Does water give you energy? How water can be as effective as caffeine

  • 1 Minute Read
Martha M. Henze
Martha M. Henze, MPH, MS, RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Global Public Health Epidemiologist

Does water give you enough energy to overcome fatigue and increase your ability to concentrate in the afternoon? Most people head for coffee or soft drinks when they hit an afternoon slump. However, it could be dehydration setting in, and you just need a big glass of water.

Does water give you energy

Does water give you energy?

Our bodies consist of 70% water (give or take). Though recommendations suggest that we drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, little consistent research supports this "8x8" rule. However, we do know that staying hydrated is vital for many reasons, particularly for the brain.

Even slight dehydration can cause a decreased performance in

If dehydration causes issues in the areas listed above, then drinking water does the opposite–it gives you energy and sufficient or improved performance in those areas.

Consequently, if a mildly dehydrated (down 1% of body weight) 150-pound person drank 3 cups of water, they could quickly improve hydration and energy levels reflected in mood and alertness in a calorie-free way.

Try these 3 ways to improve your fluid intake

1. Snack on juicy fruits and vegetables

By increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water, not only will you be hydrated, but you will also feel fuller on fewer calories.

Foods that have a high percentage of water

2. Drink water as part of your routine

3. Enhance your water-drinking experience

Not drinking enough water affects your energy levels and can make you feel tired. Instead, try drinking more water and see what happens to your alertness, mood, and concentration. Water truly is the other caffeine!

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Reviewed and updated by Brenda Braslow on May 1, 2023.

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Alcohol & Other Beverages->Water Other Health Issues->Energy & Fatigue
May 5, 2023

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