Easy 3 Ingredient Natural Electrolyte Drink Recipe
Looking for an alternative isotonic drink that you can make at home? This easy 3 ingredient natural electrolyte drink recipe is quick and simple, using just 3 ingredients that you probably already have at home.
What is an Isotonic Drink?
An isotonic drink, or an electrolyte drink as they are also known, is a non-caffeinate recovery drink often used by athletes. The purpose of an isotonic drink is to quickly hydrate and replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates that are lost when we exercise. These types of drinks are especially important for athletes who undertake intense exercise, causing them to sweat and lose electrolytes when working out.
What are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are important minerals in the body that can carry an electric charge. They are usually found in our blood, sweat and are lost through these three bodily fluids. Electrolytes are essential for the body to be able to function properly. They help to regulate the nervous system and rehydrate the body in a way that water can’t after intense exercise. Drinking a sports drink or homemade electrolyte drink after working out will give your body and mind a natural energy boost after a long run or high intensity workout.
How Do You Know If Your Electrolytes are Low?
Although symptoms of low electrolytes, also referred to as an electrolyte imbalance, can be related to other issues, the main symptoms are: headaches, nausea, fatigue, confusion, muscle cramps, spasms, weakness and irregular heartbeat. If you suspect you might have an electrolyte imbalance, it is important that you seek advice from a medical professional to check the underlying reason. Ongoing symptoms of low electrolytes can lead to more serious health problems, such as seizures. So don’t leave these symptoms unchecked. Seek medical advice if you are experiencing any of the above.
Isotonic Drink vs Electrolyte Tablets
In recent years, taking electrolyte tablets has become increasingly popular as an alternative to consuming isotonic sports drinks. One of the main advantages for electrolyte tablets is that they are easily portable and small enough to carry around for when you need them. Although both electrolyte drinks and electrolyte tablets containing vitamin supplements are used for the same purpose, drinking an electrolyte drink is generally a more effective way of replenishing lost electrolytes and restoring salt content in the body after intense exercise. An isotonic drink provides all-round better hydration and nutrition in comparison to electrolyte tablets, although the tablet form is a good alternative if you don’t have a sports drink to hand.
Natural Electrolytes Drink Ideas
Consuming sugary drinks every day is not recommended. Many shop bought sports drinks contain high levels of sugar, in addition to additives. Overconsumption of these types of drinks can lead to high blood sugar levels, weight gain, as well as other issues. You should only consume a sports drink, used as an isotonic drink, after completing a high intense exercise session. If you’re not exercising at a moderate to intense level then drinking water is enough to provide you with adequate hydration. There are however, a number of natural electrolytes drink options that contain natural electrolytes and are safe to consume both after exercise, as well as on a daily basis as part of a healthy, balanced diet. These healthy hydrating drinks include:
- Coconut water
- Watermelon juice
- Milk
- Natural orange juice
- Smoothies – for extra natural electrolytes and a natural energy boost, add a banana to your smoothie. Bananas contain potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and heart function and are very beneficial for your overall health.
Easy 3 Ingredient Natural Electrolyte Drink Recipe
Making your own homemade sports drink is much easier than you might think. This homemade electrolyte drink recipe contains just 3 ingredients: water, lemon and salt. It’s quick and simple and is a great way to balance and restore natural electrolytes. Making your own homemade isotonic drink using just water, lemon and salt is a natural and effective way to reduce inflammation, balance pH levels, boost metabolism and support healthy muscle function, and much more. Have a go at making this easy isotonic drink at home with this quick and simple electrolyte drink recipe.
You will need:
One glass of water
1 lemon
A pinch of salt
Method:
Pour yourself a glass of fresh water. In your glass, squeeze in a squirt of lemon and then add a pinch of salt. Mix it together and enjoy!
Should You Consume a Homemade Electrolyte Drink Every Day?
This 3 ingredient natural electrolyte drink recipe can be enjoyed every day, ideally in the morning when you first wake up, or after exercising. While this homemade electrolyte drink isn’t enough to restore all of the essential electrolytes lost after an intense workout, it is one of the better types of hydrating drinks to consume after exercise, compared to just drinking plain water or consuming caffeinated or unhealthy sugary drinks. This isotonic drink recipe is also great for when you have a cold and are in need of a much needed energy boost. For a vitamin packed post-workout drink, check out this green smoothie recipe that Reese Witherspoon drinks every morning.
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