Call it H20 2.0.<\/p>\n
Water is essential to life \u2014 it serves as building material for cells, helps regulate body temperature and lubricates joints.<\/p>\n
Though it is so crucial, many Americans aren\u2019t hydrating enough.\u00a0Experts generally recommend<\/a> consuming\u00a0\u00bd an ounce of\u00a0water\u00a0per pound of your body weight daily and even more if you\u2019re exercising in the hot sun.<\/p>\n Steeping fresh produce and herbs in water is known as infused water. Loading it up with ingredients is now called \u201cloaded water.\u201d encierro \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Water has been dressed up many ways over the years to make it more appealing. Sparkling water! Flavored water! Cucumber water! Alkaline water!<\/p>\n Now, there\u2019s \u201cloaded water,\u201d another refresh of the fountain of life.<\/p>\n Loaded water is plain or sparkling water enhanced with ingredients like coconut water<\/a>, electrolyte powders, prebiotic sodas and\/or fresh fruit to give it a flavor, nutrition and\/or energy kick. Recipes are all the rage<\/a> on TikTok.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cMost people are dehydrated without even realizing it,\u201d registered dietitian Fiorella DiCarlo<\/a>, who is based in South Florida, told The Post.<\/p>\n Registered dietitian Fiorella DiCarlo is for loaded waters that are made thoughtfully. Courtesy of Fiorella DiCarlo<\/p>\n \u201cDehydration can cause fatigue, slow metabolism and increased sugar cravings, which can lead to weight gain,\u201d she added. \u201cIf\u00a0loaded\u00a0water\u00a0can add incentive or flavor to encourage more\u00a0water\u00a0intake, I am for it.\u201d<\/p>\n DiCarlo weighs the pros and cons of loaded water \u2014 and gives tips for making your own at home.<\/p>\n A healthier alternative<\/p>\n Sodas and juices often contain lots of sugar and calories, which threaten your waistline.<\/p>\n \u201cLoaded\u00a0water\u00a0offers flavor with fewer calories, less sugar and no artificial additives if made thoughtfully,\u201d DiCarlo said.<\/p>\n Get a load of this! Loaded water recipes are all the rage on TikTok. Tiktok\/taymomtips<\/p>\n She noted that extra electrolytes can help the body recover after a workout by replacing essential minerals lost through sweat.<\/p>\n Fruit can provide refreshment on a hot day, while prebiotic ingredients can boost digestive health.<\/p>\n A risky venture<\/p>\n \u201cMost people who aren\u2019t exercising intensely can meet electrolyte needs through a balanced diet (fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts),\u201d DiCarlo said.<\/p>\n Go for spinach, bananas<\/a>, yogurt, nuts and dairy, which are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium.<\/p>\n Choose your loaded ingredients wisely for a powerful nutritional punch. Alusha \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n For their part, pre-made electrolyte waters or mixes can be high in sodium, DiCarlo pointed out.<\/p>\n Regular consumption without intense exercise or heavy sweating can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, kidney strain, heart troubles and muscle weakness.<\/p>\n These blends can also be pricey.<\/p>\n \u201cHomemade infused\u00a0water\u00a0can be just as effective without the added cost of commercial products,\u201d DiCarlo said.<\/p>\n Tips for making loaded water at home<\/p>\n Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are a good source of electrolytes such as potassium. Don\u2019t leave the rinds in too long, or your concoction could turn bitter. Africa Studio \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Loaded water recipes<\/p>\n DiCarlo recommends a pineapple and coconut infusion with 1 liter of distilled water, pineapple chunks<\/a> because they contain a group of protein-digesting enzymes called bromelain and 2 cups of electrolyte-rich coconut water.<\/p>\n A watermelon and mint infusion can be made with 1 liter of water, 3 sprigs of fresh mint and 2 cups of seedless watermelon, which boasts an amino acid that helps boost blood flow.<\/p>\n And finally, try a lemon-cucumber infusion with 1 liter of chilled water, \u00bc lime, \u00bc orange, \u00bc lemon, which features vitamin C and antioxidants, and \u00bc large cucumber, which contains potassium and small amounts of magnesium to support electrolyte balance and proper hydration.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n