Hydration is the latest buzzword in the health and fitness world. The trending clown at this hydration circus is the ‘loaded water’ trend on TikTok. It's essentially just basic H2O with a makeover - chock-full of multiple electrolytes and the promise of supposedly superior hydration. However, as a dietitian, I'm not ready to drink the Kool-Aid (or in this case, overloaded water) just yet.

Typically, this 'super drink' includes a myriad of ingredients resulting in a pretty, oversized beverage that’s anything but plain water. But does it live up to the hype? The simple answer: it’s as refreshing as an Instagram influencer telling you to "live, laugh, love."

If you are eating a balanced diet and consuming enough water, your body knows its job and can efficiently manage its hydration levels. You don't need to drown your kidneys in an electrolyte tsunami to "retain" the water you drink.

Loaded water, while not harmful, isn’t any more hydrating than other beverages, including plain water. And unless you’re a marathon runner or industrial furnace, you probably don’t need electrolyte supplements. Consuming too many may actually harm more than hydrate.

The claim that loaded water elevates hydration, energy, and muscle function due to its electrolyte content is about as solid as a house of cards in a tornado. With proper nutrition and hydration from a balanced diet, your body should function just fine.

Prebiotic sodas, another ingredient in the loaded water concoction, claim they’re beneficial for gut health and serve as a low-sugar alternative to traditional soda. But let's be real: the fiber content is more of a supporting artist than a healthy star.

Plus, loaded water is high in added sugar and sodium-almost like it's compensating for something. If TikTokers are truly downing three to four of these hydration hypeweapons daily, they’re far exceeding daily recommendations, leading to potential health risks.

High intake of added sugars and sodium can lead to increased risk of chronic conditions like your worst enemies-high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and stroke. If you plan to try loaded water, I recommend you approach it like singing in public-do it, but not too often.

Most of the loaded water's sugar and sodium come from the electrolyte powders. If you like the taste and if the snazzy drink encourages you to consume more fluids, consider healthy alternatives like cutting the electrolyte powder or trying a simplified version, like lemon-coconut water. You’ll get the flavor, hydration, and some electrolytes, minus the pesky negatives.

So here's the deal: loaded water isn’t bad, but chugging it like there’s no tomorrow isn't great either. Stick with water or try lighter alternatives to stay hydrated and support your health. Who knows, you might just avoid running into those pesky chronic conditions.