Being well hydrated is not all about drinking water but also the foods you eat. Eating fresh, whole, raw, organic fruits and vegetables will help to keep your body hydrated and supply good levels of electrolytes. A high water content fruit or vegetable will also provide your body with water in a pure and easily absorbed form rich in electrolytes.

What are electrolytes and best sources

Electrolytes are minerals that regulate or are involved in a vast majority of processes and reactions in the body. Main electrolytes present in our bodies include minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate. They are found in body fluids (blood, urine, sweat) and have key importance in nerve signal transmission outside and inside the cells, among others.

Foods high in water and electrolytes include:

  • All melons
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomatoes
  • Berries
  • Coconut juice which is naturally rich in electrolytes (fresh is best)

Blend some fresh watermelon with a few cubes of ice and 1-2 mint leaves for a great summer drink. Herbal teas and soups or broths also count as part of the daily water intake and are high in minerals/ electrolytes.

Start your day on a high note by having a glass or two of warm or room temperature water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Add a good squeeze of lemon juice to wake up your digestion and cleanse the liver after sleep. Tepid or room temperature water is better than cold if you’re dehydrated as the body can absorb it immediately instead of having to raise the temperature of water first in order to process it more efficiently.

Check out this article on why drinking more water is so important for your health and how to drink more water daily.

Homemade electrolyte drinks recipes

Add salt or Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to increase electrolyte levels

It’s helpful for most people (individuals with high blood pressure related to salt metabolism need to be careful) to add a small amount of good quality salt such as Celtic or Himalayan varieties or some ACV to the filtered water. Either of these will help keep the water in your body for longer and not simply flush it through.

ACV’s use in water as a hydrant goes back to ancient times. Have 1/2-1 teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water, or 1 tablespoon of ACV per litre of water during the day. If adding salt, 1/8 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan salt per litre of water is sufficient for most people.

Adding lemon juice will further enhance water’s bioavailability. Most people are deficient in electrolytes which regulate the hydration of the body as well as blood pH and are critical for nerve and muscle function.

Both ACV and salt will provide good amount of electrolytes. Having coconut water instead of plain water (or a mix of both) will further enhance electrolytes levels and water absorption.

Basic electrolyte rich drink 

  • 1 litre of filtered water (or coconut water either fresh or a good quality one available at health food shops and supermarkets. You can also dilute coconut water 50:50 with filtered water to make it less sweet)
  • Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice (or both) – 1 lemon and/or lime
  • 1 teaspoon of raw honey or organic, sulphur-free molasses for extra minerals and a bit of colour
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan pink salt

Blend all ingredients, poor into a glass water and drink throughout the day. Experiment with proportions and use your taste buds as your guide to adjust the ingredients to what feels right for you. There may be days when your body will want more salt and other days when it will ask for more honey or lemon juice.

Be flexible and adjust accordingly! Depending on your current electrolytes balance and needs, you will make a drink that is tailored for you and your taste buds will help you to do that.

Rehydration formula

  • 1 litre of filtered water (ideally don’t use tap water, it will likely have traces of chemicals or pesticides, chlorine or fluoride)
  • ¼ tsp Celtic or Himalayan salt (start with less and adjust as you go)
  • 20 drops of colloidal minerals (T.J Clark or Lifesrpings  brands in Australia are good quality)
  • 15 ml (measure exactly!) of apple juice for enhancing internal hydration
  • Mix well and drink 1-2 litres per day throughout the day

This formula is rich in many electrolytes and works very well to quickly reverse dehydration.

Flavoured water recipes rich in electrolytes

Flavoured waters are great natural electrolyte replacements that can be made to your taste and liking using fruits, vegetables and herbs. I’d like to encourage you to make your own versions of flavoured and coloured water to increase electrolyte levels.

Electrolytes - flavoured water recipes

Here are a few suggestions to get started:

Green water

1.5-2 litres of purified water or coconut water
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced (preferably organic or very a well washed non organic one)
10 spearmint or apple or chocolate mint leaves

Combine all ingredients in a large glass jug, cover and let flavours blend overnight in the fridge. Strain and drink the entire jug by the end of the day. You also can dilute it with water to your taste and have it over two days (keep the ‘original’ in the fridge).

Strawberry water

2 litres of purified water
3-4 strawberries cut in half
4-5 fresh pineapple sage leaves
5 fresh lemon verbena leaves (optional)
½ lemon cut into thin slices

Follow the steps as above. The water will turn a beautiful pink colour and feel very refreshing.

Spicy water

1.5-2 litres of purified water
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
½ lime cut into thin slices
½ lemon cut into thin slices
3-4 cloves
3-4 fresh mint leaves

Lemon barley water

1.5 litres of water
90g pearl barley
1-2 lemons
1 tablespoon of honey

Place barley and water in a saucepan and bring to boil. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes then strain into a glass jug. Cut the lemons into thin slices, keep the skin on, add to barley water, cover and refrigerate overnight. Strain the mixture the next day and discard the solids.

Add honey and stir to dissolve. Serve chilled with your favourite herbs such as mint, pineapple sage etc.

Barley water soothes gut inflammation and helps in detoxification especially of the kidneys and the bladder. It works well for bladder infections and urinary track infections (UTIs). It’s also a great thirst quencher! Please note that lemon barley water contains gluten.

Iced lemon juice

As time saver, juice several lemons and/or limes ahead of time and freeze them in ice cube trays. Keep these in your freezer and simply add a lemon ice cube to a glass of water any time for a quick and easy lemon flavoured water drink.

Electrolytes - best electrolyte drinks

Use your creativity to come up with different combinations or different ingredients to make your own interesting flavours. Make several jugs each with a different flavoured water if you are having an outdoor party. Or have all ingredients laid out so each person can create their own flavoured water.

So now you know how to drink enough water daily the easy way to keep your electrolytes high!

Please do share your ideas with us by leaving a comment below. Thank you!

Please read Part 1 of this article covering signs and symptoms of dehydration.

Enjoy!

Best of Health
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Joanna Sochan
Holistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Therapies for Abundant Health and Wellbeing

Additional resources

Disclaimer: The above material is for informational and/or educational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescription or recommendation. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should not make any changes in their health regimen or diet before first consulting a doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition or their particular circumstances.

Joanna Sochan is a Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Holistic Wellcare. She has a passion for helping clients transform their lives by becoming healthy and well naturally. Joanna has 12+ years experience in clinical practice and has special interest in solving complex cases, gut health, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, autoimmune disorders and weight loss. She helps clients individually (mostly online) Australia-wide and also offers online therapeutic programs, eCourses and self-help eBooks.  View full bio.

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