Today, I spent a long day outside the house inspecting new homes in my beautiful home city of Brisbane (in the beautiful country of Australia). And, man, was it warm today!
You wouldn’t usually think this kind of activity would be a sweat-inducing one, but the constant walking in and out of air-conditioned, immaculately staged houses and in and out of my stinking hot, dusty Mitsubishi, definitely caused me to feel a little sweaty, but also pretty parched! Thankfully, my partner had a (lukewarm) bottle of water on hand for me to find some temporary solace from. Although I certainly appreciated her MVP worthy effort to assist me, it got me thinking that there are some other drink alternatives that definitely hit the spot in these types of moments…
The Hydration Equation: It’s Not Just About Water
Don’t get me wrong. I love my water – icy cold or lukewarm. Some hydration is better than none! Especially in those sweat-triggering environments you might find yourself in. But something we who sweat excessively also have to consider is that electrolytes, minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are also lost through sweat. Maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial for optimal body function and can even influence how much you sweat. So keeping hydrated benefits you in many ways: firstly… well… keeping you hydrated; secondly, it can cool your body and mind down; and thirdly it can replenish you with vital nutrients to keep you well nourished to take on your day.
Here are some of my tips related to drinks for sweating…
My favourite drinks when I feel a little warm & sweaty:
- Water: Like I said, I love my water! I was raised in a “no soda” household, which I’m grateful for and have allowed my body to appreciate the simple yet effective nature of hydrating with water. Water is the foundation of good hydration. It’s readily absorbed and effectively replaces lost fluids. Aim for consistent water intake throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. It’s always very accessible, free (or very cheap) and just overall good for you!. Remember, our human bodies are roughly made out of 60% water!
- Natural Fruit Juice: My next go-to drink would be any natural fruit juice (including coconut water). – with no added sugar, of course. Fruit juices have both a high water content and are a good source of essential vitamins, making them a refreshing and hydrating beverage. Make sure the juice you get has no added sugar (or artificial additives), because we know that sugar has a dehydrating effect on the body. Not good for us, fellow sweaters!
- Electrolyte-Enhanced Water: I know I just spoke about how sugar isn’t the best thing for dehydration… but only because I play alot of sport (in the Australian summer), I have to recommend my electrolyte-filled sports drinks (think Gatorade, Powerade, Staminade and Lucozade). For those who sweat profusely, plain water might not be enough. Electrolyte-enhanced water or sports drinks (with as low a sugar content as possible) can help replenish lost minerals. This is especially important during and after intense physical activity or in hot weather.
- Beer (or your favourite liquor “on the rocks”): Bet you weren’t expecting this suggestion! Reminder – that I am not a medical practitioner, so this recommendation is not, at all, a scientifically backed one. For me, an icy cold beer from the fridge or my favourite liquor (say, vodka) with a big block of ice in a glass is one of those drinks I first look for at a social event because of its psychological factors, not for its health ones! Of course, we all know alcohol has both a dehydrating (and diuretic) effect on the body, and could even cause us to sweat a bit more! Why I’m recommending this one is it has – at the very least – allowed me to relax just that little bit that I might need. Technically it is a “central nervous system depressant”. So , when consumed in moderation – alcohol can allow you to better relax and unwind, forget about the anxieties and worrying about sweat, and socialise with a bit more confidence! Drink safely, friends!
- Pro tip: Of course, drink any of the above (or any of your preferred drinks) absolutely icy cold! Pre-fill in a well-insulated bottle to contain that cool temperature throughout the day. Maybe I’ll review a couple of bottles in the near future!
My take on the worst drinks for sweaters:
- Sugary Drinks: My parents definitely didn’t allow these ones on my house, when I was growing up! Sodas, sweetened juices, and other sugary drinks can actually dehydrate you. They can also contribute to weight gain, which can exacerbate sweating. The sugar rush and subsequent crash can also mess with your body’s temperature regulation. They might attract you with their ultra vibrant colours and sweet flavours, but steer well clear of these ones, sweaters.
- High-Caffeine Beverages: During my busy day today, I thought I needed a quick energy boost with a Vietnamese iced coffee. But I always recall that coffee, energy drinks, and other high-caffeine beverages can stimulate my nervous system, leading to heightened reaction to temperature and increased sweating. Caffeine can also have a diuretic effect, meaning it can make you urinate more, potentially leading to dehydration.
- Alcohol: I know I talked about it in my previous section, but just to talk about both sides of the coin… Remember that alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can quickly lead to dehydration. It can also dilate blood vessels, which can contribute to feeling warmer and sweating more.
Hydration Tips for Excessive Sweating:
- Carry a Water Bottle: Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go. This will serve as a constant reminder to stay hydrated. Spend a little more for those insulated bottles that keep your drink icy cool.
- Pre-Hydrate: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start drinking. Begin hydrating well before any activity or anticipated hot weather.
- Sip Regularly: Instead of gulping down large amounts of water at once, sip small amounts frequently throughout the day.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your thirst cues and drink accordingly. However, don’t rely solely on thirst, as it’s not always a reliable indicator of dehydration.
- Monitor Your Urine: The colour of your urine is a good indicator of your hydration status. Aim for light yellow or clear urine.
Summary Table:
| Drink Type | Benefits for Excessive Sweating | Drawbacks for Excessive Sweating |
| Water | Essential for hydration, regulates body temperature | None |
| Electrolyte-Enhanced Water/Sports Drinks (low sugar) | Replenishes lost electrolytes | Can be high in sugar if not chosen carefully |
| Coconut Water | Natural source of electrolytes | Contains natural sugars |
| Herbal Teas (unsweetened) | Hydrating, calming benefits | None (if unsweetened) |
| Diluted Fruit Juices | Provides some vitamins and minerals | High sugar content if not diluted |
| Sugary Drinks (sodas, sweetened juices) | None | Dehydrating, contributes to weight gain, affects temperature regulation |
| High-Caffeine Beverages (coffee, energy drinks) | None | Stimulates nervous system, increases sweating, diuretic effect |
| Alcohol | Can allow you to mentally relax and unwind – improving confidence in social situations | Dehydrating, dilates blood vessels, increases sweating |
