Replenishing Electrolytes and Homemade Gatorade Drink

Staying hydrated is not as simple as drinking a gallon of water each day.

In my recent naturopath visit, I was told I was severely dehydrated, even though I drink tons of water each day. He told me I need to supplement by adding some electrolytes in my water because I wasn’t getting enough! I figured I should write a post on this, because maybe you are dehydrated too.

An electrolyte imbalance can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, muscle cramping and muscle spasms. Nothing functions correctly in your body if there is an electrolyte imbalance.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that have an electric charge. They consist of potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate. These micronutrients form ions in water and are capable of conducting electricity, meaning they have an electric charge. They’re found in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids.

Why are electrolytes important?

• they balance fluid levels
• they regulate proper heart function, blood flow and circulation
• they balance your body’s acid/base (pH) level
• they move nutrients into your cells
• they move waste out of your cells

They are also essential for cognition and mood, performance and recovery and to replenish sweat losses! Sweating is amazing for detoxification and ridding the body of heavy metals, but you also need electrolyte replenishment afterward, or you may feel super dizzy and lethargic, or you may have a headache! In other words, they are absolutely essential to feel your best (and look your best too). I find my skin is much more plump and less dry after my Homemade Gatorade drink.

How To Replenish Electrolytes:

There are a few different ways. The most basic way is to add real sea salt (not table salt) with the juice from 1/2 fresh lemon to your 16 ounces of water. Add 1/2 teaspoon to start. The fresh lemon helps with absorption. You should also consider switching the salt you cook and eat with to sea salt, instead of table salt, as it is stripped of all these beneficial minerals. Table salt is the worst!!

The following are additional ways to spruce up your electrolyte replenishment! P.S. >> Don’t forget, the type of water you drink is important too! See my post on Why We Use a Berkey Water Filter.

1. Coconut Water:

Coconut water is ideal, but it can get expensive! If only we had access to fresh coconuts on the daily… am I right?! Coconut water has naturally occurring electrolytes but there are other options as well. I like this coconut water.

2. Lyteshow Liquid Drops:

These are liquid drops that my naturopath recommended. I like them, but they’re not my favorite and are sort of pricy. They’re a great option, but I felt better with the following options.

3. Vega Sport Hydrator (sugar-free):

My favorite sugar-free option! I love how this vega powder makes me feel. The berry flavor is my go-to but they also have lemon-lime. It takes a couple minutes to fully dissolve but it will eventually. So good and refreshing!

4. Nuun Electrolyte Tablets:

These are my second favorite! They are tablets that dissolve in your water and I immediately feel a sense of relief and balance after drinking them. I love the flavors and they’re the easiest to travel with. They’re not sugar free, but are low enough in sugar that I’m fine with them in a pinch.

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I hope you find this post helpful! Electrolytes are absolutely essential and I don’t think this topic is talked about enough.

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