7 Worst Dehydrating Foods and Drinks

Hydration supports nutrition transit, body temperature regulation, and joint lubrication.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting mineral balance. Imbalance can cause weariness, muscle cramps, and more serious health issues.

The next seven foods can cause dehydration. 

1. Processed Food

Salty foods including chips, pretzels, popcorn, and other unexpected salty foods boost fluid needs. This is because sodium regulates bodily fluids. Even with lots of water, too much might cause dehydration.

2. Alcohol

A beer or wine may seem like a nice way to relax on a hot day. As a diuretic, alcohol causes your body to lose more fluids than you consume, partly to eliminate the bad substances in your drink.

3. Coffee

Taking high quantities of coffee simultaneously may increase urine production. Zeratsky says, “This is more likely if you aren’t used to caffeine.”

4. Sugary drinks

While soda, bottled iced tea, and juice may satisfy thirst, avoid them due to their high sugar content. Sugar requires more water to metabolize, which might deplete your body's fluids.

5. High-protein diet

Proteins are necessary for tissue repair, but a high-protein diet might strain your kidneys, requiring extra water to clear waste. Without enough water, this can cause dehydration.

6. Fried foods

Fried meals are appealing. They also contain fat and sodium, which require a lot of water to process, boosting your body's fluid needs.

7. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce adds umami, yet it's heavy in sodium. Just a little soy sauce might boost your sodium intake, making you thirstier and possibly dehydrated.