Latest news with #LiquidIV

11-07-2025
- Health
Pickle lemonade is all the rage, but are there benefits of pickle juice for hydration?
People have been particularly hyped about all things pickles this summer, and one hot new trend swirling around the internet is using the bright, briney solution as a potential hydration beverage. From sipping it straight to mixing it with lemonade, the applications for the liquid are pretty straightforward. But are there actually any health benefits to back it up? Why are people drinking pickle juice for hydration? "Pickle juice or brine can be beneficial for hydration because it contains sodium, comparable to some electrolyte replacements, and small amounts of potassium," registered dietitian and sports dietetics specialist Maura Donovan told "Good Morning America." Not everyone should not be downing pickle shots. As with any new addition to a person's diet, it's imperative to consider individual health factors first and speak with a health care professional, especially if something like pickle juice that's higher in sodium isn't suitable for medical conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease. "These are key electrolytes that help maintain fluid balance in the body, especially after intense exercise or sweating," Donovan explained, noting, however, that overloading in electrolytes can be harmful to some people depending on their health conditions. What ingredients in pickle juice make it good for hydration? Donovan dug further into the trend to explain how things like sodium and potassium work to help you stay hydrated. "Sodium helps to promote fluid intake and fluid retention, which is a great benefit post-exercise or in hot weather," she said. "Potassium, on the other hand, helps to balance sodium by way of the sodium-potassium pump in the muscles and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of skeletal and heart muscle." Because sodium content in pickle brine can vary by brand, Donovan helped explain what could be considered a healthy amount. A 2.5-ounce "shot" of pickle juice, she said "typically contains about 500 milligrams of sodium, while a cup from a jar may have around 800 milligrams." "Potassium levels also vary, but are usually less than 50 milligrams per serving, depending on the brand," Donovan added. 50 milligrams is equivalent to an 8-ounce serving. The recommended daily sodium intake for an average adult is less than 2,300 milligrams per day, according to the American Heart Association. According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended amount of potassium for an adult ranges between 2,600 milligrams per day for women and 3,400 milligrams per day for men. Consumers have long turned to tried and true hydration solutions from bottled beverages like Gatorade to pre-measured electrolyte powder sticks like Thorne or Liquid IV that combine minerals to help support cellular hydration. "Ultimately, how much pickle juice is healthy depends on an individual's sodium needs," Donovan said. "Someone living in a hot climate or being very active might require more sodium than someone in a cooler climate who doesn't exercise. When considering adding pickle juice to your diet, keep these factors in mind." A small-scale study into the potential physical benefits of drinking pickle juice as athletic recovery, conducted by the researchers from North Dakota State University and Brigham Young University, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise in 2010, linked small volumes of pickle juice to a shorter duration of induced muscle cramps. The study, however, only involved a dozen male athletes and has not yet been replicated on a larger scale. How to make pickle lemonade If you're still in a pickle over whether or not to give it pickle juice a try, Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Co. has a delicious spin on pickle lemonade that the family-owned and woman-run business shared with "GMA" that could be a good way to try it out. Check it out below. Pickle Lemonade Serves 2 Ingredients 8 ounces Natalie's Natural Lemonade 2 ounces dill pickle juice Pickle spear (for garnish) Fresh dill (for garnish)Crushed ice Directions Add crushed ice to 2 glasses. Add 1 ounce of pickle juice to each glass, then top with Natalie's lemonade. Garnish with a pickle spear and fresh dill.

Business Insider
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
What Amazon's Prime Day looks like so far this year: Better but fewer discounts
One of the most-purchased items so far during Amazon's Prime Day isn't an Alexa-enabled device or the Nintendo Switch 2. It's a hydration drink mix. Liquid IV packets were the most-bought item by number of units sold during Prime Day's first day and a half, according to Numerator data that tracked transactions. Some shoppers have turned to Amazon's marquee sales event in past years for discounts on electronics or other big-ticket items. This time, though, early results suggest customers are largely buying less-expensive household items, such as cleaning supplies and personal care goods. This year, Amazon's Prime Day lasts four days between July 8 and 11. That's longer than the event has run before, so the final results could differ depending on what shoppers buy in the final days of the sale. (Business Insider's Reviews team is also covering the best Prime Day deals on products and brands it has tested and reviewed.) After Liquid IV, Dawn dish detergent and protein shakes were the next most-purchased Prime Day items by volume, according to Numerator. Amazon's Fire TV Stick — the fourth most-purchased item — was the most popular consumer electronic. Other frequently bought product categories so far include apparel, shoes, and home decor. Shoppers are also buying lots of cheaper items. The average price per item so far this Prime Day is just over $25, Numerator found. Two-thirds of everything sold so far on Prime Day cost shoppers less than $20. That's a clear difference from four years ago, when Amazon-branded electronics, such as the latest Echo Dot speaker and the Fire Tablet, dominated similar early results from Numerator. No household goods were in the top five most-purchased products that year. Prime Day shoppers may be spending cautiously given worries about tariff-induced price increases later this year, said Sky Canaves, principal analyst at EMARKETER, which shares an owner with Business Insider. "They are stocking up on essentials, getting a head start on back-to-school and holiday shopping, and pulling up purchases of bigger-ticket items that may cost more later in the year, such as appliances," Canaves said on Thursday. Fewer deals, but deeper discounts A report from Impact Analytics released Wednesday found that Amazon appears to be offering discounts on a narrower range of items than last year. Impact found that last year, about 40% of Amazon products were discounted for Prime Day. Early results from this year show that the number has dropped by about 24 percentage points. The report said Amazon's discounts on many products, such as tools, lawn and garden supplies, and clothing, are deeper than in 2024. The analysis looked at discounts on 1,000 top-selling products in the two days leading up to Prime Day as well as during the early hours of the sale itself. "Amazon shifted to a more selective, margin-conscious strategy, likely shaped by tariff exposure and input cost pressures," the report said. EMARKETER estimates that the four-day event will generate $12.93 billion in sales for Amazon. If Amazon had limited Prime Day to 48 hours, as it has in recent years, EMARKETER estimates sales would have been $8.95 billion. Despite shoppers' focus on cheaper essential items, they're already spending more overall than in previous years. Numerator found that roughly halfway into this year's event on Wednesday afternoon, average household spending on Amazon during Prime Day was $126.26. That's up from about $92 at a similar point four years ago.


Axios
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Hill Country leaders clarify what's needed — and what's not — after floods
Authorities in Texas say response and recovery efforts after the devastating Fourth of July floods are being complicated by traffic congestion and uncoordinated donations. The big picture: Search efforts for 10 girls and a counselor missing from Camp Mystic, along with an unknown number of other people who have not been found, are ongoing. What they're saying: " Our first responders were hampered by heavy traffic yesterday, mostly sightseers who are making things worse. If you're not from here, don't come here to see flood damage," the Kerrville Police Department said Monday. What's needed Supplies like heavy-duty metal freezer shelves, Liquid IV or other electrolyte mixes, cleaning rags, and financial donations (preferably via check to avoid fraud), per Kerr County Commissioner Rich Paces. Experienced search and rescue volunteers are needed for Tuesday's search operations. Volunteers should report to the Center Point station by 7:30am. Other equipment requests from Texas volunteer fire crews helping in Kerr County include: chainsaws, gas cans and eye protection. What's not needed Across the Hill Country, officials are urging the public to hold off on:


CTV News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
I Was Skeptical About The Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Sachets — Now I Carry Them Everywhere
They taste amazing, mix like a dream, and keep me hydrated during workouts and on extra-hot days. After years of taking workout classes, sweating through gym sessions, and stationary biking at home, I've realized how big a role hydration plays in my performance. Since I can't chug litres of water while working out, at least without making myself feel queasy, I've relied on electrolytes to help see me through. The downside? They're usually packed with sugar and unnecessary additives. When I heard about Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mixes and took a dip into its reviews, I must admit, I was influenced. Amazon If you've never dabbled in the world of electrolyte drink mixes, you're in for a treat. Liquid I.V. functions like Gatorade or Powerade, but with much less sugar—a standard bottle of Gatorade has 36 grams of sugar, whereas one sachet of Liquid I.V. has 11 grams. It enhances hydration through five essential vitamins and nutrients, and the blends are scientifically formulated to restore your electrolyte balance, helping you stay hydrated through training, sweating, hot weather, and travelling. Let's get into the details. Each sachet of Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix is 50 calories, containing 13 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of sugar, and 500 milligrams of sodium. They also include vitamins B3, B5, B6, and vitamin C. All blends skip GMOs, artificial colours, and artificial flavours, too. There are currently five flavours available, most inspired by fruits. The brand sometimes introduces limited-edition seasonal flavours, like the Firecracker mix for summer. If you're curious, here's what we're currently working with: Firecracker Lemon Lime Passion Fruit Strawberry Tropical Punch Now, just to warn you, these mixes pack a punch in the flavour department. I'm not a huge fan of the strawberry flavour, but I'm a hater of artificial strawberry, so that should come as no surprise. Firecracker, Tropical Punch, and Passionfruit are definitely the winners in my book. Tropical Punch has notes of tangerine nectar, pineapple and cherry flavours, while Firecracker tastes like the classic tri-tone popsicle, with notes of lemon lime, cherry, and raspberry. As I mentioned, the flavours are quite strong, so if you're looking to just get a hint of flavour, you'll want to add more water to offset the taste. The recommended ratio is one sachet of Liquid I.V. per 500 millilitres of water, but the ratio really is up to you. In terms of texture, these mixes get a 10/10. They blend like a dream, with no clumping or graininess left behind after a quick shake (I usually dump them in my Owala water bottle). What reviewers are saying about the Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mixes: While packaging isn't my first priority when it comes to choosing an electrolyte powder, I appreciate that these come in individually portioned packs instead of a scoopable tub. This means you can just grab and go, and bring extra for when you need them (this is especially great for travelling). Each bag comes with 18 sachets, so it'll last you a while. I do wish the sachets were recyclable because they do lead to excess in all, the Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mixes are a simple way to boost hydration when exercising or during the hottest months of the year, when you're sweating more than usual. They mix easily, leaving no clumps or graininess behind, and the flavours, at least in my opinion, are delicious. The electrolyte drink mixes from Liquid I.V. are climbing up the bestseller charts, and reviewers are loving them. They have an impressive rating of 4.3 stars, and people are overwhelmingly impressed by the taste and their boosted hydration. They also love that they come in pre-portioned packs, making them easy to throw in their bags and go. Some find the flavours too strong and others don't like the added sugar, but most agree that they're delicious and easy to work into any routine. And if you aren't done shopping, here are a few more health & fitness products worth adding to your cart: Here's Everything You Should Pack In Your Gym Bag The Absolute Best Pill Organizers You Can Get In Canada Right Now This Is the Only Plant-Based Protein Powder I Actually Enjoy — And It's Canadian Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.


CNET
26-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Survive This Summer's Heat Wave With These Must-Have Cooling Products
Hot weather is here, and this week's heat wave has been stifling. It's important to stay safe when having fun in the sun this summer. So, if you're planning to spend time outside, be sure you're prepared with the essentials to keep cool. Here are 10 items you can use to survive this year's heat waves and summer highs. 1. Electrolyte powder When you spend lots of time in the heat, your body actively loses water and electrolytes -- minerals found in the body that have a charge -- through sweat. It's important to replace that lost water and electrolytes with fluids. If you struggle to drink eight cups of water a day in the summer (and sometimes you need more if you're extremely active in the heat), an electrolyte drink can help replenish your body. The best electrolyte powders usually contain sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphate, chloride or magnesium. Electrolytes such as these can balance your body's water and pH levels, move nutrients throughout your cells, carry out waste from your cells, and ensure all muscles, bodily functions and nerves are working properly. Amazon/Screenshot by CNET Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier Liquid I.V. powder provides two times faster hydration than water alone. It includes five vitamins and and many electrolytes. One bag of Liquid I.V. includes 16 on-the-go packets. Add one packet to 16 ounces of water and stir. $23 at Amazon $31 at Walmart 2. Reusable water bottle Rule No. 1 for surviving the heat: drink lots of water. Whether this is water or an electrolyte drink, hydration in the summer is key. You don't want to become dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include feeling tired, dark yellow urine, sunken eyes, headache and feeling lightheaded. I find that I drink the most water when I carry a water bottle around with me. I also drink more water when it stays ice cold throughout the day. An insulated water bottle -- one made with stainless steel -- will do just that. Amazon/Screenshot by CNET Hydro Flask Choose between an 18-, 21- or 24-ounce Hydro Flask. Made with Pro-Made stainless steel, this water bottle is non-free, BPA-free and keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. $32 at Amazon 3. Portable fan When you miss the indoors or are dealing with broken AC, a portable fan is handy. Cool down while on a walk, traveling or doing anything in the sun. It can even be useful for summer camping or hanging at the beach. Look for a portable fan that can be easily rechargeable. There are even fans that can mist your face. Amazon/Screenshot by CNET JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan This chargeable, handheld fan is also a flashlight and a portable charger. Speed one can last up to 21 hours between charging and speed two can last up to 14 hours. $15 at Amazon 4. Sunscreen If you want to beat the heat, you first need to make sure your skin is protected. Wearing sunscreen should always be a priority if you're doing anything outside this summer. In addition to wearing sunglasses, a hat or UV protective clothing, sunscreen provides a shield to your delicate skin. Sunscreen provides not only protection from sun cancer but also signs of sun damage and premature aging. You can try chemical, mineral or combo sunscreen. If you want a sunscreen that won't leave a white cast, look for a product with a light serum. If you have acne-prone skin, use a sensitive mineral or combo sunscreen. Amazon/Screenshot by CNET Neutrogena Mineral UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Neutrogena Mineral UltraSheer Dry-Touch is lightweight, clean and contains SPF 30. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. $9 at Amazon 5. Countertop ice machine There is nothing better than an ice cold drink on a hot day. You can bring the ice directly to you with a countertop ice machine. Add ice to your water or store beverages and take them with you; a countertop ice machine can be transported from one place to another. Take it camping orbring it to an outdoor party. As long as you have access to an outlet, you can have cold ice handy. Amazon/Screenshot by CNET Igloo Portable Electric Countertop Ice Maker This Igloo ice maker can make ice in two different sizes. Just add water, select your ice size and ice will be ready in 7 minutes. There are multiple self-cleaning settings. $95 at Amazon 6. Cooling pillow When it comes to sleeping cool, using a fan, AC or light pajamas might be your go-to solution. However, changing your bedding is another easy fix. A cooling pillow is designed to not retain any body heat and to provide as much breathability as possible. Some cooling pillows even have a cool-to-the touch cover. Pillows made of materials such as non-perforated and non-gel memory foam trap in heat and will only make you more hot at night. Look for cooling pillows made of latex, foam, silk, cotton or bamboo. Note that the pillowcase you use may affect the cooling sensation of any pillow. I recommend looking for a silk, satin or light cotton pillowcase to go along with your cooling pillow. 7. Neck fan Why hold a fan in front of your face when one can sit on your neck? If you are working outside or have your hands full, a neck fan is practical. Shaped like headphones, neck fans wrap around the neck and both sides blow up toward the sides of your face and back of your neck. It's perfect for sitting inside without AC or working under the sun. Amazon/Screenshot by CNET ASNUG Neck Fan The ASNUG Neck Fan is blade-less, meaning that it won't snag hair, fingers or clothing. It has three settings and is rechargable via USB. $27 at Amazon 8. Cooling towels A handheld towel or rag is great to dry off after exercising, playing sports or doing hard work under the sun. A cooling towel is a step above. Just get these towels wet with cold water, wring out the extra and shake it. Then, wrap the cooling towel around your neck or dab your face; it should stay cool for around 30 minutes. When it starts to warm up again, just add more water and repeat the process. These towels are great for a hot, summertime walk, relaxing at the beach or a long hike up the mountains. 9. Cooling sheets Similar to cooling pillows, cooling sheets can help dissipate your body heat. Cooling sheets are never made with materials like flannel or heavy cotton that trap heat. The best sheets for the summer will be made with bamboo, cotton, silk, Tencel, linen, polyester, microfiber or lyocell. For optimal summer bedding, switch to cooling sheets, a cooling comforter, a cooling pillowcase and a cooling pillow. Amazon/Screenshot by CNET Sheets & Giggles Sheet Set These temperture-balancing, lyocell sheets come in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King and Split King sizes. Each set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases. $190 at Amazon 10. Cold facial mask A fun way to cool down is to use a cold facial mask. While I don't recommend wearing this outside, a cold compress can help calm hot, sweaty skin and bring down your internal temperature after being outside in the sun. Similar to cold rollers or certain eye creams, a cold face mask can even help depuff eyes. And if you are prone to migraines, a cold facial mask can aid a pounding headache.