11 Simple Supplements That Will Radically Transform Your Drinking Water

Food

Sep 13

Written By Cassandra Smolcic

This is Stage 4 | SUPPLEMENTS | of HYDRATE: The 5 Stages of Water Optimization

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”

— Loren Eiseley, Anthropologist & Writer

Why Water Restoration Is So Essential to Good Health

Due to global ecological and industrial challenges, robust water filtration has become essential for removing a broad spectrum of contaminants from drinking water. While purification is important, it is only part of the hydration equation. Most modern filtration systems — including reverse osmosis and chemical treatments used to process municipal tap and bottled water — strip away not only toxins but also the vital electrolytes and trace minerals needed for deep cellular hydration and biological coherence, making it less recognizable and usable by the human body.

As a result, most potable water sources today lack the mineral matrix once present in wild, pristine springs. Without these natural elements, hydration becomes inefficient: cells may struggle to absorb or retain fluids at the levels required for equilibrium. Prolonged water malnutrition can manifest as brain fog, muscle cramps, dry skin, digestive issues, mood swings, fatigue, sluggish metabolism, weakened immunity, chronic inflammation, and other long-term imbalances.

Compounding the issue, most modern diets are inherently nutrient-poor — dominated by processed, packaged, and convenience foods lacking real mineral and nutritional value. Even whole and certified organic foods are no guarantee, as decades of industrial farming have depleted soil quality and reduced the natural mineral content of produce.

Fortunately, with the help of simple, natural supplements, many of the life-supporting qualities once abundant in untouched sources can be easily reintroduced into our drinking water. The supplements featured below can support the body’s return to homeostasis, offering the rare benefits of truly fortified hydration and the holistic wellbeing it helps sustain.

To combat the preventable sickness, lost potential, and chronic suffering tied to dehydration — one of the most consequential and overlooked public health crises of our time — the HYDRATE framework explores both the challenges and solutions of modern-day hydration. Connecting readers with proven tools, technologies, and practices for securing and effortlessly consuming bioactive, nutrient-rich water, this series was created for wellness enthusiasts, biohackers, and individuals seeking greater autonomy over their health.

Drawing on leading-edge research, timeless traditions, and emerging innovations, the HYDRATE framework distills a complex, often overwhelming subject into five distinct, actionable steps:

Evaluate or upgrade your water SOURCING
Improve it through targeted SYSTEMS
Contain it in safe, non-reactive STORAGE
Revitalize it with fortifying SUPPLEMENTS📍You are here
Align daily SUPPLY strategies with the body’s unique needs

Go to the HYDRATE Home Page for quick access to all the articles or the Series Introduction for a contextual overview of the guiding principles, research insights, and systemic challenges that inspired this protocol, along with a full description of the 5 stages. Use the hyperlinks above to jump into any of the five main articles that contain in-depth guidance, practical strategies, curated product reviews, and other resources for upgrading your personal approach to hydration.

DISCLAIMERS: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The HYDRATE framework focuses on optimizing regulated, pre-treated water sourced from municipal, public, and commercial systems — not untreated or wild sources such as springs, private wells, or rain catchments.

This series contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The featured products and resources are primarily intended for the U.S. marketplace. Though applicability and availability may vary internationally, the broader insights and evaluations are meant to support informed decision-making for health-conscious readers everywhere.

The Best Water Supplements for Hydration Optimization

This list includes a variety of hydration-supporting additives across two main categories: Mineral & Electrolyte Boosters and Herbal & Botanical Extracts. While mineral enhancers (such as trace minerals, electrolytes, and salts) can be safely combined with other supplements, the more potent herbal and botanical extracts and additives are best introduced one at a time. This tempered approach allows you to observe how your body responds, avoid physiological overwhelm, and discover which additions best support your personal hydration, energy levels, and wellbeing without undue confusion or uncertainty.

Start slowly, listen to your body, and consult a trusted wellness practitioner if you have specific health concerns or want individualized guidance.

Note: These supplements are designed to enhance safe, potable water — not replace proper filtration or purification. Always begin with water that’s been verified as safe for consumption.

Mineral & Electrolyte Boosters

Like a car that can keep running despite an empty oil tank, the body may continue to function for a surprising span of time with little to no nutrients delivered through daily liquid intake. But over time, the effects of perpetual water malnutrition can wreak havoc on muscle tissue, organs, and even brain waves.

Derived from natural resources through conscientious and time-tested practices, the following supplements and additives can help you revive over-sterilized, deficient waters — replenishing the fundamental qualities so often lost during modern water treatment and purification processes.

1. Trace Mineral Drops

Replenishes minerals and electrolytes with nutrient-rich salt waters from inland and well-protected seas.

ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops | 0.5 - 8 Fl Oz | Trace Minerals with Ionic Liquid Magnesium | Unflavored

Harvested from the pristine waters of Utah’s Great Salt Lake — a prehistoric, terminal lake with no outlet, these unique waters have accumulated a dense concentration of ionic minerals over thousands of years. Rich in magnesium, chloride, sodium, potassium, and over 70 ionic trace elements, this supplement provides a highly concentrated source of naturally occurring, bioavailable minerals, helping to replenish nutrients lost through filtration, sweat, and daily activity. A few drops can be added to any purified water to support hydration, electrolyte and pH balance, digestion, metabolism, energy, and overall well-being. Unlike many other mineral supplements, this formula is free from added preservatives, flavors, or synthetic ingredients.

2. Electrolyte Concentrate

Boosts energy & muscle recovery by conducting ions through electrically charged minerals.

These drops provide a balanced blend of naturally sourced electrolytes — specific minerals that carry an electrical ionic charge when dissolved in a liquid that are essential for maintaining proper fluid regulation, nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, pH balance, and optimal hydration. Enriching up to 15 liters of water, every drop of MAYU’s Electrolyte concentrate contains a blend of 75 minerals — including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride — specifically formulated to increase the body’s water retention, energy levels, and daily performance. Just a few drops in water can help prevent dehydration, combat fatigue, and restore electrolyte balance — especially after exercise, travel, or illness.

Note: Trace Mineral Drops and Electrolytle Concentrate have similar ingredients, though they serve distinct purposes. Trace mineral drops replenish a broad spectrum of essential minerals lost in water purification to support daily cellular health, electrolyte concentrates are more known for quickly restoring key salts lost through sweat, exertion, or dehydration to maintain energy and hydration balance.

3. Coconut Water Powder

Provides electrolytes and hydration support in a convenient, portable powder form.

Sourced from organically grown coconuts from the South Coast of India, this Earth Circle Organics powder captures the full spectrum of naturally occurring electrolytes found in coconut water, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. From fresh coconut water concentrate, it dissolves readily in room-temperature water, providing a mildly sweet, clean-tasting beverage that supports hydration and electrolyte replenishment. Each serving delivers a balanced, plant-based source of minerals and naturally occurring carbohydrates, making it a gentle, bioavailable option for maintaining fluid balance, supporting energy production, and replacing electrolytes lost through sweat or daily activity. Free from added sugar, fillers, or artificial flavors, this organic powder maintains the integrity of coconut water’s natural nutritional profile.

Note: While Earth Circle Organics offers many USDA-certified organic products, this particular coconut water powder does not carry that label. Certification for coconut powder can be challenging due to variable sourcing, use of non-organic processing aids or carriers, and the added expense of certification throughout production. If you prefer a USDA organic alternative, consider Z Natural Foods Organic Coconut Water Powder. While all ingredients are certified organic, this product is formulated with carrier starches like tapioca and acacia fiber to improve texture and solubility.

4. Unrefined Salts >

Natural electrolytes that are harvested from oceanic or prehistoric salt reserves.

A time-honored way to replenish electrolytes and trace minerals in water, unrefined salts retain their full spectrum of naturally occurring elements essential for hydration, nerve conductivity, and cellular function. Unlike industrial table salt — stripped of minerals and treated with additives — these minimally processed salts preserve the natural flavor and softness of its bioavailable minerals. Just a pinch per liter can enrich purified water’s taste and electrolyte balance.

Selina Naturally Celtic Sea Salt | 16 Oz | Fine Ground: Harvested from the coastal marshes of Brittany, France, this mineral-rich, slightly damp salt retains magnesium, calcium, potassium, and trace elements like zinc and manganese. Its moisture enhances bioavailability and gives it a smooth, briny flavor — making it a favorite for hydration and gentle alkalizing support.
Redmond Real Salt Ancient Sea Salt | 16 Oz | 2 Pack | Fine Ground: Sourced from a protected ancient seabed in Utah, this pure, pollutant-free salt contains 60+ trace minerals including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. With a mild, slightly sweet flavor, it dissolves easily into water, enhancing mineral content without overpowering taste.
The Spice Lab Himalayan Pink Salt | 1 Kilo (2.2 Lb) | Coarse Grain: Mined from 250-million-year-old deposits in the Himalayas, this pink salt contains over 80 trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron oxide (responsible for its rosy hue). Its earthy flavor and mineral complexity make it popular for detox and cleansing protocols.

Note: While all three salts provide meaningful mineral support, Celtic Sea Salt is often favored for hydration due to its higher moisture content and superior mineral bioavailability — though taste and mineral profile are personal preferences.

5. Liquid Magnesium

Supports hydration, electrolyte balance, and cellular function by replenishing magnesium — an essential mineral lost through sweat, stress, and water purification.

NOW Foods Liquid Magnesium with Trace Mineral Concentrate | 8 Fl Oz | Unflavored | GMP Certified by the NPA

A highly absorbable form of magnesium chloride blended with naturally occurring trace minerals to promote nervous system health, muscle relaxation, and electrolyte balance. Also sourced from Utah’s Great Salt Lake, this NOW Foods supplement is produced using a proprietary solar evaporation process that removes 99% of sodium while preserving 72 naturally occurring, bioavailable ionic trace minerals. While sodium is an essential electrolyte, some individuals — particularly those with high blood pressure, kidney concerns, or sodium-sensitive conditions — may benefit from a mineral supplement that restores trace minerals without adding extra sodium. This product is certified and A-rated for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by the Natural Products Association (NPA) for quality, potency, and safety throughout its manufacturing process.

Herbal & Botanical Extracts

Though the days when most humans could safely drink wild, naturally flowing waters without fear of industrial runoff or toxic pollutants are long gone, the slow pace of evolution means our cells still remember — and rely on — pure, mineral-rich fluids to reach their fullest potential. Thankfully, we can still fortify our drinking waters with some of nature’s most miraculous botanical gifts. The following plant- and flower-based extracts can infuse your water with beneficial properties that make true hydration — and biological homeostasis — more accessible, potent, and impactful.

A Note on Alcohol-Based Supplements

Many herbal extracts and tinctures are traditionally prepared in alcohol. Alcohol is a powerful solvent that efficiently draws out a broad spectrum of active plant compounds and also acts as a natural preservative, giving tinctures a long shelf life. However, alcohol-based supplements are generally not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with liver sensitivities, or individuals avoiding alcohol for health or personal reasons. They can also have a sharp taste. Alternatives like glycerin or vinegar-based extracts are gentler and alcohol-free, but may extract fewer compounds and often have a shorter shelf life.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal tolerance, health considerations, and potency preferences.

6. Liquid Chlorophyll

The photosynthetic plant pigment that supports the body’s ability to utilize and retain fluids through its antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

This extra-strength liquid chlorophyll — the green pigment plants use to absorb and convert light into fuel during photosynthesis — can enhance the body’s ability to absorb minerals and electrolytes, which are essential for optimal hydration. As a natural antioxidant, chlorophyll helps protect cells from free radical damage, supporting overall cellular function, detoxification, and the body’s ability to maintain healthy fluid balance. Derived from mulberry leaves and blended with peppermint oil to soften its earthy and slightly bitter taste, this formula from NOW Foods dissolves easily into water or herbal infusions. Used traditionally as an internal deodorant, chlorophyll may also promote fresher breath, gentle detoxification, and improved circulation.

Note: Due to the semi-synthetic nature of the chlorophyllin extraction process — which involves copper and alkaline treatments to stabilize the compound — USDA Organic certification is not possible for this supplement. While many competitors in this category misleadingly use the word “organic” in their brand and product names or descriptions, creating the false impression of certified organic status, the NOW Foods brand stands out for their honest marketing and product descriptions.

7. Moringa Extract

A concentrated plant-based booster rich in bioavailable minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

Global Healing Center Moringa Extract | 2 Fl Oz | USDA Organic | Glycerin-Based

Derived from the leaves of the Moringa Oleifera tree — often called the “miracle tree” for its exceptional nutrient profile — Global Healing Center’s glycerin-based tincture offers a highly absorbable source of naturally occurring minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals are essential for hydration, electrolyte balance, and cellular energy production. Certified USDA Organic and free of alcohol, this extract preserves the full spectrum of moringa’s phytonutrients, including antioxidants like quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which help combat oxidative stress and support overall vitality. Although the flavor is earthy and mildly bitter, pairing with lemon, mint, or basil can soften its herbal profile.

8. Stinging Nettle Extract

A mineral-rich, plant-based extract that supports kidney function, adrenal health, and electrolyte balance.

Herb Pharm’s certified organic nettle leaf extract delivers a concentrated, bioavailable form of Urtica Dioica — a traditional European and Ayurvedic herb known for its nourishing effect on the kidneys and adrenals. As a mild, non-depleting diuretic, nettle supports the body’s natural detoxification pathways by gently encouraging fluid release without stripping essential electrolytes, helping maintain hydration and mineral balance. Rich in naturally occurring calcium, magnesium, iron, and silica, this extract contributes to electrolyte replenishment, tissue repair, and skin elasticity while supporting adrenal resilience — especially valuable during times of stress or fatigue recovery. The alcohol-based formula has a mild, grassy taste that blends easily into water for an enriching mineral and vitality boost.

9. Ashwagandha Extract

A grounding adaptogen that supports stress resilience and healthy fluid balance.

Sourced from the root of Withania Somnifera, Herb Pharm’s Ashwagandha Extract offers a concentrated, highly bioavailable form of this revered Ayurvedic adaptogen. Best known for its ability to regulate cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — ashwagandha plays an indirect but important role in hydration by helping the body maintain proper fluid balance during times of physical or emotional stress. Elevated cortisol levels are associated with disrupted electrolyte handling and water retention, making cortisol-regulating herbs like ashwagandha valuable for supporting the body’s natural ability to manage fluids and maintain cellular equilibrium. This alcohol-based tincture delivers a full-spectrum extract with a mildly bitter, earthy taste. A few drops can be added to water, tea, or tonics, and pairs well with warming spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a grounding, adaptogenic boost that promotes both stress resilience and fluid homeostasis.

10. Schisandra Berry Extract

A five-flavor adaptogen that supports liver function, fluid retention, and sustained energy.

Herb Pharm’s certified organic schisandra extract captures the full-spectrum potency of Schisandra Chinensis — an adaptogenic berry revered in traditional Chinese medicine for its unique “five-flavor” profile: sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and pungent. This distinctive flavor balance reflects schisandra’s broad therapeutic actions, particularly its role in promoting liver detoxification, antioxidant protection, and healthy stress response. Of special note for hydration, schisandra’s natural astringency supports the body’s ability to retain fluids at the cellular level, reducing unnecessary water loss — a valuable property for maintaining resilience during physical exertion, travel, fasting, or times of increased demand. Additionally, its antioxidant content helps defend cells from oxidative stress, further supporting vitality and endurance. This alcohol-based tincture can infuse hydration routines with a tart, slightly complex flavor while offering gentle, sustained energy and adaptogenic balance without overstimulation.

11. Fresh Herb & Fruit Infusions

Fortify, flavor, and enrich your water reserves with fresh herbs, fruits, and other organic infusions.

Adding fresh herbs and fruits to water not only enhances flavor but can also contribute beneficial minerals and electrolytes. Cucumbers provide cooling properties with silica and potassium, while citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange offer vitamin C and other trace mineral enzymes. Berries contain antioxidants and small amounts of essential minerals. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary are subtly aromatic while releasing magnesium and other micronutrients, while thyme and cilantro are known to support detoxification. Simply infuse in water for a refreshing and nutrient-boosting drink. For best results, allow the ingredients to steep for a few hours to maximize flavor and mineral release. If infusing over 12 hours, store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Additional Hygiene Considerations

Supplements can enhance hydration — but they can also create a nutrient-rich environment for bacteria if not handled properly. Clean your containers regularly, avoid plastic storage, and refresh herbal or fruit infusions frequently to avoid microbial growth.

Up Next

Stage 5 | 11 Hydration Hacks & Supply Strategies for the New Human → Realigning with the body’s intrinsic wisdom often requires more conscious effort, re-education, reflection, and persistence than most people expect. Drawing on diverse tools, techniques, and expert insights, these 11 strategies were designed to bridge the gap between stalled out intention and effortless hydration habituation.

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