Hydration: Why Remineralisation Matters More Than Just Drinking Water

Hydration is often simplified to the act of drinking more water, but true hydration runs much deeper. If you’ve ever guzzled glass after glass of water and still felt parched, sluggish or even bloated, you’re not alone. The missing piece? Remineralisation.

Water alone isn’t enough to properly hydrate the body. In fact, drinking plain water in excess - especially without minerals - can actually dilute stomach acid, weaken digestion and make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients from food. This is particularly important after strenuous activity, illness or periods of dehydration when the body has lost key electrolytes.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• Why remineralisation is key to true hydration

• How plain water can disrupt digestion

• Natural food-based approaches to replenishing hydration

Why Hydration is More Than Just Water

True hydration is about balancing water with minerals, particularly electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. These minerals help regulate fluid balance, support nerve function, and maintain proper digestion.

When we drink excessive plain water without replenishing lost minerals, it can:

• Dilute stomach acid – making digestion sluggish and nutrient absorption more difficult

• Flush out essential electrolytes – leading to muscle cramps, fatigue, and brain fog

• Fill the stomach too quickly – reducing appetite and interfering with proper food digestion

That’s why drinking plain water isn’t always the best approach, especially if hydration is a priority after exercise, illness or excessive thirst. Instead, focusing on remineralisation through food and balanced fluids ensures the body retains and utilises hydration effectively.

Signs You Need More Than Just Water

If you experience any of the following, your body may be missing key minerals rather than just water:

• Persistent thirst despite drinking plenty of fluids

• Fatigue or light-headedness

• Muscle cramps or twitching

• Dry skin and lips

• Feeling cold or sluggish

• Poor digestion and bloating

Natural Food-Based Ways to Rehydrate

Instead of reaching for plain water alone, try incorporating these natural, food-based hydration strategies:

1. Prioritise Electrolyte-Rich Foods

Certain foods naturally replenish hydration while providing essential minerals:

• Coconut water – A natural source of potassium and sodium for electrolyte balance

• Bone broth – Provides collagen, sodium and essential minerals for deep hydration

• Sea salt – Adding a pinch to water or food enhances mineral intake and water retention

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale) – Rich in magnesium and potassium

• Bananas – A great source of potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance

• Oranges and citrus fruits – Contain potassium and natural hydration properties

2. Drink Mineral-Rich Beverages

Instead of plain water, try:

• Adrenal cocktails (4oz fresh orange juice, 4oz coconut water, ¼ tsp sea salt) for hydration and energy

• Homemade herbal infusions (nettle tea, hibiscus or raspberry leaf) for a natural mineral boost

• Raw milk (if tolerated) – A natural source of calcium, potassium, and sodium

• Warm lemon water with sea salt – A simple way to start the day with hydration and minerals

3. Rehydrate After Exercise with Whole Foods

After strenuous activity, your body needs more than just water to recover. These options support electrolyte balance naturally:

• A small glass of coconut water with a pinch of sea salt

• Homemade broth-based soups for replenishing sodium and minerals

• Smoothies with banana, Greek yogurt and a pinch of Celtic salt for potassium, sodium, and hydration

How to Drink Water Wisely

• Sip, don’t chug – Drinking slowly prevents overwhelming the stomach and kidneys.

• Drink water with meals cautiously – Too much can dilute stomach acid. Instead, hydrate between meals.

• Always pair water with minerals – A pinch of sea salt or a squeeze of citrus can help absorption.

• Eat your water – Foods like cucumbers, berries and watermelon provide hydration with minerals intact.

Hydration isn’t just about drinking more water - it’s about absorbing and retaining water effectively through remineralisation. By focusing on food-based hydration sources and balancing water intake with essential minerals, you can optimise digestion, energy and overall wellbeing.

At Framar Health, we believe in a whole-body approach to wellness. If you’d like personalised advice on hydration, remineralisation or gut health, visit us in-store or book a consultation.

What’s your go-to way to stay hydrated? Let us know in the comments!