I spent quite a bit of time in Europe this summer. This is not a humble brag for the sake of sounding annoying, but to ask: Do Europeans drink water? Or are Americans just very, very thirsty? While I’m not a self-proclaimed Stanley girl—I find carrying about 40 ounces of water very inconvenient—I’m used to always having a glass of ice-cold H20 within easy reach. I never overthink it and just occasionally use a few citrus slices to boost my water levels. But in the universal quest to make everything look good, our hydration habits are improving. Sexy water has entered the chat room.
We can all agree that proper hydration is critical for everything from digestion to supporting detoxification to improving cognitive function. But is this Sexy? As our understanding of the word reaches new libertarian heights (even vacuum cleaners are now earning the label), it seems that meeting our daily hydration goals can be a transformative experience with just a little shake.
Featured image is from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley.
What is sexy water?
The term “sexy water” entered the wellness lexicon in October 2023 when TikTok founder Kelly Stranick first posted about her upgraded hydration routine. In the video (Part 1 of her “Sexy Water Series”), Stranik explains that she started adding fruits, vegetables and supplements to her water to upgrade and enhance the benefits of regular drinking water. She saw it as a way to make this key element of her wellness routine fun. It’s no secret that romanticizing your life can help you develop healthy habits—no matter how mundane.
It’s worth noting, as she does in the film, that Strathnik is not a doctor or nutritionist. She added that she learned about the purported benefits of her sexy water supplement from “reading on the Internet.” While we like the idea of increasing the appeal of water, we wanted to get an expert’s opinion before delving deeper into this trend. Next, Jessica Sepel, nutritionist and founder of JSHealth, and Edie Horstman, INHC and CNC, break down the benefits, myths, and everything you need to know about the sexy water trend.
potential benefits
Sexy water is more than just electrolyte packets poured into a glass. Instead, it’s usually a multi-step recipe consisting of a variety of fruits, vegetables, supplement powders, and tinctures. While more isn’t always more—it depends on what you add to the water—Horstman points out that when certain ingredients are mixed, they are better absorbed and provide greater benefits. She gave several examples:
- Combining Vitamin D with Calcium Improve their efficiency. Vitamin D enhances intestinal absorption of calcium, improving bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
- pair Vitamin C and iron Increases absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant foods). Horstmann added that this could be beneficial for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
In contrast, if you were to add both calcium and magnesium to your sexy water you will reduce effectiveness of each.
Seipel agrees, adding that “it all depends on the combination of ingredients you add and your individual health profile.” She supports the idea that getting adequate hydration should be easy and even desirable. .
Her brand, JSHealth, had this in mind when it developed its magnesium capsules into powder form. As Seipel says, the goal is to increase “the nutrient content of the water while supporting muscle relaxation.” It turns out that when done correctly and under the guidance of a health professional, sexy water can provide everything you need.
Understand the risks
It’s impossible to overdose on any ingredient you add to your sexy water. However, Horstmann says, “Too much chlorophyll can cause digestive issues, and high doses of mushrooms, such as lion’s mane and cordyceps, can cause gastrointestinal upset.”
Sepel further adds, “Evidence shows that the body can only absorb and metabolize a certain level of vitamins on any given day.” Therefore, you should always discuss appropriate dosage with a trusted medical professional. Do your research before adding anything to your glass. JSHealth formulas are developed to achieve optimal results at maximum clinical dosage for optimal efficacy, ensuring you always get the dose you need.
Are mixed supplements safe?
Again, it all depends on what you’re mixing. Horstman supports Strathnik’s OG Sexy Water formula, saying, “Lemon, cucumber, and spearmint are all great for hydration and digestion, and mushroom supplements support immune function and cognitive health.”
That being said, Horstman hypothesizes that the Sexy Water formula only uses relatively small doses of each ingredient because “mixing too many supplements may dilute the concentration of each ingredient, reducing their personal effectiveness.
What to pay attention to before trying sexy water
Horstmann’s advice is clear: it always comes back to your Why. “Do you want a supplement that tastes better? Do you want a more fun way to drink water? ETC. Like anything, it’s important to lead with intention. She recommends considering whether what you’re adding to your water will Enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients.
When you’re tempted to embrace any wellness trend (sexy water or otherwise), ask yourself these questions:
- Are there scientific or data-backed studies to back up these claims?
- Does it fit your budget?
- Does it align with your personal health goals?
Seipel had the same idea. “Nutrition trends can be fun and exciting, but I encourage people to maintain daily habits that fit their lifestyle and be wary of any ‘trends’ that encourage restrictions or extremes.” She is a proponent of what she calls “healthy living”— — “Make sustainable, fundamental decisions: sleep well, manage stress, choose healthy foods to nourish your body, talk to yourself with love, and exercise with kindness.”
With this framework in mind, Seipel is a firm believer in the fact that making your water “sexy” can help enhance hydration and make it more alluring.
The Best Sexy Water Recipes to Try
Add the following ingredients to your desired container of filtered water (I like a mason jar). Add some ice and use a glass straw for the sexiest vibe.
OG sexy water
Beauty Sexy Water (from JSHealth)
“Our office team has their own ‘Sexy Water’ every day. It’s our signature Inner Beauty Powder, Vitality Achieve total body health and support from the inside out. They love it because it’s a delicious tropical raspberry lemonade blend and a quick way to hydrate, rejuvenate and glow. — Jessica Seipel
Sleepy girl sexy water
Read more: The best mocktails for sleepy girls to take a nap
Restoration elixir
Our Favorite Sexy Water Supplements
Ready to take your water to the next level? In addition to fresh fruit and vegetable slices, these are some of our favorite supplements to consider mixing into your cup.
