Ask the Expert: How Long Does it Take to Absorb Water?

You Drank All Your Water; When Do You Need More?

You started the morning off right with 20 ounces of water, fueling your body as you head to work.  

As the day goes on, sweating, going to the bathroom and even breathing contribute to dehydration. So, how long does it take for your body to absorb water? We asked our expert, Dr. Joshua Thurman: 

“Water is very quickly absorbed when you drink it, and generally this is fast enough to keep up with losses.”

The exception: when you’re not at your best.

“In some settings, such as severe diarrhea, fluids may not be absorbed fast enough to keep up with losses,” says Dr. Thurman. 

That’s why it’s even more critical to replenish that water loss during the day. Studies show how long it takes to absorb water depends on multiple factors, including the food you’ve eaten and if you’re exercising. 

Bottom line, make sure you’re getting the water you need and eliminate the guesswork with the smart water bottle that tracks every sip to hydration and health. 

ABOUT OUR EXPERT

Dr. Joshua Thurman, MD is a board-certified nephrologist and Professor of Medicine specializing in renal medical diseases and hypertension at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University. He has been in practice for more than 22 years.