Feb 17 • 20:20 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia Guardian Australia

‘Loaded water' is hyped as a secret to hydration. But adding electrolytes is merely effort down the drain | Antiviral

The article critiques the current trend of adding electrolytes to water for hydration, highlighting the divide in generational attitudes towards hydration and questioning the necessity of wellness products marketed by influencers.

The article examines the growing trend of adding electrolytes to water, a practice heavily promoted by wellness influencers particularly among younger generations like Gen Z. The rise of 'loaded water' — water supplemented with various electrolytes — is seen as a reflection of changing attitudes towards hydration. While influencers claim that such products are vital for proper hydration, reducing issues like migraines and mood swings, there is a significant skepticism from older generations who view this obsession with hydration as excessive and unnecessary.

The piece points out the juxtaposition between modern hydration methods and traditional views, as audiences grapple with the marketing of hydration as a lifestyle choice. Influencers on platforms like TikTok are vocal proponents of electrolyte-enhanced water, often creating flashy presentations that include edible glitter and colorful ice. Critics argue that while hydration is essential, the added complexity through supplements and marketing distracts from simple, effective practices that have sufficed for prior generations. They suggest that these trends mirror broader societal shifts towards consumerism and health fads.

Ultimately, the article emphasizes a critical view of the wellness industry’s influence on daily habits and highlights the generational divide in understanding health and hydration, questioning the true necessity and effectiveness of these marketed products. By contrasting the perspectives of different age groups, the article invites readers to reflect on their hydration practices and the motivations behind them, cautioning against blind allegiance to influencer-driven health trends.

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