What is loaded water? New health trend that 'promises' weight loss and to curb cravings

A glass of water is no longer just a glass of water as people are taking their H2O to new heights.

Loaded water is the latest wellnesstrend - that sees people supercharging their water in a bid to start their day right. From adding powdered electrolytes, to creatine or even vitamin supplements, it might be the easiest way to give your body a boost all in one go.

Adding ingredients into water can help curb sugar cravings and help with weight loss, and it's clear many health and wellness influencers are sprucing up their water with some even adding fresh fruit too.

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Nicknamed 'loaded water' people have been sharing videos on TikTok of their boujee water concoctions, and it might actually be a good idea to start doing it.

By infusing water with fruits, herbs, or electrolyte powders, it can have huge benefits according to Dr Kavin Mistry, a board-certified neuroradiologist and longevity expert.

Adding fruits such as berries or herbs can bring a boost of antioxidant properties, and adding citrus fruits gives a boost of vitamin C to help support the immune system. While electrolytes can help enhance hydration and support post-workout recovery by helping the body absorb water more effectively and replenishing minerals lost through sweat.

Dr Mistry told the Daily Mail: "Added nutrients like [essential electrolytes] potassium and magnesium help stabilize blood sugar and support nerve and muscle function. When cravings hit, what we often interpret as a 'sugar need' is actually fluctuating hydration or electrolyte status. Infused water can blunt those signals without resorting to processed sugar."

The loaded water can make water taste more exciting, while still being low in calories, with less sugar and no artifical additives. Some of the pairings the expert recommends are lemon and mint - that gives a "dual benefit" providing both citric acid and flavonoids from the lemon, which offer antioxidant support.

The antioxidants in the lemon help to neutralise free radicals in the body that can put stress on cells and cause inflammation, while mint has long been used to soothe the digestive tract, potentially easing bloating and discomfort.

Another he recommends is cucumber and basil, as the cucumber contributes to hydration on a cellular level, while its silica content supports skin health and basil contains anti-inflammatory compounds, such as eugenol, which can help modulate the body's response to inflammatory compounds.

However you can go overboard with too many elements being added to your water. If you include too many ingredients, it can force the digestive system to process a high concentration of sugars, fibers and compounds all at once, which can draw excess water into the gut and lead to fermentation by gut bacteria, causing gas, bloating and discomfort, according to the doctor. Dr Mistry recommended water with just a hint of natural flavor is the most beneficial approach.

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