How well do fluids besides water actually hydrate you?

Question

Let’s take for example sugar free Gatorade, or pedialyte. That in itself, is it effective at hydrating you?

In: 122

Answer 1

Very VERY poorly. Unless they’re mostly water.

Gatorade and pedialyte are mostly water. They’re great at hydrating you. Practically just as good as water, even though they both have a bit of salt. It’s not much because you don’t need much.

Now some things have a lot of water and DO dehydrate you: Salt water. Caffeine. Cocacola, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks will help keep you alive if you’re badly dehydrated, but actual water is far better.