Electrolytes are basically salts – the fancy term for ions in the salts. The major electrolytes in your body are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, sulfate, bicarbonate and chloride. Electrolytes are important for regulating the functioning of your nerves and muscles. Your body’s cells use them to maintain voltage and carry electrical impulses across their cell membranes to other cells. However, diarrhea, heavy sweating or certain health conditions may lead to a severe loss of electrolytes in the body, thus causing fatigue, weakness and illness. This is when you need an electrolyte drink! While there is a plethora of commercial electrolyte drinks in the market, they contain sweeteners and preservatives that you might not want to consume. Moreover, anything homemade is always more healthy, fresh and tasty.

So, why not prepare your own electrolyte energy drink at home?

Here are the basic ingredients that go into making an energy booster at home:

Water is the primary ingredient that acts as the carrier of electrolytes.

Salt (unrefined only) is rich in several minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It helps replenish the sodium reserve in the body that declines with sweating and thus maintains the cell voltage in your body while keeping you electrically charged throughout. It also plays a major role in balancing stress hormones, while reducing adrenaline fatigue.

Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, potassium and calcium content and thus are exceptionally rich in electrolytes. The naturally occurring sugars in citrus fruit juices are a great energy booster during a workout and even speed up recovery afterward. Moreover, fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruits that are rich in vitamin C help maintain the immune system by replenishing lost electrolytes in the body.

Honey acts as a natural sweetener and is packed with natural enzymes and minerals that help the body absorb the richness of salt components, while also improving the taste of the drink. Moreover, honey contains antimicrobial and healing properties that help in soothing sore throats and coughs.

Ginger contains anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties that, with sea salt, acts as a powerful concoction to help you feel better and rejuvenated. Ginger is also a plus for soothing your stomach and reducing muscle soreness.

Here are 2 recipes for homemade electrolyte energy drinks:

• DIY Ginger Electrolyte Drink
• DIY Orange and Lemon Delight

Ginger Electrolyte Drink

Ingredients

• Water – 1 cup
• Fresh ginger slices – 3 to 5
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Sea salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Raw honey – 1 to 2 tablespoons

Steps

• Heat 1 cup of water in a pan.
• Throw in 3 to 5 slices of ginger.
• Boil and steep for about 5 minutes and then strain the liquid.
• Add lemon juice to the solution.
• Add ¼ teaspoon of unrefined salt to it.
• Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of organic honey.
• Mix thoroughly to dissolve the salt and honey completely. This will help blend the sweet, sour and salty flavors well.

Sip and enjoy the energy drink during and after your workout session for a refreshing start of your day.

Orange and Lemon Delight

Ingredients

• Water – 2 cups filtered
• Lemon juice – ¼ cup freshly squeezed
• Orange juice – ½ cup freshly squeezed
• Raw honey – 2 to 4 tablespoons
• Unrefined salt – ¼ teaspoon

Steps

• Take one-half cup of orange juice.
• Add lemon juice to it. Mix the juices together to blend in the sweet and sour flavors.
• Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of raw honey.
• Pour in water and mix the solution well.
• Add a little unrefined salt to it.
• Whisk the ingredients together to completely dissolve the salt and honey.

Enjoy the refreshing treat whenever you want a boost of energy and mood or during and after your workout sessions.

Additional Tips:

• The water used for making an electrolyte energy drink at home must be as clean as possible. If you do not have a water dispenser at home, simply boil water in a pot before you use it in the drink. Distilled water, the captured vapor from boiling water, is probably the closest to pure water with all the trace elements, minerals, contaminants and pollutants removed.
• You must use only sea salt or real salt to make the drink. Table salt does not contain any of the important minerals, due to the way it is processed.
• For extra benefits, you can substitute the water with an herbal tea infusion.
• If you are ill with a stomach bug, using teas like peppermint or spearmint can be soothing to your digestive system. They help you feel better, while also hydrating the body for a better recovery.
• Always use honey instead of sugar as a sweetener. To further enhance the taste, you can add some mashed mango. You can also add slices of certain fruits to provide a soothing flavor.
• You may use ginger water in the orange and lemon electrolyte drink as well, as ginger helps reduce muscle pain and soreness.