jnjhbjhbjhDDDDD Hydration Add-Ins That Actually Help (and Which Ones Are Pointless)

Because not everything needs to be pastel and $36 to work

Why Hydration Add-Ins Are Even a Thing

They’re not just a marketing trick. When you sweat, drink a lot of caffeine, or go hours without water, you lose electrolytes. That includes sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These help your body hold on to water and keep your cells functioning properly. Plain water is fine most of the time, but sometimes your body needs a little extra support.

Worth It: Add-ins That Actually Work

1. Electrolyte powders without the junk

Look for ones with sodium, potassium, and magnesium but skip anything with artificial dyes or weird sweeteners.

Best for: after workouts, hangovers, travel days, or when you’ve had so much coffee your skin feels like paper.

Try: LMNT, Liquid I.V. (diluted), or Ultima if you prefer stevia instead of sugar.

2. Trace mineral drops

These provide small amounts of essential minerals, especially helpful if your water is heavily filtered or distilled.

Best for: anyone who drinks filtered water all day and wants to add minerals back in. No taste if you only use a few drops.

3. Coconut water (unsweetened)

Naturally rich in potassium and a little sodium.

Best for: casual hydration after sweating or blending into a smoothie.

Skip it if: you’re watching sugar or using it to replace water entirely.

4. Chia seeds

When soaked, they absorb water and slow digestion, which can help your body stay hydrated longer.

Best for: adding to lemon water, tea, or smoothies. Just don’t forget to let them soak first unless you enjoy choking.

5. Magnesium-specific powders like Calm

Good if you’re low on magnesium, feeling twitchy, or sleeping terribly.

Best for: nighttime hydration. Just know it can act like a laxative if you take too much.

Overrated or Pointless Add-ins

Collagen powders

Great for skin and joints, but they do nothing for hydration. Fine in coffee or smoothies, just not your water bottle.

Pretty water drops with no electrolytes

Mostly flavor, not function. These don’t actually hydrate you any better than regular water.

Detox water mixes

If the label says it flushes toxins but doesn’t say what toxins… it’s just fancy Kool-Aid. Your kidneys already do that job.

Final takeaway:

You don’t need a full shelf of powders and packets to stay hydrated. Just a few well-chosen add-ins can make your water taste better and give you a little extra support when you need it. Whether it’s electrolytes after a workout or lemon for a bloat reset, it’s all about making hydration work for you, not the other way around.