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I spent a great time in Europe last summer. That’s not a condescending boast for the sake of sounding offensive, but rather a question: Do Europeans drink water? Or, are Americans just too thirsty? While I’m not a Stanley girl—I find the idea of taking in nearly 40 ounces of water very disturbing—I tend to always have an ice-cold glass of H20 within reach. I never think much of it, sometimes I spice up my water with a few slices of citrus. But in the widespread push to make everything aesthetically appealing, our hydration habits are evolving. Sex has entered the conversation.
We can all agree that proper hydration is important for everything from digestion to supporting detoxification to improving cognitive function. But is it so it’s sexy? With our understanding of the term reaching new heights of freedom (even vacuum cleaners now adorn the label), it seems that with the zhooshing revolution, meeting our daily hydration goals can be a transformative experience.
Featured image from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley by Michelle Nash.
What is Sexy Water? Understanding the Trend Behind the Hydration Revolution
The word “sexy water” entered the health lexicon in October 2023 when TikTok creator Kelly Stranick started posting about his hydration enhancement program. In the video (part 1 of her sexy water series), Stranick explains that she started infusing her water with fruits, vegetables, and additives to improve and increase the benefits of plain drinking water. Looking at it as a way to make this important part of his health plan fun. And as we know, romanticizing your life can help you commit to healthy habits—no matter how mundane.
It’s important to note, as he does in the video, that Stranick is not a doctor or nutritionist. He adds that he learned about the intended benefits of his persuasive water supplements from what he “read on the Internet.” While we love the idea of enhancing the appeal of water, we wanted an expert’s take before jumping into the trend. Ahead, Jessica Sepel, nutritionist and founder of JSHealth, and Edie Horstman, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC) and Nutrition Consultant (CNC), break down the benefits, myths, and everything you need to know about the sweet water trend.
Sexy Water: Benefits, Risks, and Expert Tips for Perfect Flow in 2025
Sexy water is not just an electrolyte pack poured into a glass. Instead, it is often a multi-step recipe made up of various fruits, vegetables, added powders, and toppings. While more isn’t always necessary—and it depends on what you put in your water—Horstman notes that when certain ingredients are mixed in, they’re better absorbed and provide greater benefits. He gives a few examples:
- Combining vitamin D and calcium improves their performance. Vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium from the intestines, improves bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
- Pairing vitamin C and iron increases the absorption of non-heme iron (a type of iron found in plant-based foods). Horstman adds that this is beneficial for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Conversely, if you were to add both calcium and magnesium in your sexy waters, you can be to reduce each efficiency.
Sepel agrees, adding that “it all depends on what combination of ingredients you add and your individual health.” He supports the idea that getting enough water should be easy—and even something you can expect.
His brand, JSHalth, had this in mind when developing its magnesium powder tablets. As Sepel shares, the goal was to improve “the nutritional content of your water while also supporting muscle relaxation.” Proof that when done right—and with the guidance of a health professional—sexy water can deliver everything you need.
Possible Dangers of Drinking Sexy Water
You won’t be able to get more out of whatever ingredients you add to your sexy water. However, Horstman shares that “excess chlorophyll can cause digestive problems, and high doses of mushrooms like lion’s mane and cordyceps can lead to gastrointestinal upset.”
Sepel goes on to add that “there is evidence to support that the body can absorb and metabolize certain levels of vitamins in any one day.” Because of this, you should always discuss the appropriate dosage with a trusted medical professional. And do your research before adding anything to your glass. JSHealth formulas are developed to hit the sweet spot of maximum clinical dosage for optimal performance, ensuring you get exactly what you need every time.
Is it safe to mix supplements?
Again, it all depends on what you’re mixing. Horstman endorses Stranick’s OG water recipe, saying “lemon, cucumber, and spearmint are all good for digestion and absorption, and the mushroom ingredients support physical function and mental health.”
This is said with the caveat that Horstman takes recipes for sexy water using only small doses of each ingredient, since “mixing too many additives can reduce the concentration of each ingredient, which is possible. reduce their individual performance.”
Things to Remember Before Trying Sexy Water
Horstman’s advice makes it clear: it always comes back to you why. “Looking for a better tasting way to take your supplements? Looking for a fun way to drink water? etc.” As with anything, it’s important to lead with purpose. He recommends considering whether what you add to your water enhances the effectiveness of other ingredients or not.
Ask yourself the following questions when you are tempted to take up any health practice—water or otherwise:
- Is there any science-based research or data to support these claims?
- Does it fit into your budget?
- Does it align with your personal health goals?
Sepel is on the same page. “Diets can be fun and exciting, but I encourage people to maintain habits that fit their lifestyle and be aware of any ‘tendencies’ that encourage restriction or excess.” She’s a proponent of what she calls ‘The Health of Life’—”making sustainable choices based on the basics: sleeping well, managing stress, nourishing your body with healthy food choices, talking to yourself with love, and exercising with kindness. .”
With that framework in mind, Sepel relies heavily on the fact that making your water ‘attractive’ can help increase water flow and make it more attractive.
The Most Delicious Water Recipes To Try This Year
Add the following ingredients to your desired vessel with filtered water (I like a mason jar). Turn down the ice and use a glass straw for super cool vibes.
OG Sweet Water
Sexy Water Enhances Beauty (From JSHealth)
“Our office team has their own ‘attractive water’ every day. It’s our signature inner beauty powder, Vitality X + Collagen (3 grams of hydrolyzed marine collagen per serving) combined with our Advanced Magnesium Powder for total body wellness and inner support. They love it as a delicious tropical, raspberry-lemonade concoction and as a quick way to hydrate, restore and lighten up all at once. “ – Jessica Sepel
Sweet Water Sleeping Girl
Read more: Best Sleeping Girl Mocktails for a Calm Snooze
Returning the Elixir
Our Favorite Sweet Water Additives
Ready to take your water to the next level? Along with slices of fresh fruit and vegetables, these are some of our favorite ingredients to consider adding to your glass.