Beyond hydration: the evolving role of hydration in gut and cellular health

Hydration as a developing trend

The topic of hydration is an interesting one and one we’re enjoying watching develop. It’s moving from being something that was very much in the realms of sports nutrition to something that’s being increasingly embraced by the active nutrition community, underpinned by a growing understanding of the role that hydration plays in achieving other health needs. 

And with the move comes innovative new products, which you all know we love. 

Two of the most exciting health needs that hydration is crossing over into are gut health and cellular health. 

Let’s take a look at some of the newest products in these areas. 

Hydration + gut health: a powerful combination

Hydration is key to optimal gut health. And happy gut = happy mind. By combining the two, these brands are giving consumers the opportunity to keep hydrated and improve their recovery, all while maintaining a happy microbiome. 

Electrolytes for gut health

Gutology is a prime example of a brand understanding the value of natural electrolytes. Deriving sea salt from Utah, an “excellent source of trace minerals”, Gutology Hydrate delivers four key electrolytes: magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium.

Naturalness like this is one way to achieve a healthy gut microbiome. 

Another method is to introduce gut-specific ingredients into the mix.

Turmeric and probiotics for a holistic approach 

Take Drink ZYN’s Turmeric Electrolyte Drink Mix, “the solution for those who want to go beyond hydration”. It’s an electrolyte mix designed to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, provide an immunity boost and facilitate rapid recovery from workouts.

Why focus on one health need when you can target several all at once?

Or why not also incorporate probiotics while you’re at it? 

That’s the exact route Liquid I.V. has taken with its Hydration Multiplier + Gut Health, which contains 1 billion CFUs of probiotic BC30 for digestive support. 

Given Liquid I.V.’s well established position in the hydration field, the fact that it’s also launched a hydration + gut health product shows the crossover’s importance as a combined supplement.

Hydration + cellular health: supporting overall wellbeing

Hydration is also paramount for maintaining cellular health as cellular hydration helps to protect our cells, allowing them to carry out our body’s key functions. 

So it’s not surprising to see a crossover between hydration and cellular health, too, courtesy of ARTAH. 

A blend for cellular hydration

ARTAH acutely recognised the important partnership between the two and developed Cellular Hydration, an electrolyte powder blended with “botanical powerhouses” that each provide various health benefits. 

Going beyond the basics, this formula is designed to “elevate your energy levels, sharpen your focus and improve your mood”. 

Key ingredients for optimal cellular function

But the benefits don’t just stop there. ARTAH's blend also plays a crucial role in “nurturing your microbiome, promoting skin hydration, and aiding your body in adapting to stress”.

So what’s inside? 

Well, there’s magnesium, potassium, Peruvian maca, inulin, and Himalayan sea salt, a concoction of active ingredients to promote athletic performance and overall well-being.

The future of hydration: more than just water

So, what does this tell us? Upon reflection, hydration is not being given the respect it deserves. 

But a lot of this comes down to the type of consumer you ask. An endurance athlete will require sole, complete electrolyte replenishment, whereas your average Joe may benefit from a more comprehensive formulation.

That being said, its role in achieving other health needs may suggest that including it within an all-in-one supplement or a combination product is the key to reaching a much wider audience.

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