Feeling sluggish, low energy, or tired out. It may be because you need electrolytes!
Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry a positive or negative charge and are found in your blood, sweat, and urine. Electrolytes are composed of dissolved minerals. When essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and bicarbonate dissolve in fluid they are called electrolytes. Electrolytes are used in your body's metabolic processes and are crucial to keeping your nervous system and muscles functioning properly and your internal environment balanced. Electrolytes, particularly sodium, help maintain fluid balance through osmosis which is the process by which water moves through your cells. If you are on a low sodium diet, a low carb diet, the keto diet, or you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, then you may be susceptible to not getting enough sodium and/or having an electrolyte imbalance or deficiency. Also, if you exercise a lot or work physical labor, you will want to replace the sodium you lose through sweating. Having the right balance of electrolytes is crucial in maintaining your blood ph.
During the summer month it is especially important to be properly hydrated as the hotter temperatures cause the body to lose excess fluids in the form of sweat as your body works to keep you cool. People who exercise outdoors in the heat and people who do physical labor must pay particular attention to their hydration levels. Sometimes it's not enough to just drink plain water, but it's necessary to replace lost electrolytes as well. Unfortunately, many of the electrolyte drinks sold today are loaded with excess sugar and chemicals. That's why I like to make my own homemade electrolyte drink for myself and my family. It's quick and easy and you can make it in advance so you have it on hand when you need it. Nothing helps you feel better faster on a hot day or after a workout than to replenish your electrolytes with this homemade electrolyte drink.
My recipe is simple. You will need the following:
Glass quart Jar or Container
Juice of One Fresh Lemon
1/4 tsp salt (iodized salt, himalayan salt, or sea salt)
*Fruit juice of your choice (optional and added to sweeten, see Note below)
Directions: Fill a glass quart container with water. Add 1/4 tsp of salt and the juice of one fresh squeezed lemon (you can add more lemon if you like it more lemony). Stir to mix well and dissolve salt. Enjoy a cup when you need it.
Note: If you would like to add a little sweetness to your electrolyte drink, which I like to do because it gives me a little boost of energy, you can add a splash of cranberry juice or other natural low-in-sugar fruit juice of your choice. You can either add it to your quart of electrolyte drink or you can just add it to your cup as needed. Trader Joes, R.W. Knudsen, Lakewood, are among the brands that sell natural juices without added sugars or chemicals.
You will be amazed at how good you will feel when you hydrate properly.
-YouTips4U
