5 Best Ways to Stay Hydrated (Beyond Just Drinking Water)

Most women think dehydration only happens if you’re sweating in the summer sun or working out hard. But the truth is, low-grade dehydration is one of the most common reasons for fatigue, headaches, cravings, and even mood swings.

And here’s the kicker: dehydration doesn’t just mean you’re not drinking enough water. It’s about whether your body is actually absorbing and holding on to that water.

Let’s dig into the signs of dehydration, why hydration is so critical for your hormones and energy, and the 5 best ways to stay hydrated—without feeling like you’re forcing yourself to chug plain water all day.

Signs You Might Be Dehydrated

Sometimes dehydration is obvious (intense thirst, dry mouth), but often it’s subtle. Here are common symptoms I see with women:

• Low energy or afternoon crashes

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Headaches or migraines

• Dark or infrequent urination

• Dry skin or lips

• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up

• Sugar or salt cravings (your body trying to fix an electrolyte imbalance)

If this sounds like you, hydration might be a missing piece.

Why Hydration Matters for Women’s Health

Hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst. It supports:

• Hormone balance → Adequate fluids help transport hormones through the bloodstream.

• Energy → Every cell needs water to make ATP (your energy currency).

• Digestion → Hydration supports gut motility and nutrient absorption.

• Detoxification → Your kidneys and liver depend on fluids to flush waste and toxins.

• Skin health → Hydrated cells = plumper, clearer, more resilient skin.

In short: staying hydrated is one of the simplest, most powerful things you can do for your whole-body health.

The 5 Best Ways to Stay Hydrated

1. Electrolytes (BodyBio Elytes)

Water alone isn’t always enough. Your body needs electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium—to help cells absorb and use water. Without them, hydration just passes right through you.

I love BodyBio Elytes because they’re clean, effective, and mimic the electrolyte balance your body actually needs. They’re especially helpful on busy days, after workouts, or if you’re prone to headaches.

2. Bone Broth

Bone broth is one of my go-to hydration hacks. It’s rich in minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium, plus gut-healing amino acids like glycine and glutamine.

Think of it as “hydration with benefits”: not only does it replenish fluids, it also supports digestion, immunity, and skin health. I’ll often swap my afternoon coffee for a warm mug of bone broth instead.

3. Infused Water

If you’re bored of plain water, dress it up! Adding citrus, cucumber, or herbs makes hydration more enjoyable while sneaking in antioxidants. One of my favorites: lemon + mint + sliced strawberries.

(Pro tip: prepping an infused pitcher in the morning makes you more likely to sip throughout the day.)

4. High-Water Foods

Hydration isn’t only about what you drink—it’s also about what you eat. Fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens are packed with water and electrolytes. Bonus: they also support fiber intake, which is crucial for hormone balance.

5. Hydration Habits

Sometimes it’s not about what you drink, but when. Try:

• Drinking a glass of water right after waking up

• Pairing hydration with meals (instead of mindless sipping all day)

• Keeping a reusable water bottle visible as a reminder

Hydration is less about perfection and more about consistency.

A Fun Recipe to Make Water Enjoyable

Here’s a hydrating mocktail I make when I want something more exciting than water but still nourishing:

Citrus Glow Spritzer

• 12 oz sparkling water

• Juice of ½ lemon and ½ orange

• 1 tsp chia seeds (for fiber + hydration boost)

• Handful of fresh mint leaves

• Ice cubes

Mix, let sit for 5 minutes (so the chia seeds plump up), and enjoy!

Hydration is so much more than just drinking water. By combining electrolytes, mineral-rich broths, hydrating foods, and simple daily habits, you’ll notice steadier energy, clearer skin, and fewer cravings.

Want to know if dehydration—or nutrient imbalances—are behind your low energy, bloating, or mood swings? Inside my Blueprint Consult, we look at your labs, hydration markers, and hidden deficiencies so you can build your unique blueprint for feeling your best.