Why Your Body Is Thirsty (Even If You Drink Water)

Hydration and Everyday Physiology

Your body relies on healthy fluids for almost every daily function:

• The immune system needs moisture to produce an effective fever, to sweat, and to maintain healthy mucous membranes.

• The skin requires fluids circulated to the surface.

• The sensory organs need moisture to stay nourished and comfortable.

• The digestive tract needs lubrication to move comfortably and absorb nutrients.

• Blood requires adequate fluid to be produced and replenished.

When you do not take in enough fluid, or when your diet does not generate fluids internally, the body ends up borrowing moisture from tissues elsewhere: muscles, lymph, bowels, skin, joints and the spaces between cells. Over time this can leave the body dry, tight and sluggish.

When Diet Drains Your Fluids

A modern diet low in cooked foods and high in stimulants is a common cause of long-term fluid depletion. Living on toast, crackers, chips, tea, coffee or skipping meals leaves very little raw material for the body to produce fluids. Eating while stressed has a similar effect.

On top of that, certain foods dry the body further. In Chinese medicine this includes sugar, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and large amounts of garlic or onion.

Hydration Begins in the Stomach

Chinese medicine teaches that all usable fluids are generated in the Stomach. This means hydration is not only about what you drink but what you digest. Plain water does help flush the system, but it is not always the best hydrator on its own.

Wet-cooked foods play a vital role here. Foods that are simmered, stewed or slow-cooked come with water already integrated into the food matrix, which allows the body to absorb it gradually as you digest. Examples include:

• Congee

• Porridge

• Soups and broths

• Stews and casseroles

• Dahl and curries

These foods were once common everyday staples and for good reason. They provide slow-release hydration and support the digestive system without overwhelming it.

The Digestive System Prefers Warmth

Another important principle is temperature. The digestive tract functions best when it is kept warm. It behaves much like any other muscle in the body: warmth relaxes and supports movement, while cold tightens and slows everything down.

Large amounts of cold drinks, iced beverages, raw foods or frozen treats can:

• Slow digestive motility

• Tighten the abdomen

• Cause cramping or bloating

• Reduce nutrient absorption

Room-temperature or warm foods help the digestive system stay relaxed and efficient, which in turn supports better hydration and fluid production.

Water, Electrolytes and True Hydration

Many people assume more water automatically means more hydration. Water is essential, but your body also needs electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium to hold onto the fluid you drink. Without them, water moves through too quickly and does not actually hydrate your tissues.

You do not need commercial electrolyte drinks. Gentle options work well:

• A small pinch of mineral-rich salt in your water

• Coconut water in moderation

• Herbal teas, especially cooling summer herbs like mint or chrysanthemum

• Fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content (cucumber, watermelon, lettuce, citrus)

  
  

Also, still water hydrates better than sparkling. Carbonated water, especially mass-produced options, tends to move through the system more rapidly and has a very minimal hydrating effect.

On the run hydration suggestions:

1. Have some powdered bone broth (I like Nutri Origanics) or miso soup paste handy, and make myself a cuppa every day, if you haven’t managed to make a wet meal.

2. SODII electrolytes are a great 'on the run' option. They contains high quality magnesium, sodium and potassium and it's very easy to just scoop some into your water bottle if you're heading out the door.