Water is best when you’re thirsty. Water is best for hangovers. Water is best for sports hydrations. Cold water is best when you want a cold drink. Water is best for lunch. Drink more water.
In basic training, location Ft. Benning GA, late August. Hydration was important, and that was impressed upon us by the drill sergeants, who would pause the activity at hand for the moment and do the ‘Drink Water!’ call, to which we’d reply mostly in uninspired enthusiasm ‘Beat the heat drill sergeant beat the heat.’
We’d then down a canteen (a quart) of water. On especially hot days, we’d do two canteens. No dumping on your head or on the ground - you had to finish one or both. We’d refill canteens and get back to the day’s task of doing push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and in-between those, learning Army stuff (sir).
One guy, Peterson (name changed), couldn’t do a canteen of water. This guy was the opposite of Joey Chestnut. He ate and drank like a bird but never lost weight. Slow metabolism and high energy conversion I guess. He never seemed dehydrated I would say. But water and food were just minimal for the guy. He’d drink a pint, maybe a sip more, and done.
Our drill sergeants weren’t having that. You had to finish the canteen and flip it over your head. Failure to comply was met with drinking more water, until you finished the canteen, while your platoon did push-ups. No pressure.
The rest of the story transpired really quickly.
The drill sergeants hit him with the order to drink more water, and he did, and he stopped, and then they said keep going private, and he was in obvious pain, and he said no drill sergeant, and you could see the crinkle in the eyes of the questioned, but before that drill sergeant’s body language became verbal, Peterson puked up water, gallons of water it seemed, then breakfast, and the upper contents of his colon I’m pretty sure (j/k being illustrative). A medic, who just happened to be Starship Trooping on by, got on the horn and got the kid to a clinic. He was water intoxicated, we later found out.
One of the great things they forget to show you on the recruitment brochure lol. He was eventually fine, and we were relegated to drinking until we could spit out saliva a few inches.
Listen I’m not defending the army but I’d be willing to bet 5$ that more soldiers are victims of any of the heat related illnesses (trying to sound smart here hehe, like heat exhaustion or shock or whatever) then they are of water intoxication.
Also we did the same thing when I was at basic in south Carolina. Except we didn’t have to drink the whole canteen. Just take a couple of sips, but we did it frequently.
“All trainees are reminded: drink 1/2 to 3/4 canteen per hour, not to exceed 12 canteens per day. You will drink 3 non-caffeinated, non carbonated beverages with each and every meal.”
Is what was recited daily when I was in basic training. And yeah, heat stroke is a big issue. I don’t think you can blame the instructors really; everyone knows someone that says water tastes bad or whatever. All the instructors know is that everyone better be drinking their water.
That’s exactly what’s wrong with these army drill sergeants. They see the trainees under their care as statistics. It’s a one size fits all approach, and they’re so married to treating people like machines that they can’t open their eyes and see when they’re literally poisoning someone half to death. It’s inhuman.
perhaps one day humanity will finally learn that people are different, and forcing everyone to do exactly the same things will never work out well for either party.
and it’s not just that it makes people miserable and maybe even actually harms them, it’s also just an inefficient use of resources!
Militaries tend to think of their manpower as just a number, not as individuals. The basic training is supposed to make sure each will perform at a predictable level. Psychologically breaking one down is thought to be the quickest (albeit roughest) way to get people to that level. (i.e. being able to clear an area of hostiles with minimal to no friendly casualties, while on very little sleep or sustenance)
Some drill instructors (from what I’m told) can have their rank/title go to their heads that they will ignore the logic of danger of the orders they give just for the sole purpose of “teaching a lesson” to their recruit declining something.
I’m guessing their goal was to make sure anyone that goes through would be able to quickly rehydrate (or replenish themselves) while in the heat of a battle without “losing a step.”
There is also an intimidation factor to opposing forces to give the appearance of an indifferent hivemind (sheep as you mentioned it) coming for them. (Think of how scary it would be to have cybermen or the borg after you)
My understanding is that it depends on context. Have you been sweating a lot? Are you super dehydrated? Sports drinks (actual “sports drinks” like Gatorade) are probably better for you than water.
The reason for that is because you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes through sweat, and drinks like Gatorade are meant to replace those. That’s why professional athletes, especially stamina-based athletes like marathon runners, football players, etc, tend to drink some form of sports drink (the sponsorships help though). Additionally, if you’re extremely dehydrated then you may also be low on electrolytes (because you’ve been out in the sun, or you’ve been sweating a lot). I’ve also heard that sports drinks hydrate faster because they’re supposedly similar to saline, but I can’t find any sources for that, so take that with a grain of salt.
However, if you’re just kinda thirsty or want something to drink, then water is probably better. I doubt you’ll hurt yourself drinking Gatorade instead of water, but you don’t need it either.
Basically, Gatorade’s additional sugar and carbs mean that it makes sense if you are highly active, have a considerably above average physique, or actively drinking it mid work out or other strenuous activity.
For more average people, pedialyte probably makes more sense.
Especially if you are going to pick one to replace water.
While I agree with you, Gatorade released a Pedialyte competitor called Gatorlyte recently. Similar benefits but half the price. I’d recommend that (or a similarly cheap option if another exists) to keep from breaking the bank.
The gatorlyte also is way less sweet than the pedialyte. When my some was sick and throwing up we got him some pedialyte and he wouldn’t drink it because it was so sweet.
After he refused I tried some and agreed it was disgustingly sweet. Made me feel good about the watered down apple juice (and usually water and milk for lunches).
Whether or not the shittonne of sugar in Gatorade is a problem depends on the person. A lazy Google search tells me professional athletes require between 3000 and 8000 calories, obviously depending on what sport they are engaged in. They could probably use the sugar; they’re probably pounding protein shakes too, and you can’t get all of your calories from protein long-term, you need sugar or fat or ideally both.
Then there’s alcoholics using Gatorade for hangover recovery. Alcoholism tends to reduce food intake, causing alcoholics to frequently be underweight. Sugar in the default hangover drink isn’t hurting them, they probably need it, and could probably use more calories besides. I know, this one is me. My license says I’m 5’9", and the scale just told me I’m 108 lbs. With a BMI of 15.9, any calorie I consume is a good thing, regardless of whether it’s dextrose, sucrose, a complex carb, or protein.
Inactive people who eat more than they need and are overweight because of it don’t need the sugar in Gatorade, but also probably aren’t active enough to need the electrolytes in Gatorade; they should be drinking water
You cannot say that with statistical certainty. There’s about 8 billion people who haven’t eventually died yet and all it will take is one of them to break that 100%. You should include a disclaimer with an error range or you might get sued by someone who spikes someone’s drink with dihydrogen monoxide and then they don’t eventually die for botching their assassination.
That said, the statistics are pretty strong. 99.9% is basically 100% plus wiggle room so no one can sue me, so readers should be aware that this dangerous chemical can also go by the name of hydrogen hydroxide and some food manufacturers try to sneak it by with the name aqua in their ingredients list.
Gatorade (or rather electrolyte waters such as SmartWater) is best when you’re dehydrated and also need salt. The electrolytes help your body actually use the water. Too much water will flush your system out and can lead to cramps and other problems. Especially in the case of dehydration if you’ve been sweating a lot.
Spoken like a Lemming who hasn’t worked out seriously or had a serious physical job in their life.
Humans didn’t spend the entirety of their existence looking for shit better than water for no reason lol. Hydrohomies and an iced glass of water is great… But…
You know what’s better than water when you need water? Nearly everything that isn’t alcohol or literal piss.
Yes, this includes milk and soda. Anything with sugar, protein, or fat is great.
And yes, spiking our drinks with low amounts of drugs is also nice.
You know what’s better than water when you need water? Nearly everything that isn’t alcohol or literal piss.
I mean it really depends on the person and their current condition. The article you linked kinda has an abstract definition of hydration that doesn’t take into account things normally associated with dehydration.
If you are working hard outside and are mildly dehydrated I wouldn’t recommend slamming down a sugary soda with caffeine. Excessive sugar is diluted in the intestines which can cause further dehydration, and caffeine is a diuretic.
Normally this wouldn’t really matter, but if you’re already dehydrated it can make the situation worse.
Water is great, it may not be the most effective hydrator in the world as it doesn’t have the electrolytes and sugars that something like Gatorade has. However, it’s the best thing for your overall kidney and liver health which is what really matters. Most Americans already have an excess of salt, fat, and sugar in their diets, so even after working outside and sweating your ass off you are probably better off just having some water.
but if you’re already dehydrated it can make the situation worse.
No, it won’t. That’s the point of the misconception. You even get to it later then dismiss. We aren’t taking about overall health. We aren’t talking about the 'betes.
None of those things will dehydrate you more despite people saying differently. Not soda, not milk, even beer under 2% beer will be better. You will be rehydrated, there WILL be a net gain of water in your body. There is no net loss of water no matter how much people say sugar or caffeine will lower the net gain.
If you’re dehydrated, you’re lacking salt. There’s a reason why physically demanding companies provide free drink packets to their crews. They don’t want road crews dying by the side of the road because they slammed water and had no salt on a 100 degree day working next to a machine shooting out molten tar and rock. We aren’t pumping people’s blood full of sterile water. Saline bags are .9% salt for a reason.
No, it won’t. That’s the point of the misconception. You even get to it later then dismiss. We aren’t taking about overall health. We aren’t talking about the 'betes.
I mean, whenever you are talking about health you always consider total outcomes. The articles you are linking are talking about a very specific type of dehydration.
None of those things will dehydrate you more despite people saying differently. Not soda, not milk, even beer under 2% beer will be better. You will be rehydrated, there WILL be a net gain of water in your body. There is no net loss of water no matter how much people say sugar or caffeine will lower the net gain.
“Beverages with more concentrated sugars, such as fruit juices or colas, are not necessarily as hydrating as their lower-sugar cousins. They may spend a little more time in the stomach and empty more slowly compared to plain water, but once these beverages enter the small intestine their high concentration of sugars gets diluted during a physiological process called osmosis. This process in effect “pulls” water from the body into the small intestine to dilute the sugars these beverages contain. And technically, anything inside the intestine is outside your body. Juice and soda are not only less hydrating, but offer extra sugars and calories that won’t fill us up as much as solid foods, explained Majumdar. If the choice is between soda and water for hydration, go with water every time. After all, our kidneys and liver depend on water to get rid of toxins in our bodies”
From your own article…
If you’re dehydrated, you’re lacking salt. There’s a reason why physically demanding companies provide free drink packets to their crews. They don’t want road crews dying by the side of the road because they slammed water and had no salt on a 100 degree day working next to a machine shooting out molten tar and rock. We aren’t pumping people’s blood full of sterile water. Saline bags are .9% salt for a reason.
Again, you are talking about a specific type of dehydration… hyponatremia is exceedingly rare and is usually a sign of an undiagnosed kidney disease. Your nephrons will usually regulate your thirst in conjunction to the available salts in the body.
Dehydration is not just a lack of salt, it’s an imbalance of salt. Meaning that you can just be low on fluid with too much salt available.
"Unsurprisingly, the ad is sponsored by the milk industry. And while I’d never heard this claim before, the studies behind the idea aren’t particularly new or compelling. "
Finally, the main benefit of water is that it’s neutral. The reason why people don’t tell you to slam a glass of milk or soda if you’re dehydrated is because it can upset your stomach. When concentrated amounts of sugars or fats enter the intestine the dilution process can go overboard and cause diarrhea, which can dangerously dehydrate you further.
Hydration is more complicated than what you are alluding too. Simply stating everything but piss and liquor is better than water is just ridiculous and misleading. In specific scenarios other liquids may provide some advantages, but it’s highly reductive to make that claim so broadly. Especially considering it requires you to separate hydration from kidney health, you know the things that control your thirst in the first place.
The average basement dweller probably just needs more water in their life, but anyone eating a balanced diet who is sweating and working out hard or competiting in an athletic event absolutely needs electrolytes not just water. Drinks like Gatorade with simple sugar in them are also still good in this context, the sugar is a readily burned source of energy that is important to have available for high intensity activity. Obviously if you drink sugar and sit on the couch it just goes to your waist, but that doesn’t make it bad for people who are using it correctly.
Water is best when you’re thirsty. Water is best for hangovers. Water is best for sports hydrations. Cold water is best when you want a cold drink. Water is best for lunch. Drink more water.
Ex-Army infantry guy here.
In basic training, location Ft. Benning GA, late August. Hydration was important, and that was impressed upon us by the drill sergeants, who would pause the activity at hand for the moment and do the ‘Drink Water!’ call, to which we’d reply mostly in uninspired enthusiasm ‘Beat the heat drill sergeant beat the heat.’
We’d then down a canteen (a quart) of water. On especially hot days, we’d do two canteens. No dumping on your head or on the ground - you had to finish one or both. We’d refill canteens and get back to the day’s task of doing push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and in-between those, learning Army stuff (sir).
One guy, Peterson (name changed), couldn’t do a canteen of water. This guy was the opposite of Joey Chestnut. He ate and drank like a bird but never lost weight. Slow metabolism and high energy conversion I guess. He never seemed dehydrated I would say. But water and food were just minimal for the guy. He’d drink a pint, maybe a sip more, and done.
Our drill sergeants weren’t having that. You had to finish the canteen and flip it over your head. Failure to comply was met with drinking more water, until you finished the canteen, while your platoon did push-ups. No pressure.
The rest of the story transpired really quickly.
The drill sergeants hit him with the order to drink more water, and he did, and he stopped, and then they said keep going private, and he was in obvious pain, and he said no drill sergeant, and you could see the crinkle in the eyes of the questioned, but before that drill sergeant’s body language became verbal, Peterson puked up water, gallons of water it seemed, then breakfast, and the upper contents of his colon I’m pretty sure (j/k being illustrative). A medic, who just happened to be Starship Trooping on by, got on the horn and got the kid to a clinic. He was water intoxicated, we later found out.
One of the great things they forget to show you on the recruitment brochure lol. He was eventually fine, and we were relegated to drinking until we could spit out saliva a few inches.
For fellow citizens of the civilised world: a quart is basically a liter, and a pint is half that.
Anyway, jeepers creepers. They literally poisoned their own guy so bad he was hospitalised. The US army is evil.
The army takes hydration VERY seriously.
Maybe they should have taken it seriously enough to recognise too much of it
Listen I’m not defending the army but I’d be willing to bet 5$ that more soldiers are victims of any of the heat related illnesses (trying to sound smart here hehe, like heat exhaustion or shock or whatever) then they are of water intoxication.
Also we did the same thing when I was at basic in south Carolina. Except we didn’t have to drink the whole canteen. Just take a couple of sips, but we did it frequently.
“All trainees are reminded: drink 1/2 to 3/4 canteen per hour, not to exceed 12 canteens per day. You will drink 3 non-caffeinated, non carbonated beverages with each and every meal.”
Is what was recited daily when I was in basic training. And yeah, heat stroke is a big issue. I don’t think you can blame the instructors really; everyone knows someone that says water tastes bad or whatever. All the instructors know is that everyone better be drinking their water.
Yup
That’s exactly what’s wrong with these army drill sergeants. They see the trainees under their care as statistics. It’s a one size fits all approach, and they’re so married to treating people like machines that they can’t open their eyes and see when they’re literally poisoning someone half to death. It’s inhuman.
Yeah that’s the whole point of training lol
And it’s bad.
perhaps one day humanity will finally learn that people are different, and forcing everyone to do exactly the same things will never work out well for either party.
and it’s not just that it makes people miserable and maybe even actually harms them, it’s also just an inefficient use of resources!
The drill sergeants almost became radio show hosts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G7Mjzm2g58
That’s a good story bro
I don’t get military people. Why do they perform this kind of theatre?
I doubt it is helping people become better soldiers. Quite the opposite. They are made into sheep with no integrity or own will.
Is cannon fodder really that valuable in war?
Militaries tend to think of their manpower as just a number, not as individuals. The basic training is supposed to make sure each will perform at a predictable level. Psychologically breaking one down is thought to be the quickest (albeit roughest) way to get people to that level. (i.e. being able to clear an area of hostiles with minimal to no friendly casualties, while on very little sleep or sustenance)
Some drill instructors (from what I’m told) can have their rank/title go to their heads that they will ignore the logic of danger of the orders they give just for the sole purpose of “teaching a lesson” to their recruit declining something.
I’m guessing their goal was to make sure anyone that goes through would be able to quickly rehydrate (or replenish themselves) while in the heat of a battle without “losing a step.”
There is also an intimidation factor to opposing forces to give the appearance of an indifferent hivemind (sheep as you mentioned it) coming for them. (Think of how scary it would be to have cybermen or the borg after you)
My understanding is that it depends on context. Have you been sweating a lot? Are you super dehydrated? Sports drinks (actual “sports drinks” like Gatorade) are probably better for you than water.
The reason for that is because you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes through sweat, and drinks like Gatorade are meant to replace those. That’s why professional athletes, especially stamina-based athletes like marathon runners, football players, etc, tend to drink some form of sports drink (the sponsorships help though). Additionally, if you’re extremely dehydrated then you may also be low on electrolytes (because you’ve been out in the sun, or you’ve been sweating a lot). I’ve also heard that sports drinks hydrate faster because they’re supposedly similar to saline, but I can’t find any sources for that, so take that with a grain of salt.
However, if you’re just kinda thirsty or want something to drink, then water is probably better. I doubt you’ll hurt yourself drinking Gatorade instead of water, but you don’t need it either.
Intentional or not, that is a grade A pun
Gatorade and its electrolytes are better than water for recharging and rehydrating after or during significant physical activity.
Basically, you are correct that an appropriate amount of salts helps you rehydrate more quickly.
You know what is even better for most people, if your daily caloric intake is not at Olympic levels?
Pedialyte. No where near as much sugar thrown in, more Vitamins, less carbs.
This article goes into it a bit more:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pedialyte-vs-gatorade#bottom-line
Basically, Gatorade’s additional sugar and carbs mean that it makes sense if you are highly active, have a considerably above average physique, or actively drinking it mid work out or other strenuous activity.
For more average people, pedialyte probably makes more sense.
Especially if you are going to pick one to replace water.
While I agree with you, Gatorade released a Pedialyte competitor called Gatorlyte recently. Similar benefits but half the price. I’d recommend that (or a similarly cheap option if another exists) to keep from breaking the bank.
Well dang, I have never heard of that!
I’ll have to see if anywhere around me carries it
The gatorlyte also is way less sweet than the pedialyte. When my some was sick and throwing up we got him some pedialyte and he wouldn’t drink it because it was so sweet.
After he refused I tried some and agreed it was disgustingly sweet. Made me feel good about the watered down apple juice (and usually water and milk for lunches).
Agreed on all except the sports one. If you’re sweating, you’re losing electrolytes and you need to replenish them.
Electrolytes. They’re what plants crave.
Plants, poorly sealed wet acid batteries, and athletes all have this one crazy thing in common; click the link to learn more
But you can do without the shit tons of sugar in Gatorade.
Again, if you’re actively exercizing, that’s not an issue. But this post demonstrates that most people view it as a general purpose drink.
Cutting the Gatorade with water once about 1/3 is drank helps a lot
Whether or not the shittonne of sugar in Gatorade is a problem depends on the person. A lazy Google search tells me professional athletes require between 3000 and 8000 calories, obviously depending on what sport they are engaged in. They could probably use the sugar; they’re probably pounding protein shakes too, and you can’t get all of your calories from protein long-term, you need sugar or fat or ideally both.
Then there’s alcoholics using Gatorade for hangover recovery. Alcoholism tends to reduce food intake, causing alcoholics to frequently be underweight. Sugar in the default hangover drink isn’t hurting them, they probably need it, and could probably use more calories besides. I know, this one is me. My license says I’m 5’9", and the scale just told me I’m 108 lbs. With a BMI of 15.9, any calorie I consume is a good thing, regardless of whether it’s dextrose, sucrose, a complex carb, or protein.
Inactive people who eat more than they need and are overweight because of it don’t need the sugar in Gatorade, but also probably aren’t active enough to need the electrolytes in Gatorade; they should be drinking water
Also true for hangovers
Fact: 100% of all people who consume the chemical compound Dihydrogen Monoxide eventually die. #HydrationHalt #DitchTheDrink #StayDryDontDie #MADH2O
You cannot say that with statistical certainty. There’s about 8 billion people who haven’t eventually died yet and all it will take is one of them to break that 100%. You should include a disclaimer with an error range or you might get sued by someone who spikes someone’s drink with dihydrogen monoxide and then they don’t eventually die for botching their assassination.
That said, the statistics are pretty strong. 99.9% is basically 100% plus wiggle room so no one can sue me, so readers should be aware that this dangerous chemical can also go by the name of hydrogen hydroxide and some food manufacturers try to sneak it by with the name aqua in their ingredients list.
Like… from the toilet?
Gatorade (or rather electrolyte waters such as SmartWater) is best when you’re dehydrated and also need salt. The electrolytes help your body actually use the water. Too much water will flush your system out and can lead to cramps and other problems. Especially in the case of dehydration if you’ve been sweating a lot.
It’s literally not, but okay
Spoken like a Lemming who hasn’t worked out seriously or had a serious physical job in their life.
Humans didn’t spend the entirety of their existence looking for shit better than water for no reason lol. Hydrohomies and an iced glass of water is great… But…
You know what’s better than water when you need water? Nearly everything that isn’t alcohol or literal piss.
Yes, this includes milk and soda. Anything with sugar, protein, or fat is great.
And yes, spiking our drinks with low amounts of drugs is also nice.
https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/25/health/best-drinks-for-hydration-wellness/index.html
I mean it really depends on the person and their current condition. The article you linked kinda has an abstract definition of hydration that doesn’t take into account things normally associated with dehydration.
If you are working hard outside and are mildly dehydrated I wouldn’t recommend slamming down a sugary soda with caffeine. Excessive sugar is diluted in the intestines which can cause further dehydration, and caffeine is a diuretic.
Normally this wouldn’t really matter, but if you’re already dehydrated it can make the situation worse.
Water is great, it may not be the most effective hydrator in the world as it doesn’t have the electrolytes and sugars that something like Gatorade has. However, it’s the best thing for your overall kidney and liver health which is what really matters. Most Americans already have an excess of salt, fat, and sugar in their diets, so even after working outside and sweating your ass off you are probably better off just having some water.
No, it won’t. That’s the point of the misconception. You even get to it later then dismiss. We aren’t taking about overall health. We aren’t talking about the 'betes.
None of those things will dehydrate you more despite people saying differently. Not soda, not milk, even beer under 2% beer will be better. You will be rehydrated, there WILL be a net gain of water in your body. There is no net loss of water no matter how much people say sugar or caffeine will lower the net gain.
If you’re dehydrated, you’re lacking salt. There’s a reason why physically demanding companies provide free drink packets to their crews. They don’t want road crews dying by the side of the road because they slammed water and had no salt on a 100 degree day working next to a machine shooting out molten tar and rock. We aren’t pumping people’s blood full of sterile water. Saline bags are .9% salt for a reason.
More sauce: https://glacier-design.com/can-you-hydrate-yourself-with-beer/
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2022/07/how-beer-could-help-your-levels-of-hydration-during-the-heatwave/
https://www.coastems.com/products/iv-bag-1000ml-sodium-chloride-0-9-normal-saline-case-of-12
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-replenishing-fluids-does-milk-beat-water-202211142849
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711
I mean, whenever you are talking about health you always consider total outcomes. The articles you are linking are talking about a very specific type of dehydration.
“Beverages with more concentrated sugars, such as fruit juices or colas, are not necessarily as hydrating as their lower-sugar cousins. They may spend a little more time in the stomach and empty more slowly compared to plain water, but once these beverages enter the small intestine their high concentration of sugars gets diluted during a physiological process called osmosis. This process in effect “pulls” water from the body into the small intestine to dilute the sugars these beverages contain. And technically, anything inside the intestine is outside your body. Juice and soda are not only less hydrating, but offer extra sugars and calories that won’t fill us up as much as solid foods, explained Majumdar. If the choice is between soda and water for hydration, go with water every time. After all, our kidneys and liver depend on water to get rid of toxins in our bodies”
From your own article…
Again, you are talking about a specific type of dehydration… hyponatremia is exceedingly rare and is usually a sign of an undiagnosed kidney disease. Your nephrons will usually regulate your thirst in conjunction to the available salts in the body.
Dehydration is not just a lack of salt, it’s an imbalance of salt. Meaning that you can just be low on fluid with too much salt available.
"Unsurprisingly, the ad is sponsored by the milk industry. And while I’d never heard this claim before, the studies behind the idea aren’t particularly new or compelling. "
Finally, the main benefit of water is that it’s neutral. The reason why people don’t tell you to slam a glass of milk or soda if you’re dehydrated is because it can upset your stomach. When concentrated amounts of sugars or fats enter the intestine the dilution process can go overboard and cause diarrhea, which can dangerously dehydrate you further.
Hydration is more complicated than what you are alluding too. Simply stating everything but piss and liquor is better than water is just ridiculous and misleading. In specific scenarios other liquids may provide some advantages, but it’s highly reductive to make that claim so broadly. Especially considering it requires you to separate hydration from kidney health, you know the things that control your thirst in the first place.
The average basement dweller probably just needs more water in their life, but anyone eating a balanced diet who is sweating and working out hard or competiting in an athletic event absolutely needs electrolytes not just water. Drinks like Gatorade with simple sugar in them are also still good in this context, the sugar is a readily burned source of energy that is important to have available for high intensity activity. Obviously if you drink sugar and sit on the couch it just goes to your waist, but that doesn’t make it bad for people who are using it correctly.