You drink water. You're feelin' good, right? Well, hold onto your hydration hats folks, because some studies have thrown a, dare we say, creamy curveball at us - milk may do a better job hydrating than water. Sure, you might've spotted those billboard ads with cows smugly holding a sign saying, "Bet you didn't know I hydrate better than water, did you?" But the question is - is it fact, or just a dairy-done marketing move? The evidence, it seems, is as thin as skim milk.

This notion originated from a 2016 study. Researchers, probably bamboozled by the giant question mark over 'what hydrates best,' put a group of individuals on a drinking spree, offering them everything from sparkling water to coffee, to beer and full-fat milk, and monitored urine output. The Beverage Hydration Index (BHI) was thus born, suggesting the hydration levels of different beverages, and boom, milk came out on top.

Does this mean you need to swap your smoothie for a pint of milk after a sweaty session at the gym? Not so fast. Kristin Gustashaw, an advanced-level clinical dietitian, keeps it real by reminding us that milk, while a handy tool, isn't necessarily a hydration superhero. In fact, you'd be wise to consider its calories and milk sugars too, especially if you're watching your waistline.

Another study funded by the National Dairy Council claimed low-fat milk rehydrated athletes more effectively than water. The researchers say it's down to the proper ratio of carbohydrate and protein milk offers. Well, combine that information with a dose of electrolytes, and it might make a compelling case for reaching for a tall, cold glass of milk after your marathon.

But let's not get carried away. For everyday hydration? Water still wears the crown. So, if you're not pounding the pavement or pumping iron like a pro, your fluid friend should be water.

There's a lot of blather about needing eight glasses of water a day. But, trust us, it isn't one-size-fits-all. Depending on a whole bunch of factors – age, activity level, whether you're growing a baby inside of you, or if you're dealing with a sweltering summer day – you might need anywhere from six to twelve glasses of fluid per day. And before you ask, yes, part of your daily fluid intake can also include milk.

In conclusion, dear readers, the key to staying adequately hydrated boils down to balance - water, hydrating foods, and other beverages like milk all contribute to your daily fluid intake. But remember, don't gulp that water bottle all at once first thing in the morning. Instead, stagger your hydration throughout the day. It doesn’t matter whether it's water in your canteen or milk in your mustache – what matters is that you're keeping those hydration levels topped and laughing at anyone who tells you it doesn’t matter.

So the next time someone tries to convince you that milk is your secret weapon to ungodly levels of hydration, throw them this piece of dairy wisdom: "Moo-ve over pal, I know the true milk facts."