What's the best way to rehydrate after playing ball besides drinking water?

Rehydrating after a ball game is incredibly important, especially in our climate. Sometimes, however, it feels like water just won't cut it. You can finish an entire bottle in one go and still feel dehydrated.

It’s likely due to the fact that water alone isn't enough to replace the nutrients you’ve lost while playing. If you're looking for a good source of hydration besides water and other beverages, here are five good options:

Fruits with High Water Content

If you're looking for a nutritious way to replenish your liquids, look no further. Watermelon (92% water), for instance, is rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium. Oranges (88% water), on the other hand, contain Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

Celery Sticks

Your body doesn’t just lose water when you sweat. It also loses electrolytes—minerals that help with the flow of nutrients in your cells while maintaining proper muscle, heart, and nervous system function.

Celery is not only 95% water, but it’s also rich in the electrolyte your body loses most through sweat: sodium. Munching on a few sticks along with some water should provide higher-quality rehydration than you would’ve gotten with water alone.

Tomato Slices

Tomatoes are a rich source of the second-most lost electrolyte in sweat: chloride. Since they’re also 94% water, this makes them an ideal rehydration snack.

Another benefit of adding tomatoes to your post-game recharge is the fact that they’re high in Vitamin C, which has an important function in workout recovery. Not only does it promote tissue healing, but it also reduces muscle inflammation and soreness.

Frozen Treats

At the end of a ball game, your body isn’t just dehydrated—it also has elevated heat levels. Cold drinks refresh better than warm ones because your body needs to reach an optimum temperature.

Try having a popsicle made with high-water content fruits to help rehydrate your system. If you can make a quick stop before heading home, it might be fun to have some bingsu. This sweet treat is loaded with crushed ice and—depending on your toppings—minerals, sugars, and electrolytes that can replace what your body lost during a workout.

Sports Drinks

If you’re looking to rehydrate after more than an hour of physical activity, you’ll probably want to go the most convenient route: sports drinks. Gatorade, for one, was developed with over 50 years of sports science research to help deliver what the body needs after intense exertion.

It has a mix of fluids, electrolytes, and carbs that help replenish what you’ve lost through sweat and help refuel fatigued muscles. And since it comes in a wide variety of flavors, you stand a good chance of finding one you’ll enjoy chugging down after a game.

Follow the official Gatorade Philippines Facebook page for more tips.