Your source is a .com source, rather than .org, .gov, or .edu. Sorry, in writing we are taught that you can't 100% trust a .com domain, because any fool can obtain one. And though they DID have a citation list (which is very good), most of their sources appear to be what a writer would consider old, and thus most likely out of date. (Though, .org and .gov sources can also not very trustworthy because they may try to influence you, but it depends on the subject, and in this case I think a .gov source would be safe, .org would depend on the organization) I'm just pointing that out. I personally do not think (and never will) soda and such would DETRACT from your hydration, but I do not feel it can be considered a sufficient source of good hydration. I think the reason some people think it will detract is simply because one's mouth may feel sticky after drinking, or they may feel thirstier. This effect depends on the product, though. It is true, though, that the first thing listed on the ingredient list is carbonated water and caffeine and salt products usually appear last. (If anyone doesn't understand the significance: in most basic foods class, you are taught that an ingredient list is ordered from most to least.)

98TH COMMENT!

LOL

dumbo made a mistake. no one helped. whoopity freakin doo! fmls are getting lamer n lamer

The fact that a couple of studies are cited on a .com is is certainly a completely arbitrary way of determining its value. But in future. I will get my information from the north korea and myanmar .gov. sites in future. Possibly Iran. Or my evolutionary biology information from www.icr.org. ;) Most organizations/governments have an agenda (even if it as harmless as "we do good work" or our country is a pleasant place to live") In principle you can read the original material cited, check with the authors, review methodology. Most decent journals are peer reviewed. You say the study may be out of date. Put it this way. Other than word of mouth, an internet meme or "my mom said" can you cite a peer reviewed article that says soda doesn't hydrate you?

http://lifehacker.com/5309517/mythbusting-four-myths-about-staying-hydrated-debunked/gallery/ This page contains links to the article. Soda is mostly water, so it hydrates you, albeit at the cost of taking in a lot of sugar.

Drink water, you idiot. The passers-by probably thought you were drunk, from over-consumption of the WRONG kind of liquid.

Drimpossible, even Coca Cola says on its website that water is the best source of hydration. They wouldn't say that if they could get away with saying Coke is just as good as water. I think we can all agree that if the OP is going out walking in the Texas heat, she should bring a nice big bottle of water, not a large soft drink.

Psychology 101: everyone is expecting someone else to help.

society is a hell of a bitch.