10 Healthy Drinks for Hydration, Digestion and a Natural Glow
From lemon water to hibiscus tea and golden turmeric milk: ten easy drinks that make hydration more enjoyable and support digestion and a natural glow.
By KateLast reviewed
Drinking enough is one of the simplest things you can do for your energy, digestion and skin. But plain water gets boring. These ten drinks add flavor, a little nutrition and a sense of ritual, so you actually drink more.
1. Lemon water
Warm or cold, lemon water is a fresh start to the day and adds a little vitamin C. See our morning lemon water habit.
2. Cucumber water
Light, refreshing and hydrating. Add mint and lemon for a spa-style pitcher. Recipe: cucumber lemon water with mint and ginger.
3. Chia seed drink
Stir 1 tbsp chia seeds into a glass of water with lemon and let it sit for 10 minutes. The seeds add fiber and omega-3s and make the drink surprisingly filling. More in 5 chia seed benefits.
4. Green smoothie
A blended drink with greens, fruit and fiber. Try our green smoothie recipes or the lighter green drink for hydration.
5. Hibiscus tea
Tart, ruby-red and naturally caffeine-free. Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins, and some studies link it to healthy blood pressure. Enjoy it hot or iced.
6. Ginger tea
Warming and soothing after meals. Simmer fresh ginger slices for 10 minutes and add lemon. Ginger has been studied for digestive comfort and nausea. See 5 ginger benefits.
7. Coconut water
Naturally contains potassium and electrolytes, which makes it great after a workout or on a hot day. Choose unsweetened versions. More in 5 electrolyte foods.
8. Turmeric milk
Also called golden milk: warm milk with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper. A cozy, caffeine-free evening drink. Recipe: golden milk and ginger turmeric tea.
9. Rose water drink
A few drops of food-grade rose water in cold water with lemon or cucumber feel like a treat. Use it sparingly, as the flavor is strong.
10. Mint water
Fresh mint leaves in cold water are refreshing and may help you feel less bloated after a meal. Peppermint tea is the warm version: see 5 peppermint tea benefits.
How to drink more every day
- Keep a full bottle on your desk and refill it twice.
- Drink a glass with every meal.
- Make one big pitcher of infused water each morning.
- Swap one sugary drink a day for one of the drinks above.
- Use a straw for acidic drinks like lemon water to protect your teeth.
Signs you need more fluids
Dark yellow urine, headaches, fatigue, dry lips and afternoon cravings can all be signs of not drinking enough. Many women need around 9 to 11 cups of total fluids per day, more in heat or with exercise.
Drinks to limit
Soda, sweetened iced teas, energy drinks and large flavored coffees can add a lot of sugar. Alcohol dehydrates and affects sleep. Keep them as occasional treats.
FAQ
Healthy Drink Questions
What is the healthiest drink?
Plain water is the best everyday drink. The drinks in this list make hydration more enjoyable and add flavor, fiber or plant compounds without much sugar.
Do these drinks detox your body?
Your liver and kidneys handle detoxification. These drinks support hydration and digestion, which helps your body do its normal work, but they do not detox on their own.
Can drinks improve skin?
Good hydration helps skin look plumper. Drinks rich in antioxidants and vitamin C support overall skin health, but sleep, sun protection and diet matter more.
Is coconut water better than water?
Coconut water provides potassium and some electrolytes, which can be useful after exercise or on hot days. For everyday hydration, water is just as good and has no sugar.
The bottom line
A glow-up starts with hydration. Rotate these ten simple drinks, keep added sugar low and drink consistently throughout the day. Your energy, digestion and skin will notice.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor before making changes, especially if you have a health condition, are pregnant or take medication.
