Do You Really Need to Take a Hydration Supplement?

Hydration supplements are trending on social media. Do you really need to take a hydration supplement to stay healthy?

Going through social media posts you may watch influencers promoting hydration supplements. Even when you are listening to a podcast or watching a video you may see endless stream of products loaded with electrolytes. So you may wonder if you need to take them to stay hydrated.

Hydration Supplements?

So, What are hydration supplements? These are products that contain electrolytes (Naturally occurring minerals with a charge found in muscles and blood). Sodium, magnesium, chloride, calcium, or potassium are important to maintain adequate pH and hydration levels in the body. Electrolyte requirements are easily met generally but may not be while exercising or during illness.

These Supplements can be helpful in fulfilling the electrolyte needs of people exercising regularly or people who are ill. Popular brands of these hydration supplements include Cove, Nuun, Liquid I.V., and AG1 by athletic greens.

How Hydrated your body should be?

8 Cups of water a day is generally recommended to a person, But requirements can vary based on many factors. You may consume hydrating products like yogurt etc. or beverages other than water. People who exercise regularly or are pregnant may have higher needs.

Plain water does not contain electrolytes like calcium, sodium, potassium, etc. This is the main reason for the claim that these supplements fulfill your electrolyte needs. Consuming a balanced diet with excess fruits and veggies with enough water consumption should be enough to maintain your electrolytes to normal. But if you are an athlete or a person whose needs are not fulfilled by diet, then you may need a hydration supplement to fill the gaps.

So, Do you need to take these supplements?

Hydration supplements are helpful in special conditions when you are struggling to fulfill electrolyte needs. You may need these hydration supplements if you are an athlete who exercises regularly, or a person consuming alcohol more than usual, sweating on a hot day, or ill.

Bottom Line:

You may not need to take these expensive supplements as they are portrayed as a great addition to your diet by supplement companies. A Balanced diet with ample veggies, fruits, healthy fats, and lean protein with enough water can work together to make your body work at its best.

Read More: Do You Take Protein Powder Or Want To? Let’s See What happens!