—especially for daily use. In fact, when I was 21 I spent a summer doing door-to-door sales in Austin, Texas (Hot & Humid) and I went at least a week or two drinking Gatorade as my primary beverage and it actually made me sick. Nothing crazy, but enough to be obvious that my body didn't appreciate it.

Back to trace minerals—they actually enhance the flavor of water, in my opinion. Which helps if you’re someone who doesn’t love plain water.

If you try trace minerals and you still can’t take the plainness of water’s flavor, consider adding a sugar-free water flavor with it to make water more appealing:

  • Sugar-free flavor packets (used mindfully)
  • A squeeze of lemon or lime
  • Herbal teas (unsweetened)

But if I had to recommend one thing?
Trace minerals win.

Learn more about trace minerals in my Hydration Guide →

How to Work Toward Your Water Goal

If you’re not drinking much water now, don’t try to go from 0 to 100 overnight.

Start small.

Here’s a quick reference:

  • 1 glass of water = ~8 oz
  • 1 standard water bottle = ~16.9 oz

So if you’re drinking 3 bottles a day, try working up to 4… then 5.

One of the easiest habits to build is to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.

It helps:

  • Rehydrate your body after sleep
  • Support digestion and circulation
  • Boosts mental clarity

Sometimes it can help to have a water bottle right on your bedside table ready for you when you wake up. But find what works for you.

What Happens When You’re Hydrated?

You might notice:

  • More energy
  • Better skin
  • Fewer headaches
  • Improved joint and muscle function
  • Better digestion and focus

It’s not magic—it’s just your body working the way it’s supposed to.

And when your body’s working well, you move better.
Hydration supports flexibility, recovery, and the freedom to stay active.

Whether you’re chasing your kids, hiking a trail, or just trying to stay mobile as you age—hydration is foundational.

Got a Headache?

Try this:

Drink a glass or two of water—quickly but comfortably.

It won’t fix every headache, but if dehydration is the cause, it's a simple move that might help more than you think.

Worth a shot. (just don't drink it like a shot... 😂) Yes, I'm laughing at my own joke! 😁👍

What About Coffee, Tea, and Other Drinks?

Let’s clear this up:

☕ Coffee and tea
Yes, they do contribute to your fluid intake.
No, they don’t dehydrate you in normal amounts.
(Research backs this up.)

But still… don’t count them as your water.

Think of them as bonus fluids.
Water should still be the go to.

🥛 Milk, juice, soda, and alcohol
These don’t count toward hydration.
In fact, alcohol dehydrates you—so if you’re drinking, you’ll need even more water to stay balanced.

💧 1-to-1 Replacement Tip
A popular wellness tip:
For every non-water drink, have a glass of water too.

Not a strict rule, but a helpful way to stay balanced.

Final Thoughts (and a Quick Disclaimer)

Hydration doesn’t have to be complicated.

Listen to your body.
Make small, realistic changes.
And remember—this isn’t medical advice.

If you have health concerns or specific conditions, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

But for most of us?

A little more water, a little more intention, and maybe a few trace minerals can go a long way.

Stay hydrated out there.

—Jason

If you’d like to check out my favorite hydration products, I’ve listed them here on my Hydration Guide →

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