What’s in Your Water? The Best Hydration Choices After 50
Introduction
Spoiler Alert: If You're Over 50 and Still Just “Trying to Drink More Water”… You Might Be Missing the Real Issue
It's not just about how much you drink it’s about what kind of water you're drinking, and whether your body is actually absorbing it.
Let’s fix that.
As women over 50, staying hydrated isn’t just about quenching thirst. It impacts everything from hormones and joints to energy levels, digestion, and mood . But here’s what most people don’t realize:
Not all water is created equal.
From tap to spring to alkaline, what’s in your glass can either help your body thrive or silently work against it. In this guide, we’ll break down the best water choices for women over 50 and how to finally hydrate in a way that supports your wellness goals.
Why Hydration Hits Different After 50
By the time we reach our 50s, our bodies go through subtle but powerful changes especially when it comes to hormones, metabolism, and even our thirst response. That means hydration isn't optional, it's foundational.
Here’s what proper hydration actually supports:
✅ 1. Hormonal Balance
Water helps the liver and kidneys flush excess hormones (like estrogen) and toxins from the body. If you're going through menopause or post-menopause, staying hydrated helps regulate hot flashes, bloating, and fatigue.
✅ 2. Energy & Brain Function
Even mild dehydration (just 1–2%) can cause headaches, brain fog, and fatigue. You may think you're tired or forgetful, but you might just be thirsty.
✅ 3. Joint & Skin Health
Water lubricates your joints and keeps your skin plump and elastic. Think fewer aches, and less crepey skin.
✅ 4. Digestion & Detox
Hydration supports regular bowel movements yes, I said it...), flushes toxins, and helps your body absorb nutrients more effectively. Many women mistake constipation for hormone trouble but it’s often just a hydration fix.
✅ 5. Craving Control
Dehydration can mimic hunger and sugar cravings. That “snacky” feeling might actually be your body begging for water especially if you're weaning off sugar.
✅ Pros
Spring Water
• Rich in natural minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium)
• Naturally alkaline-balanced
• Clean, refreshing taste
Filtered Tap Water
• Removes chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals
• Affordable and eco-friendly
• Great for daily use and cooking
Alkaline Water
• Higher pH may help reduce acid reflux
• Often enriched with electrolytes
• Supports post-workout hydration
Electrolyte Water
• Helps replace lost minerals
• Great during sugar detox or fasting
• Boosts hydration and energy
Distilled Water
• Very pure
• Helpful for short detox protocols or health conditions
Unfiltered Tap Water
• Extremely accessible
• No cost
⚠️ Cons
Spring Water
• Can be pricey
• Some labels falsely claim “spring” status
Filtered Tap Water
• Some filters also remove beneficial minerals
• Needs regular maintenance or replacement
Alkaline Water
• May interfere with digestion if used long-term
• Not recommended for those with kidney conditions
Electrolyte Water
• Some brands contain added sugar or artificial ingredients
• Unnecessary unless you're actively sweating or detoxing
Distilled Water
• Stripped of all minerals
• Long-term use may leach minerals from the body
Unfiltered Tap Water
• May contain chlorine, fluoride, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals
• Not safe without proper testing and filtration
Debbie’s Tip "I carry my Stanley water bottle everywhere, but I don’t just fill it with any water (keep reading to see my favorite!). It made a huge difference in my energy and cravings especially after I gave up sugar."
My Water Journey
For years, I thought I was just “bad at drinking water.” I’d start the day strong, maybe get through one bottle… then completely forget about it by afternoon. Sound familiar?
I was buying bulk packs of water from big box stores thinking I was doing something good for myself. But honestly? I didn’t enjoy the taste. And worse, I started noticing it was triggering my acid reflux. I couldn’t figure out why water, of all things, would make me feel worse.
But here’s what no one ever told me:
It wasn’t just that I needed to drink more water…
I needed to drink better water.
Before I even gave up sugar, the first real step I took toward better health was fixing my water. I went deep down the rabbit hole watching YouTube videos where people lined up dozens of bottled waters, testing them for acidity, pH, and mineral content.
I was shocked to learn that the most popular bottled brands the ones I had in my fridge were actually highly acidic and stripped of minerals. No wonder my body was reacting.
So, I picked the three top-rated brands and started experimenting. That’s when everything started to shift. My digestion calmed. My cravings softened. I felt more clear and less bloated.
Water was no longer something I had to force it became something that truly nourished me.
What to Look for in Better Water
pH Between 7.0 and 8.5
Look for slightly alkaline water it may help balance your body's acidity and ease issues like bloating or reflux.
Naturally Occurring Minerals
Choose water with calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These essential minerals support muscle function and bone health especially important as we age.
Low or No Added Chemicals
Avoid water that contains added fluoride or chlorine. Filtered water is often the safest and cleanest option.
Tested and Certified
Look for brands or filtration systems certified to NSF/ANSI standards this ensures your water meets rigorous safety and quality benchmarks.
What to Avoid in Your Water
Plastic Bottles with BPA
Avoid plastic bottles that may contain BPA, a chemical linked to hormone disruption. Look for BPA-free options or better yet, switch to glass or stainless-steel reusable bottles.
Sugary or Flavored “Waters”
These often contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives not the healthy hydration they claim to be.
Overhyped “Detox Waters”
Most detox-branded waters offer no real benefit beyond basic hydration. Don't fall for marketing gimmicks clean water is the best detox.
Acidic Water (pH below 7)
Water with a low pH may irritate your digestive system and contribute to reflux, enamel erosion, or mineral imbalance. Choose slightly alkaline water (pH 7–8.5) instead.
Bonus Tips for Women Over 50:
Electrolyte Water
If you're prone to dehydration or following a low-carb or keto diet electrolyte-enhanced water can help replenish minerals like sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
Alkaline Water
Some women find that slightly alkaline water helps ease symptoms like acid reflux, hot flashes, and joint discomfort during menopause.
Filter at Home
Skip the plastic bottles. A reverse osmosis (RO) system can purify your tap water effectively. You can also explore home water filter brands that connect directly to your kitchen faucet or under-sink system.
Now It’s Time to Talk About My Two Favorite Bottled Waters
What Essentia Gets Right
Purity + Electrolyte Profile
Essentia uses micro-filtration and reverse osmosis to remove impurities, then adds electrolytes like calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to elevate both the pH (up to 9.5) and taste.
Taste + Hydration
Often described as clean, smooth, and easy to drink. Many users report feeling noticeably rehydrated post-workout especially those on low-carb or active lifestyles.
Popular + Widely Available
As one of the top-selling alkaline bottled water brands, Essentia is widely available in gyms, grocery stores, convenience shops, and online retailers. It’s backed by strong brand trust and visibility.
Considerations
pH Consistency
Some lab and user tests suggest the alkalinity may drop over time, especially after opening the bottle.Overstated Health Claims
While marketed for energy and recovery, the real benefits likely come from adequate hydration itself, not just the high pH.
Is It Right for You?
If you prioritize taste, convenience, and want a higher-pH bottled water and don’t mind the price tag Essentia is a solid, clean-tasting option.
Just remember: its hydration done well, not a miracle cure.
What Evian Is
Pure Origin
Evian is natural spring water sourced from the Cachat Spring in Evian-les-Bains, France. It’s bottled right at the source using stainless steel pipelines, with no additives or enhancements.
Over roughly 15 years, the water naturally filters through Alpine glacial aquifers, picking up essential minerals and leaving behind impurities.
Taste + Hydration
Evian contains naturally occurring electrolytes like calcium and magnesium, which support hydration, bone health, and muscle function.
Its neutral pH makes it gentle on digestion no harsh alkalinity or artificial taste.
Lifestyle + Availability
Evian is more than just water it’s a wellness symbol. Known for its luxury branding, you’ll spot it at events like Wimbledon, in Louis Vuitton stores, and across fashion collaborations.
It’s widely available in grocery stores, gyms, hotels, and online.
Considerations
No Miracle Benefits: While the mineral profile is solid, it's not uniquely medicinal similar benefits can be found in other high-quality mineral waters.
Premium Pricing: You’re partly paying for the brand, prestige, and packaging. Some say it’s the best; others say it’s overrated.
Is It Right for You?
Choose Evian if you love its clean, crisp Alpine taste, value its natural mineral content, and enjoy the brand experience.
Skip it if you’re looking for better value there are more affordable mineral waters (just not ones filtered through the French Alps).
Bottom Line: "The best water is clean, mineral-rich, and free from unnecessary chemicals. If it tastes good and makes you feel good, that’s a strong sign it’s the right choice for your body."
My Top Pick
Conclusion: Drink Smarter, Not Just More
If you’ve ever felt like you’re “bad at drinking water,” you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. The truth is that hydration isn’t just about quantity. It’s about quality. Once you understand how water affects your energy, digestion, and even your mood, everything shifts.
For women over 50, the right kind of water rich in minerals, low in contaminants, and suited to your body’s changing needs can be a game changer.
So don’t just aim to drink more water. Choose better water. Your body will thank you for it with better sleep, smoother digestion, glowing skin, and more vibrant energy.
You deserve to feel good from the inside out. Start with the water you drink.
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