6 healthiest drinks for better focus, digestion and daily wellness (beyond plain water)

But first, let’s get into why hydration is so important for optimal health.

In short, hydration is pretty much essential to all bodily functions. It’s crucial for regulating your body temperature (which is especially important if you’re doing a high-energy workout), delivering nutrients to cells, and keeping your organs functioning normally.

In the short-term, not getting enough hydration can cause headaches, dizziness, poor concentration, fatigue and a dry mouth, according to the British Dietetic Association. Longer-term impacts include constipation, urinary tract infections and the formation of kidney stones.

The BDA recommends that athletes or people engaging in lots of exercise keep a closer eye on their hydration levels, as they tend to sweat more. They also say that while water is the best choice, other drinks count towards your daily hydration levels. But which ones are best? Let’s get into it.

Meet the expert: Marilia Chamon is a registered nutritional therapist and gut health specialist. After struggling with symptoms of digestive distress, she founded Gutfulness Nutrition to help others manage painful and often debilitating symptoms.

Looking for the healthiest drinks to sip on that aren’t just plain old water? Keep reading to find out which ones have the most value. Here are the top picks.

Peppermint tea

‘Peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free and can help relieve bloating or digestive discomfort thanks to its antispasmodic effects,’ explains Chamon.

Drinking a cup of minty tea might also help with a mild case of garlic breath, say studies. While most studies conducted used peppermint oil or mouth rinse, there’s enough minty freshness in a cup of peppermint tea to have similar effects.

Steamy peppermint tea is also a good bet if you’re suffering from seasonal sniffles. Some older research shows that the combination of menthol and steam in peppermint tea helps to improve airflow in your nose, making breathing feel easier.

✅ Naturally caffeine-free
✅ Relieves bloating and digestive discomfort
✅ May help relieve symptoms of a cold

Unsweetened coconut water

‘Unsweetened coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes like potassium, which is perfect after a workout or on hot days,’ says Chamon.

In fact, there is scientific evidence to suggest that drinking unsweetened coconut water post-workout is just as effective as drinking an electrolyte drink. Studies say that coconut water may be an even more effective replenishment drink than water after exercise.

Some animal studies also suggest that drinking coconut water may help manage blood sugar levels for people living with diabetes.

✅ High in vitamins and minerals
✅ Helps to manage blood sugar levels
✅ Lower in sugar than electrolyte drinks

Ginger, lemon and Manuka honey infusion

‘This infused tea is a warming blend with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, soothing for sore throats or when you’re feeling run down,’ recommends Chamon.

A gingery lemon honey tea may also be a good choice if you’re suffering with uncomfortable digestive symptoms, says research. A study from 2018 says drinking this type of tea may help with chronic indigestion, while newer research shows that lemon helps food move along your digestive tract, easing the feeling of fullness.

The inclusion of ginger is particularly beneficial if you’re prone to bouts of nausea. A 2018 review found that while it doesn’t prevent vomiting, it can be helpful for limiting the effects of pregnancy-related feelings of nausea.

✅ Contains anti-inflammatory properties
✅ May aide common cold symptoms
✅ Reduces symptoms of nausea – particularly in pregnancy

Green tea or matcha

‘Both green tea and matcha provide a gentle caffeine lift plus L-theanine, which can promote calm and focus. Rich in antioxidants like EGCG, which have been linked with brain health and longevity,’ says Chamon.

Drinking green tea may also help give your metabolism a boost, says research from 2022. These effects were enhanced when participants took part in aerobic or resistance exercises.

As it’s a type of green tea, matcha has similar metabolic benefits. There is also evidence to suggest that matcha may be beneficial for liver and heart health, with 2020 research showing that matcha reduced liver enzymes for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and a study from 2022 connecting matcha consumption with lower risk of high blood pressure.

✅ A more gentle caffeine hit
✅ Helps boost metabolism
✅ Promotes overall health and longevity

Fruit-infused water

‘Making something like a cucumber, berry and mint-infused water is a fun way to stay hydrated with subtle flavour without added sugars,’ advises Chamon.

Choosing a fruit-infused drink over a sugar-free, ‘diet’-style drink may be better for your health, says research. Sugar-free carbonated drinks, while being better for your teeth than sugary drinks, are still are associated with dental erosion due to their acid content, says advice from the NHS. So, switching to a non-carbonated option with natural sweetness from fruits may be a better option.

✅ Lower in sugar and sweeteners than other drinks
✅ Not carbonated, which is better for tooth health
✅ Increases water consumption

Kombucha or water kefir

‘Both kombucha and water kefir are sparkling, gut-friendly options with live cultures that may support the gut microbiome. Kombucha is tangier and tea-based, while water kefir is milder and caffeine-free. Both can be good alternatives to sugary soft drinks,’ says Chamon.

Plus, kombucha made from green tea may contain many of the same polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants, as green tea itself. Studies show that these antioxidants can help with weight management, blood sugar control and even a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer.

Water kefir is a type of fermented, carbonated beverage made from water instead of cow, sheep or goat milk like other types of kefir. As well as being caffeine-free and a source of probiotics, some studies also show drinking water kefir could result in an immune system boost.

✅ Contains gut-friendly cultures
✅ Kefir water is caffeine-free
✅ Kombucha contains antioxidants

The best healthy drinks that aren’t water to buy now

Perfect Ted Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder

Now 70% Off

Hip Pop Strawberry & Pineapple Kombucha 4 x 330ml

Rebel Kitchen Raw 100% Organic Coconut Water

Now 17% Off

Dash Raspberry Sparkling Water 4 x 330ml

Nexba Water Kefir Strawberry & Peach

Now 17% Off

Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Lemon, Manuka Honey & Ginger Infusion Bags

Clipper Clipper Green Tea

KULT Water Kefir Yuzu & Mandarin Organic

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