It’s estimated that 75% of Americans may suffer from chronic dehydration. Thankfully, recent trends suggest that more Americans are shifting to water versus soda. But what if you don’t particularly enjoy the taste of water, or would like a boost that plain water can’t provide? The introduction of hydration multipliers has changed how many people think about hydrating — and no, we’re not talking about those fluorescent sports drinks you see lining the sidelines of any sporting event.

These multipliers promise to help people, especially those who engage in intense physical activities, with instant hydration after losing water through sweating. However, there has been a debate whether these hydration multipliers work or they are just a marketing fad. So we decided to dig deep to find out.

Why Chronic Dehydration is a Big Problem

Staying well-hydrated can significantly improve the way you feel. Dehydration can lead to weight gain, muscle cramping, nausea, dry skin, and fatigue. Being constantly dehydrated can also lead to kidney issues and make migraines worse.

Mild dehydration is no better since it may also affect your lifestyle. According to a study published in Self Magazine, exercising while slightly dehydrated can reduce your endurance. Also, mild dehydration can affect your cognitive function, performance on memory-related tasks, and disrupt your mood.

Connection Between Electrolytes and Hydration

Hydration is believed to help prevent inflammation (oxidative stress), prevent protein breakdown, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve the cells’ ability to turn food into fuel for your body. But in addition to water loss, dehydration also depletes electrolytes from your body. Electrolytes are a group of essential minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, chloride, and sodium. Once you get electrolytes in your body, they act as the negative and positive charges that help in the firing of nerve cells. They also help regulate water flow in and out of your body cells.

Electrolytes are, therefore, vital for cell function since they help in balancing fluid pressure inside your cells and balance PH on the outer side. Think of electrolytes as engine oil that helps the engine function. Drinking water isn’t always enough. Some situations call for an extra dose of electrolytes, such as after a night out on the town, a rigorous workout or sweat session, or a flight.

How Hydration Multipliers Work

So, the big question is whether hydration multipliers work or not. These powders use a science known as Cellular Transport Technology (CTT). The hydration multiplier maximizes your water uptake by using the sodium and glucose co-transport across the stomach while pulling water along.

With such optimal sodium to glucose ratio, water gets transported into your body faster than if you drank water alone. There are numerous simple ingredients in hydration multipliers, which come with added benefits. These convenient, easy-to-carry drink powders contain various ingredients in addition to electrolytes, including potassium, calcium, and sodium. Some also add essential vitamins, including vitamin C and citric acid. A few of these ingredients, including vitamin C, are a great source of antioxidants and help support your immune system. Other help to boost your energy. Hydration multipliers are a great alternative to IV hydration therapy for people afraid of needles or on a tight budget.

But if hydration multipliers are essentially electrolyte drinks, you may be wondering what makes them more effective than sports drinks. The answer lays in hydration multipliers’ precise electrolyte ratio. They can, therefore, help you tackle dehydration more effectively.

The Takeaway

When you are dehydrated, you require more than water for your body to function properly. Your body requires the perfect balance of glucose and sodium for maximum water absorption. The sodium-glucose cotransport system helps your body to easily keep fluids thus improving your ability to restore your hydration levels.

The well-balanced electrolytes ratio found in hydration multipliers helps you replenish essential fluids and electrolytes, relieving dehydration fast. They also contain essential vitamins that help support your health and wellness.

While many health advocates will note that you can get all the electrolytes you need through food and water alike, most people don’t realize their diet isn’t providing enough electrolytes oftentimes until it’s too late and they’re already experiencing symptoms such as muscle cramping.

If you know you will be exposed to extreme heat, will be exercising for a long, sweaty duration, or water just doesn’t seem to be cutting it, no matter much you drink, it may be worthwhile to add a hydration multiplier into your daily water intake. There are various options on the market to suit your needs, budget and taste. If you still don’t see an improvement in symptoms, let your health care provider know, so they can follow up with the appropriate testing and care.