From drinking hot water for gut health to "flushing" your body with a plethora of nutrients, we're constantly talking about how to get the most out of drinking water. After all, it's the gold standard when it comes to our hydration needs. But what if there was one—or more—drinks that actually hydrated better? Would that even be possible?

No, this isn't some viral trend spreading across our social media feeds that we're here to debunk. It turns out that some drinks are quietly more hydrating than plain water—and it's backed by research and experts. There are just a few things to consider. So, if you're looking to diversify your beverage regimen, consider the following.

How Much Hydration Do You Need?

Hydration is essential for our health. "The human body is made primarily of water, so it's essential for virtually every bodily function," says Kara Kash, a registered dietitian and head of nutrition at Factor. Staying hydrated has many benefits, including maintaining energy, regulating body temperature, ensuring joint mobility, and flushing toxins and waste from the body.

According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need 11.5 to 15.5 glasses of fluid per day. But Kash says the exact fluid requirement depends on many factors, such as age, health, activity level, and the climate where you live. To assess your hydration level, she recommends monitoring the color of your urine and paying attention to early signs of dehydration, such as fatigue and headaches. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious symptoms, such as decreased kidney function, chronic constipation, dry skin, and extreme fatigue.

Surprisingly, some drinks hydrate better than water. "Drinking water all day isn't the best way to stay hydrated," says certified sports dietitian Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD. "The best results will come from combining water-rich drinks and foods that replenish fluids and natural electrolytes."

Milk

Yes, milk is actually more hydrating than water. Ehsani cites several studies showing that milk is more effective than water or sports drinks at maintaining hydration due to its natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and proteins. "The electrolytes, carbohydrates, and proteins in milk help the body retain fluid better than water," she says. "And they slow down the rate of absorption, thereby promoting hydration."

She adds that a warm mug of milk before bed can not only help rehydrate after dinner but also help you fall asleep faster, which is always a nice added bonus.

Chocolate Milk

Should you drink chocolate milk after Pilates? Maybe. Ehsani also cites research showing that chocolate milk can help hydrate the body and even be an ideal option for post-workout recovery when fluids and nutrients are needed. "Unlike water alone, chocolate milk naturally provides the body with electrolytes, carbohydrates, and high-quality protein to maintain hydration and replenish nutrients lost through sweat," she says. "The ideal three-to-one carbohydrate-to-protein ratio also helps restore muscle glycogen, as well as repair and rebuild muscle, promoting faster recovery."

100% Orange Juice

Ehsani explains that 100% orange juice contains 90% water and natural electrolytes like potassium. "An 8-ounce serving provides 10% of your daily potassium requirement (an electrolyte that maintains hydration and contains no added sugar)," she says. Orange juice also contains other nutrients that play a huge role in maintaining fluid balance and hydration, such as magnesium, and in fortified varieties, calcium and vitamin D.

And it's another great post-workout drink. She cites research showing that 100% orange juice can promote hydration post-workout just as well as water and sports drinks. "It's a refreshing option when you want something with a fuller flavor," she says.

Electrolyte Drinks

This option depends on your activity level. Kash says that electrolyte drinks, which contain sodium and glucose, which together promote fluid absorption, are a great option if you need extra hydration. This is most beneficial during any high-intensity activity when you need faster and more effective hydration than just water.

Both experts say that consuming other beverages (and