dehydration · Health · hydration · Water Benefits · Nov 14, 2024

Importance Of Hydration When You're Sick

Importance Of Hydration When You're Sick

With cold and flu season here once again, many of us are preparing for the usual runny noses, sore throats, and general discomfort these seasonal bugs bring. Even though we may not know exactly how this year’s flu strain will affect those who come down with it, one thing remains certain: staying healthy requires taking precautions.

After the recent pandemic, our general awareness about airborne illnesses is higher than ever, making it essential to protect ourselves and stay vigilant. One key factor in supporting our immune system—and an often overlooked one—is hydration. Find out why drinking water when sick is such a crucial part of bouncing back when illness strikes.

Why is Hydration Important When Sick?

Whenever we’re under the weather, doctors often tell us to drink plenty of fluids. While it may seem basic, staying well-hydrated is actually one of the most powerful ways to help our bodies recover. When we’re sick, our bodies lose fluids more rapidly through fever, sweating, and sometimes other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.¹ These losses can leave us feeling even worse if we don’t replenish them.

Staying hydrated provides our bodies with the extra fluids needed to help fight off infection, stay energized, and recover faster.

How Much Water to Drink When Sick

So, how much water should you really be drinking when you’re sick? The amount can vary² depending on your gender, symptoms, and what type of illness you’re dealing with. For something like a common cold, drinking the usual 8–10 cups of water per day should be enough to keep you hydrated and help flush out toxins.

When it comes to the flu, however, you may need to increase your intake since flu symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. In these cases, aim for at least 10–12 cups of water a day, or more if you’re feeling particularly dehydrated.

Electrolyte-rich drinks can also be helpful, especially if you’re losing fluids more rapidly. The goal is to sip regularly throughout the day—don’t wait until you feel thirsty, since that can be a sign your body is already dehydrated. Listening to your body is key so, if you’re feeling fatigued, dizzy, or experiencing dry mouth, those are good signs to increase your fluid intake.

How to Hydrate Fast When Sick

When you’re battling an illness, getting hydrated quickly can make a big difference in how you feel and how fast you recover. Filtered water is a great choice for hydration because it’s free of contaminants that could potentially irritate your system, especially when your body is already working overtime, and it offers other health benefits as well. Drinking clean, filtered water also ensures you reduce your exposure to chemicals or pollutants that could make symptoms worse or slow recovery.

For fast hydration, sip water steadily throughout the day rather than chugging large amounts at once, which can be hard for your system to absorb. If you’re dealing with symptoms like a fever or vomiting, try pairing your water with an electrolyte solution to help replenish essential minerals lost through fluids. Adding a slice of lemon or a pinch of sea salt can even provide a natural electrolyte boost if you don’t have a sports drink on hand.

By drinking filtered water consistently, you’re helping your body flush out toxins, support immune function, and keep energy levels up—all of which contribute to getting back on your feet faster.

Benefits of Drinking Water When Sick

Drinking water offers powerful benefits³ when you’re under the weather, helping your body recover faster and stay resilient.

Flushes out toxins - Water helps your body flush out toxins, which is especially important when fighting off infections.
Supports immune function - Staying hydrated enables immune cells to function at their best, making it easier to combat illness.
Regulates body temperature - When you have a fever, water helps regulate temperature and prevents overheating.
Eases congestion - Hydration keeps mucous membranes moist, making it easier to relieve nasal congestion and soothe coughs.
Aids in digestion - Drinking water supports digestion, which can be disrupted by illness or medications.
Boosts energy and mental clarity - Staying hydrated can help reduce brain fog and fatigue, keeping energy levels up even when you’re sick.
Supports daily detoxification - Even when you’re healthy, drinking water helps cleanse the body and reduce strain on organs like the kidneys.

By drinking enough water, you’re giving your body what it needs to fight off illness and stay healthy year-round.

Stay Hydrated to Prevent Illness

Beyond illness, regular hydration is a powerful way to prevent getting sick in the first place. Staying hydrated supports every system in our body⁴, from aiding digestion to maintaining healthy skin, which serves as a first line of defense against bacteria. Proper hydration even boosts our body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to clear out waste more effectively.

Both when sick and healthy, drinking water helps you stay energized, supports mental clarity, and keeps the immune system strong, making it easier to fend off whatever the season brings. And if you’re looking to add some flavor to your water to change things up, try these delicious infused water recipes.

Stay Hydrated with ZeroWater

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to support your body when sick and to maintain overall health. Clean, filtered water not only keeps you feeling your best but also helps your body function at its peak. As a bonus, filtered water can help keep your pets healthy too!

Some of our most popular water filtration products include:

Be proactive about your health and elevate your hydration game with ZeroWater. Check out our water filtration products to ensure you and your family are drinking the purest, healthiest water possible. Also find pitchers and countertop dispensers, complimentary products like our TDS meter water tester, and more.

Refer to our FAQ’s for more information.

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