Hydration Packets: 5 Times to Use Them to Transform Water Into Wellness

You know that staying hydrated is important for, well, a lot of things. But sometimes it can be hard to keep up with your body’s hydration needs. That’s where hydration packets like N-2 Water can help you. Packed with key electrolytes and many trace minerals, this functional beverage can come in handy whenever and wherever you need. 

When to Use Hydration Packets 

Rarely do you need an excuse to enjoy electrolytes—anyone can benefit from a hydrating boost at virtually any time of the day. However, there are some instances when stirring a hydration packet into your water could be extremely beneficial for your overall well-being. 

1. Pre-workout hydration 

Whether you’re gearing up for intervals on the elliptical in a temperature-controlled gym or a bike ride amid warmer temperatures outdoors, it’s important to set yourself up for success by consuming electrolytes before you begin your workout. Why? Consuming electrolytes beforehand can help prepare your muscles to put in the work and enable your body to maintain hydration as you exercise. 

“I have a good morning routine of getting up a bit before my daughter, so I can get a run or bike workout in,” says N-2 Water co-founder Mary Sirois. “Every morning, before I work out, I add N-2 Water into my water bottle with ice.”

The key is to choose an electrolyte drink with no sugar like N-2 Water, which—instead of being packed with added sugars like many hydration packets—contains highly bioavailable magnesium, calcium, and sodium. That means your body absorbs and uses these electrolytes quickly so that you can power through your workout. 

2. Post-workout hydration

No matter if you’re a heavy sweater or a moderate one, replenishing with electrolytes is essential for your recovery. Sodium in particular helps water enter and exit the cells in your body, also known as fluid regulation. But, after an intense workout, you lose quite a bit of sodium through your sweat. It’s important to restore your body’s sodium levels so that you stay hydrated throughout your day, and avoid hyponatremia (low sodium)—which is one of the most common electrolyte imbalances among athletes. 

However, that doesn’t mean you need to consume a whole salt-shaker’s worth of sodium after hitting the gym. Remember, too much salt isn’t great for your body either. That’s why N-2 Water is one of the best electrolyte powders you can choose: It contains 550 milligrams of high-quality sea salt, which is enough to get your body back on track. 

As Mary points out, the sooner you can replenish with a hydration post-workout packet, the better. “As soon as I finish working out, I make sure to rehydrate and replace any lost electrolytes with N-2 water,” she says. 

3. Fighting off—or recovering from—illness

Hydration is crucial when you have a cold or another virus like the flu, explains N-2 Water co-founder Evans Sirois, D.O. “Fluids and electrolytes help maintain bodily functions, support the immune system, and relieve symptoms,” he says.

Here, Dr. Sirois breaks down how hydration packets can help you battle and conquer a viral illness. 

Maintains fluid balance: When you’re sick, you’ll experience a loss of fluids from a fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. “I often see people who are lightheaded or dizzy due to dehydration,” Dr. Sirois says. “Replenishing these fluids and electrolytes helps to prevent dehydration.”

Combats congestion: A stuffy nose can put a damper on your day and affect your ability to focus and do daily tasks. “Staying well-hydrated helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel,” he says. As a result, this can help reduce your congestion.

Supports your immune system: Your immune system is your body’s first line of defense, which is why it’s so important to bolster it as it fends off viruses. “Proper hydration with electrolytes and other minerals supports optimal immune function, helping the body fight off the virus,” Dr. Sirois says. 

Magnesium in particular is an important mineral for your immune system, making an N-2 Water an ideal hydration packet to use when you’re sick.

4. During travel

No matter where you’re going or how you’re getting there, it’s important to stay hydrated. That’s because dehydration can make you feel fatigued and dizzy—not an ideal combo when you’re on the go. Of course, when your mind is zeroed in on the next flight you have to catch, or the event you have to drive to, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is drinking plain water. But that’s exactly what makes N-2 Water one of the best hydration powders to travel with: “The flavors taste great, which helps me want to drink more water,” Mary says. 

From hopping on long flights to driving to her daughter’s track meets, Mary always has an N-2 Water stick in her bag. “I feel so much more refreshed and recharged after a long travel day when I’ve hydrated with N-2 water,” she says.

5. While breastfeeding  

If you’re a new mother, you know better than anyone how wonderful and exhausting breastfeeding can be. Dr. Sirois says it’s extremely important to consume enough water and electrolytes to stay healthy during this life stage.

Staying hydrated with N-2 Water may help with the following: 

Helps with milk production: “Breast milk is composed of about 90% water,” Dr. Sirois says. “Adequate fluid intake is necessary to maintain an ample supply of breast milk.”

Supports mom’s well-being: “Staying hydrated helps nursing mothers maintain their own health, preventing dehydration-related issues such as fatigue, dizziness, and headaches,” he says.

Facilitates nutrient transfer to baby: “Proper hydration supports an efficient transfer of nutrients through breast milk, ensuring that the infant receives essential vitamins and minerals,” Dr. Sirois says.

Maintains energy levels: “Adequate hydration can help maintain energy levels, which is crucial for the demands of caring for a newborn,” he says.

N-2 Water contains a unique 1:1 calcium-to-magnesium ratio, which can help both mom and baby get the nutrients they need.

Ready to incorporate N-2 Water into your routine, from moments when you’re under the weather to fueling everyday workouts?  

References:

Journal of Sports Sciences: “Fluid and electrolyte needs for training, competition, and recovery.” S. Shirreffs, M. Sawka. (2011). Volume 29. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2011.614269 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02640414.2011.614269 

MedlinePlus: “Fluid and Electrolyte Balance.” https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html 

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism: “Does Replacing Sodium Excreted in Sweat Attenuate the Health Benefits of Physical Activity?” M. Turner, A. Avolio. (2016). Volume 26. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2015-0233. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26841436/ 

StatPearls: “Electrolytes.” I. Shrimanker, S. Bhattarai. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/ 

Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition: “A narrative review on the role of magnesium in immune regulation, inflammation, infectious diseases, and cancer.” (2023). S. Ashique, S. Kumar, A. Hussain. Volume 42. doi: 10.1186/s41043-023-00423-0. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10375690/ 

Cleveland Clinic: “Dehydration.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration