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Nutrition & Dietetics vocabulary · Macronutrients and Water

Hydration

Meaning in nutrition & dietetics, with examples

/haɪˈdreɪʃən/nounCore term

In nutrition & dietetics, hydration means: The state of having enough water in the body, and the process of taking in fluids to reach or keep it. Water is needed for temperature control, digestion and blood volume.

In Turkish: hidrasyon, sıvı alımı

How it is used

Used in sports nutrition, elderly care and clinical practice. People talk about 'staying hydrated', 'hydration status' and 'fluid intake'. The opposite is 'dehydration'. In hospitals, staff monitor hydration with fluid balance charts.

Example sentences

  1. Older adults may not feel thirsty, so hydration needs extra attention in care homes.

  2. The team checks the players' hydration by weighing them before and after training.

Common collocations

  • stay hydrated
  • hydration status
  • poor hydration
  • fluid intake
  • dehydration
  • electrolyteA mineral, such as sodium, potassium, chloride or magnesium, that carries an electric charge in body fluids and helps control fluid balance, nerves and muscles.
  • sodiumA mineral and electrolyte that controls fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle function. Most dietary sodium comes from salt (sodium chloride) in processed foods, bread and cooking.
  • nutrientA substance in food that the body needs to grow, repair itself, produce energy and stay healthy, such as protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals and water.
  • macronutrientA nutrient that the body needs in large amounts, measured in grams: carbohydrate, protein and fat. Water is sometimes included in this group too.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Macronutrients and Water

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.