All posts tagged: tonics

The 10 Best Electrolyte Powders (We Tested Nearly 20)

The 10 Best Electrolyte Powders (We Tested Nearly 20)

Published by skeptic

TL;DR Don’t choose something with ultra-high amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, or sugar unless you need to based on your exercise levels or a sweat test. Amy Brownstein, a registered dietitian nutritionist at MyNetDiary, says electrolytes are minerals that exist naturally in your body. These include magnesium, calcium, chloride, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous. The role of electrolytes is to help your body rehydrate or stay hydrated by helping your system actually absorb the water you drink. Heather Gosnell, a pediatrician, sodium is the key ingredient for effective rehydration. She also says a little sugar and carbohydrates help your body absorb water but to avoid high-sugar drinks. Electrolyte powders usually contain these, as well as the aforementioned minerals, all of which can help with absorption. But how can you know which powder is best for you? Shelley Balls, RDN, says humans usually lose sodium when working out or spending time in hot temperatures and also that carbohydrates are important to help replenish and preserve muscle glycogen stores to prevent fatigue, especially if active for more than 30 …

Are Mushroom Supplements Worth Taking? (2026)

Are Mushroom Supplements Worth Taking? (2026)

Published by skeptic

From ancient remedies to your Amazon cart, mushroom supplements have traveled a circuitous road. They nourish the body, enhance the mind, and occasionally poison the unlucky. Their biochemical adaptability has intrigued Eastern cultures for centuries. The West, on the other hand, has been slow to embrace mushrooms until the 21st century, propelled in part by endorsements from celebrities like Gisele Bündchen and Gwen Stefani. Today, in a zeitgeist fixated on biohacking and self-optimization, mushrooms are now tools for functional wellness. We’re well past foraging and sautéing. Now we embrace microdosing. We’re sipping on lion’s mane extract in our adaptogenic lattes and mixing non-GMO cordyceps into our post-workout smoothies, hoping it will enhance our cognitive function, boost our gut health, and upgrade our immune systems. Health care researchers are also exploring their potential applications, ranging from cancer therapies to supportive treatments for COVID-19. For more mushroom coverage, check out our guides to the Best Mushroom Gummies, Best Mushroom Coffee, and WIRED’s Mushroom Gifts. Table of Contents AccordionItemContainerButton Updated February 2026: I’ve added Ryze Mushroom Coffee and …

Creatine Supplements Are Everywhere. Do I Need Them? (2026)

Creatine Supplements Are Everywhere. Do I Need Them? (2026)

Published by skeptic

Creatine monohydrate is typically sold as a flavorless, white powder that you can mix into water or a shake. According to Amati, the standard dose is three to five grams per day. Some athletes may “load” with higher doses, but studies show this offers no long-term benefits and can put unnecessary stress on the kidneys. Muscle Growth and Exercise Performance Creatine is most useful for activities that demand short, intense effort: sprinting, weightlifting, and high-intensity interval training, to name a few. It’s far less relevant for endurance sports like marathons. Some evidence suggests creatine also increases muscle glycogen storage, which could help with recovery and energy replenishment between sessions. Creatine doesn’t directly build muscle, but paired with resistance training and adequate nutrition, it can help preserve muscle strength and lean body mass. It’s particularly important if you’re recovering from an injury, or as you age, when sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) becomes a risk, as it activates specialized stem cells known as satellite cells. Zimmerman points out that women, especially in perimenopause and menopause, may see …

Magnesium Supplements Crash Course (2026): Benefits and Side Effects

Magnesium Supplements Crash Course (2026): Benefits and Side Effects

Published by skeptic

“It’s really overlooked that magnesium can help with menstrual cycle irregularity in terms of making sure that you’re not having severe cramping,” says Anderson-Haynes, who adds it may also benefit women in perimenopause and menopause. Clinically, it may be part of the treatment for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. Can You Take Too Much? The recommended dietary allowance is 320 milligrams per day for women and 420 milligrams per day for men. These are amounts most people can reach with a balanced diet; healthy kidneys regulate magnesium levels, excreting excess when magnesium intake is high and conserving it when it’s low. Daily supplements under 350 milligrams are generally considered safe for healthy adults. “If you take too much magnesium, you’ll probably get diarrhea, because it loosens the bowels,” Anderson-Haynes says. Other side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and, at very high levels of magnesium (usually from overusing laxatives or antacids), low blood pressure, muscle cramps, breathing problems, and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest. People with kidney disease are at the highest risk of toxicity. …

15 Best Electrolyte Powders (2026): Tasty and Effective

15 Best Electrolyte Powders (2026): Tasty and Effective

Published by skeptic

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Tons of flavors, most with high carbohydrate and sugar content. Sugar and carbs might be too much for some people. A few flavors are intense. Calories: 50. Sodium: 500 mg. Total carbohydrates: 13 g. Total sugars: 11 g. Added sugars: 11 g. Potassium: 370 mg. Vitamin C: 62 mg. Niacin: 19.3 mg. Vitamin B6: 1.93 mg. Vitamin B12: 5.79 mcg. Pantothenic acid: 9.6 mg. Medium to high 20+ Artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners. Yes Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix Sweet, salty, and drinkable. Fantastic nutrition. Might be overkill for non-athletes. Calories: 80. Sodium: 400 mg. Total carbohydrates: 20 g. Total sugars: 19 g. Added sugars: 19 g. Calcium: 50 mg. Iron: 0.2 mg. Potassium: 50 mg. Vitamin c: 18 mg. Magnesium: 50 mg. High 6 Artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, artificial flavors. Yes SaltStick Electrolyte FastChews Tasty. Convenient format. Small ingredient concentrations means you may have to re-up frequently. Calories: 10. Sodium: 100 mg. Total carbohydrates: 2 g. Total sugars: 2 g. Added sugars: 2g. Potassium: 30 mg. Calcium: 10 …

Protein Bars: Gluten-Free, Whole Foods, Fiber (2026)

Protein Bars: Gluten-Free, Whole Foods, Fiber (2026)

Published by skeptic

Think of protein bars as grab-and-go snacks, not meal replacements. They’re most helpful when whole foods aren’t available or when your schedule won’t allow for a proper meal. The most beneficial sources of protein come with fiber, healthy fats, and other nutrients. (That’s why registered dietitians recommend whole foods over ultra-processed alternatives.) So, while high-protein snacks may boast impressive counts on the label, they’re not always the healthiest option. After consulting the nutrition experts about key ingredients to look for (and what to avoid), we’ve rounded up the best protein bars that meet those standards. For more tips on protein, check out our guide to the Best Protein Powders and How Much Protein Do I Need? More Sections AccordionItemContainerButton What Should I Look For in a Protein Bar? Start with the Nutrition Facts label. The first thing to check is serving size, since every number on the label applies to that portion. For most protein bars, one bar equals one serving, but it’s still worth confirming. Scan the Calories What’s “right” depends on your caloric …