When You Drink Liquid IV Every Day, This Is What Happens

Liquid IV is a wellness company based in California, established in 2012 by Brandin Cohen. Driven by its commitment to enhancing hydration, its product range can be conveniently found through various retailers like Costco, Walmart, Target, and Amazon, making them highly accessible. At the heart of Liquid IV's products are their well-known hydration packets, designed to provide a practical and effective solution for replenishing electrolytes in the body.

As the Cleveland Clinic explains, electrolytes are essential minerals that your body needs to maintain its fluid balance. As such, they play a pivotal role in numerous bodily processes, such as regulating fluid levels, managing energy levels, and supporting mental function, muscle contractions, and even your heartbeat. Among the many electrolytes, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are key to keeping you healthy and alive. Despite the body's ability to replenish electrolytes through food, it is surprisingly easy to exhaust them and create an imbalance. For instance, excessive sweating (whether from a strenuous workout or illness), fever, diarrhea, or vomiting can substantially drain your electrolyte levels and lead to dehydration, which can result in uncomfortable symptoms like muscle cramps and headaches.

This is where hydration packets come to the rescue. Liquid IV's electrolyte mixes are designed to swiftly replenish lost electrolytes and restore the body's delicate balance. These products not only offer functional benefits, but also boast great taste. However, you might wonder if drinking Liquid IV every day is safe. Keep reading to find out what happens to your body when you do.

When you are sick or participate in physical activities that cause you to sweat excessively, you lose not only water, but also essential electrolytes. To counteract these losses effectively and prevent electrolyte imbalances (meaning they may become either too high or too low), it is crucial to stay vigilant and replace lost fluids (via Healthline). Thus, considering electrolyte-enriched beverages becomes essential. That's when Liquid IV enters the scene as an approach to rehydration that addresses the critical role of electrolytes in maintaining basic bodily functions.

According to the brand, Liquid IV's products incorporate smart hydration technology to provide superior hydration compared to water alone, thanks to their innovative Cellular Transport Technology (CTT). CTT is a water delivery system that enhances the absorption of water and other vital ingredients into your body. The brand explains that while your body relies on passive transport osmosis for water absorption in the digestive system, CTT uses your digestive tract's sodium-glucose transport mechanism. This active transport system creates a water-binding force that accelerates the delivery of water to the body earlier in the digestive process. The result is a more rapid and efficient rehydration process, enabling you to feel better and recover faster. This technology is utilized in various Liquid IV products, including Hydration Multiplier, Energy Multiplier, Hydration Multiplier+ Immune Support, Sleep Multiplier, and Hydration Multiplier+ Powdered Probiotic Kombucha.

Liquid IV stands out not only for its advanced hydration technology but also for its ability to encourage people to stay hydrated. As such, the brand has earned a reputation as a tool that makes it easier for users to maintain adequate water intake throughout the day and lead a healthier and more hydrated lifestyle. 

Numerous reviews from satisfied customers attest to the product's effectiveness in facilitating better hydration habits. For example, for the many users who struggle to consume enough water daily, Liquid IV saves their day by transforming hydration into an enjoyable experience rather than a tedious task. One user shares their gratitude, stating that they are "forever indebted to Liquid IV" as someone who constantly battles dehydration.

Per the reviews, the wide variety of delightful flavors offered by Liquid IV is highlighted as a fundamental part of the motivation behind the customer's increased water intake. Users note that the brand's flavors turn the act of drinking water into a mini-celebration by making it feel like a party for their taste buds, which gets them to look forward to their daily hydration routine and helps them maintain their fluid balance. It is safe to say that Liquid IV has garnered a loyal following of users who appreciate the product's role in making hydration a more enjoyable and manageable part of their daily lives.

Aside from Liquid IV's nighttime drink, Sleep Multiplier, vitamin C is a recurrent ingredient found in the brand's hydration packets with the purpose of boosting your immune system (via Liquid IV). According to a 2017 study in Nutrients, vitamin C offers a range of immune-boosting benefits that are essential for overall health. This vitamin is an essential nutrient, meaning your body cannot synthesize on its own. Therefore, getting an adequate daily intake through dietary sources or supplements is important.

Per the study, vitamin C helps safeguard the skin by enhancing collagen production, reducing the time required for wound healing, and enhancing the body's ability to combat microbial invaders. These effects contribute to the skin's function as a vital barrier against external threats, such as disease-causing microorganisms. Inside the body, vitamin C accumulates in immune cells, acting as a protective shield against oxidative stress and ensuring these defense cells function optimally. The vitamin also plays a role in stimulating the migration of white blood cells to infection sites, enhancing their ability to combat harmful microbes. Lastly, vitamin C is widely known for its ability to reduce the severity and duration of common colds.

Despite its essential role, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that low vitamin C levels remain relatively common, with its deficiency ranking as the fifth leading nutrient deficiency in the United States. Thus, Liquid IV's inclusion of vitamin C in its products makes it a valuable addition to its hydration packets.

Liquid IV's hydration packets pack 11 grams of carbs from added sugars per serving (with the exception of the brand's sugar-free Hydration Multiplier). According to the brand, the carbohydrate content in Liquid IV's products serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, the presence of carbohydrates in the form of sugar plays a vital role in the CTT used by Liquid IV by promoting faster and more efficient water absorption (via Liquid IV). 

As a study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences explains, the presence of sugar is closely linked to the absorption of both sodium and water, seeing that water is cotransported along with sodium and sugar through the sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT1) across the brush border membrane of intestinal cells. In essence, carbohydrates, specifically sugar, are integral to the effectiveness of CTT, ensuring that hydration is swift and efficient.

On the other hand, carbohydrates are valuable for replenishing energy stores, especially for athletes after engaging in strenuous exercise or high-intensity physical activities and people with gastrointestinal disturbances who might be dealing with drastic water losses. Registered dietitian Emily Paonessa explains (via Forbes) that the carb content in Liquid IV's products provides a source of easily digestible fuel that not only helps restore fluids but also replenishes glycogen stores and accelerates post-exercise recovery.

Liquid IV has taken steps to make its products inclusive and safe for a broad range of consumers. On its website, the brand proclaims that its offerings are free of common allergens and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food allergies and sensitivities are a significant concern for millions of Americans. The agency lists nine major food allergens (including milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, sesame, and soybeans) that can trigger a wide array of allergic reactions, which can range from mild discomfort to severe and life-threatening symptoms (think throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness). Fortunately, aside from being vegan, Liquid IV hydration mixes are free of gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy.

In addition, Liquid IV products are verified non-GMO. While GMOs are generally considered safe for consumption, some concerns persist regarding their environmental impact and potential implications for human health, including allergies and illnesses (via Healthline). By eliminating common allergens and addressing concerns related to GMOs, Liquid IV ensures that its products promote effective hydration while catering to consumers with diverse dietary needs and preferences.

While Liquid IV's products offer effective hydration and replenishment of essential electrolytes, you should still be mindful of a potential excessive sodium intake when consuming them regularly, especially without the need for electrolyte replacement. Each packet of Liquid IV provides 500 milligrams of sodium, constituting 22% of the daily value (DV) for the mineral (via Liquid IV). Thus, consuming Liquid IV excessively, especially when unnecessary, could lead to high daily sodium intakes.

Per the FDA, exceeding the DV may lead to unwanted health effects. To put Liquid IV's sodium content into perspective, a general guideline from the FDA says that a sodium content of 5% DV or less per serving is considered low, while 20% DV or more per serving is deemed high. While sodium is a vital electrolyte required for various bodily functions, excessive sodium intake is linked to higher risks of developing high blood pressure, a significant contributor to stroke and heart disease (via the FDA). This risk arises from sodium's ability to attract water, which can cause it to accumulate in the bloodstream, increasing blood volume and leading to high blood pressure. 

Use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) packets like Liquid IV as directed; avoid consuming excessive quantities in a short period. According to a case report in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, failing to dilute ORS packets correctly or consuming them excessively can lead to salt poisoning (hypernatremia). This condition can result in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, seizures, coma, or death. 

While the benefits of Liquid IV in terms of hydration and electrolyte replenishment are evident, it's important to consider that incorporating this daily regimen can lead to significant expenses over time. The cost of Liquid IV packets varies depending on the pack size and the purchasing options available. For instance, the smallest pack sizes, containing approximately 14 to 16 sticks, typically cost around $25 (per Liquid IV). This means that you would need to budget around $50 to maintain a month-long supply.

However, for those looking to purchase in larger quantities to save on cost per packet, Liquid IV provides the option of customized bundles, allowing customers to tailor their purchases to their specific needs and preferences (via Liquid IV). For example, the brand offers the alternative of purchasing 3-pack bundles, which provide about 48 packets and range in price from $65 to $70. Similarly, you can get a 4-pack bundle providing up to 64 packets for $88 to $90. Finally, an even more substantial 12-pack bundle offers 192 sticks, but comes at a higher cost of about $290. 

Additionally, Liquid IV provides free shipping for orders within the United States for standard delivery. Plus, there's the LIV Membership, which costs $5 every three months and offers access to exclusive discounts and perks. While these bundles can provide cost savings compared to purchasing individual packets, it's still important to recognize the overall expenditure involved when drinking Liquid IV every day.

One of the standout features of Liquid IV that has garnered widespread appreciation from consumers is its extensive and diverse range of flavors. Liquid IV offers a wide array of flavor options that cater to various palates and preferences, making hydration a more enjoyable experience. With flavors like white peach, lemon-lime, green grape, passion fruit, strawberry, watermelon, acai berry, seaberry, strawberry lemonade, concord grape, tropical punch, golden cherry, piña colada, wild berry, tangerine, and tart green apple (via Liquid IV), the brand provides an impressive selection that can satisfy diverse taste preferences, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the act of drinking water.

The variety of flavors allows you to switch things up and enjoy a different flavor every day of the week for two weeks straight, adding a refreshing twist to your hydration routine and motivating you to stay hydrated throughout the day. For instance, the Lemon Lime flavor has been described as a burst of sunshine, with the perfect balance between zestiness and invigoration. Similarly, the passion fruit flavor is praised for its authenticity and refreshing quality, delivering a delightful tropical essence with each sip.

While Liquid IV provides an effective solution for rehydration and electrolyte replenishment, you should still be cautious when considering daily consumption. Too much Liquid IV daily can potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances, a condition that can have adverse effects on your health. Electrolyte imbalances can happen when the levels of essential minerals become either too low or too high relative to the amount of water in the body (via Livestrong). Thus, replacing electrolytes more rapidly than they are lost can result in an excessive buildup of these minerals in the system, which can have harmful consequences.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms of electrolyte imbalances include confusion and irritability, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, headaches, irregular heart rate, muscle cramps, muscle spasms or weakness, nausea, and vomiting, and the symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe health issues. To avoid potentially harming yourself, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, states that it is essential to understand that electrolyte products like Liquid IV are specifically designed to replenish depleted electrolyte reserves, which is why they contain high concentrations of these minerals. Therefore, turning electrolyte drinks into an all-day beverage, especially when not needed, can disrupt the delicate balance of electrolytes in your body, potentially leading to imbalances and associated health risks. In short, while Liquid IV offers valuable benefits for hydration, remember to use it mindfully and in accordance with its intended purpose.