Water alone cannot do the job. The body needs electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, to move water into cells and keep it there.
Dr Subhasish Mazumder, Senior Director – Gastroenterology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, explains it simply, “Most people think that just drinking more water will keep them hydrated. However, hydration is not just about quantity—it is about how effectively the body absorbs and uses fluids.”
This is why someone who drinks litres of plain water but eats poorly may still struggle with hydration. Without minerals, much of that water passes through the system quickly.
A report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) highlights the role of balanced nutrition in hydration, especially the importance of electrolytes in maintaining fluid balance.
