Is drinking no-caffeine herbal tea the same as drinking the same amount of regular water, as far as hydration goes?

Baloo55th

No. Any flavoured drink is not the same as straight water. However, straight water should not be used in cases of dehydration unless it's really all that's available, and then only in moderation. A balanced drink like the contents of a sachet of Dioralyte in the correct amount of water is far safer. When the body loses fluid either by sweating or through diarrhoea, salts are lost too, and these need to be replaced. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100000800.html and http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=8 If you're not dehydrated, you don't have to worry about hydration, as the body normally takes care of that from your intake of fluid from whatever drinks or food you consume - and there is a lot of your daily fluid contained in ordinary food (exceptions being cream crackers, digestive biscuits and the like!). Caffeine is best avoided in situations where dehydration could arise, as it is a diuretic - it encourages the passing of urine. If you have diarrhoea, fluid intake is important, but NOT caffeine based stuff. Feb 16 07, 6:32 PM