Popular electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are full of refined sugars, artificial flavorings, food dyes and chemicals- including a flame retardant. Yep! You read that correctly, Brominated Vegetable Oil has been patented in Europe as a flame retardant and is used by Gatorade as an ingredient. The company says it has been considering removing the ingredient and is working to find an alternative. BVO is banned in food and beverages in Europe and Japan but has been widely used for decades in the U.S.
With all those unhealthy additives it is a wonder why commercial brand sports drinks are commonly used as a way to replenish the body. Especially when it is so easy to make your own homemade electrolyte drink. And I mean-E-A-S-Y! It’s the perfect way to hydrate and heal the body with real foods and minerals not just after a workout, but also for anyone who is having trouble staying hydrated by water alone. It is especially helpful for women who are pregnant and nursing or to ensure that your little one is getting enough fluids when sick (Pedialyte alternative!). With common household ingredients you can whip up a batch in no time for just pennies!
Homemade Electrolyte Ingredients:
• 2 cups of filtered water (can substitute: Green Tea, Coconut Water, Herbal Teas, etc. )
• Juice from 1 lemon, lime or orange
• 2 Tbs of raw honey or pure maple syrup (B Grade)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp of Celtic sea salt or pink Himalayan salt.
• 100% organic juice (optional)
Add the liquid to a large glass jar (brew tea of using), squeeze citrus juice in, and add the remaining ingredients and stir. If you used honey it may seem that the honey will never fully dissolve. I promise you, it will! Just keep stirring! Another option is to throw everything into a blender and mix everything up that way too. The solution tastes well on its own without juice, but additional juice may be added for flavor, especially for children. The solutions can be served either warm or over ice. You can store the solution in the fridge but it should be consumed in its entirely within 48 hours.
Other ingredients can be included to make other yummy, healthy versions with lots of benefits. Steeping some fresh ginger in water and using as a base is a great way to help kill a stomach bug while offering replenishment to the body. Include a tablespoon of chia for added protein after an intense workout. The different solutions can be served either warm or over ice depending on your taste and the ingredients used.
The most important electrolytes to the body are calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium, hydrogen carbonate and hydrogen phosphate. Losing too many electrolytes results in negative effects on the body. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance differ from person to person but can include muscle spasms, fatigue, weakness, blood pressure changes and irregular heartbeat. This homemade electrolyte solution is so simple and cost effective, with so many different variations! It is definitely ideal in comparison to store bought alternatives. Next time you are in need of a nourishing and energizing drink try this recipe.
