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This Homemade Sweet Citrus Electrolyte Drink is both sweet and citrusy for a refreshing flavor that will help to replenish lost electrolytes.
The invention of Gatorade occurred in 1965 when football players were becoming easily heat exhausted during practice and games. This exhaustion was caused by the loss of fluids through excessive sweating, depleting the cells of proteins, glucose, and electrolytes. Gatorade combated heat exhaustion by replenishing lost electrolytes.
However, Gatorade, along with many other electrolyte beverages on the market today are packed with added sugars, natural flavors, and artificial coloring, to list a few. Be sure to always read the ingredient list on packaged foods to understand what you are consuming!
Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a role in a variety of bodily functions related to the brain, nerves, muscles, and tissue building. The most important electrolytes include sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
An imbalance of these electrolytes may occur when you lose excessive amounts of fluids from intense physical activity, illness such as vomiting or diarrhea, diabetes, or kidney disease, to name a few.
An electrolyte drink is a great way to replenish and rehydrate your body. I recommend to first focus on staying hydrated, then implement an electrolyte drink before or after:
Organic coconut water – contains traces of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.
Lime – contains traces of calcium and potassium.
Orange juice – contains traces of potassium and magnesium.
Manuka honey – contains traces of magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium.
Himalayan sea salt – contains traces of sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate and calcium.
Not in the mood to make your own electrolyte drink? Try out LMNT unflavored or Re-Lyte Electrolyte Mix.
Morris, Susan York. “How to Prevent an Electrolyte Imbalance.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 Mar. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/how-to-prevent-an-electrolyte-imbalance#prevention.