Give your water a boost for a pick-me-up

This season, plain old water is no longer enough for fitness types and fashionistas – and adding a little wow to your water bottle has become the new frontier of the wellness battle.

The idea is that true hydration is not just about the amount of water you drink, but also about how you replenish your electrolytes – salts and minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium that are essential for the body's functions. When you're running low, you can expect brain fog, fatigue, bad moods and more, the theory goes.

So with a range of companies offering everything from tablets to powders, drops and drinks to help you stay ever more energetic, should you boost every sip?

“Most people hydrate adequately by drinking water and consuming hydrating foods,” says registered nutritionist Lara Buckle. “However, in situations where you lose electrolytes through sweat, it may be helpful to replenish them.”

Lara notes that people with conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should be careful about adding supplements to their water, and that it is possible to consume too many electrolytes.

With that in mind, read on to find out which one is right for you.

FUN FIZZ

Phizz (£8 for 20 tablets, Sainsbury's)

Created by school friends who 'spotted a gap in the market after failing to find an all-in-one solution to staying hydrated', these tablets provide four key electrolytes: sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride.

Flavors include mango, apple and blackcurrant, cherry (with caffeine) and mixed berry, which tastes like a less sweet Ribena.

says Lara: 'Although it contains glucose (sugar) and sweetener, it contains a whopping 19 vitamins and minerals – so it can also double as a multivitamin supplement.'

Pronunciation: An affordable option that's fun to plink and fizz.

POWER POWDER

Cellular Hydration Powder (£32 for 250g, artah.co)

Packaged in a sleek, black pouch, this is an electrolyte powder blended with “botanical powerhouses” to support “energy, focus, mood and more.” Free from sugar and sweeteners, mixed with water it tastes like mature lemon barley water.

says Lara: 'Contains maca, which is good for improving mood and libido, and inulin, a type of prebiotic that can improve gut health, so this powder is more than just an electrolyte supplement.'

Pronunciation: A bag that offers value for money.

THE BAG FALLS

Elete (from £8.90 for a 25ml bottle, eletewater.co.uk)

These drops of purified water contain four key electrolytes – sodium, potassium, chloride and magnesium – and 70 trace minerals, sourced from Utah's Great Salt Lake, for a 'full spectrum' improvement. Add 2.5 ml to every liter of water you drink. When diluted as directed, your water will still taste like water.

says Lara: 'Great for athletes, and for those who really care about what they put into their bodies, because this product is 100 percent natural. This would be my top choice if I felt like I needed hydration support.”

Pronunciation: A convenient size for those who are serious about hydration

SALT SACHETS

LMNT Top Up (£18.99 for 12, healf.com)

Tear open one of these small packets and place the powdered contents in water to dissolve. Available in plain and flavored options, including raspberry salt, watermelon salt and citrus salt.

says Lara: 'A simple product, containing only sodium chloride, magnesium malate and potassium chloride. Nothing fancy, nothing artificial, no sugar, with good electrolyte levels.'

Pronunciation: Simple, tasty if you like sour sweets, and satisfyingly thirst-quenching.

CAN OF REST

OHMG (£6 for a pack of four, Waitrose)

Each can of sparkling water is infused with 56mg of magnesium, with natural fruit extracts and botanicals for flavor. Modern diets leave many of us deficient in magnesium, an electrolyte said to help you relax.

says Lara: 'Contains three types of magnesium, which I like because they all work differently and have different functions.'

Pronunciation: A low-calorie alternative to a can of soda – which might even help you sleep.

TROPICAL BOTTLE

Real Hydration (£32 for 180g, Ancientandbrave.earth)

This powder is 'inspired by the natural electrolytes in coconut water'. Each bottle contains approximately 30 servings of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, as well as chromium, which contributes to stable blood sugar levels.

Lara says: 'One of the more expensive options, but many ingredients have been selected for their purity and high bioavailability. It contains coconut water powder. In fact, just drinking coconut water will give you electrolytes. Verdict: A refreshing formula without any nasties.

Lara Buckle (thewellnessdetective.co.uk)