Homemade Electrolyte Sports Drink

homemade electrolyte sports drink

Ready, Set, PLAY!

Capture the flag, freeze tag, soccer, three-legged races – whatever it is that turns your little ones into puddles of breathless, sweaty determination, chances are you’re looking for a way to keep them hydrated along the way.

One option is to dunk them in water and hope some makes it into their mouth.

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Or you can make them a super yummy electrolyte drink, which supports optimal hydration by replacing vital minerals and electrolytes. They’re stocked with easily absorbed simple carbs that help boost energy, too.

Either option is a great alternative to commercial sports drinks, which contain food dyes that pose a “rainbow of risks” – cancer, hyperactivity, and more.  Also, one of the top brands still contains brominated vegetable oil (BVO), which is patented as a flame retardant. They’ve announced plans to replace BVO with sucrose acetate isobutyrate soon, but critics are unconvinced that the new chemical is much better.  (One study that showed liver changes and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity in dogs after being exposure.)

These healthy homemade sports drinks support optimal hydration by replacing vital minerals and electrolytes.

ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS

Coconut water is often referred to as “Nature’s Gatorade.” It contains 13 times more potassium – an electrolyte needed for proper cell function – than Gatorade, plus twice the amount of another electrolyte (sodium). (source) (This brand doesn’t have any additives/preservatives)

Raw honey is rich in minerals and easily digestible sugars, which can be used for energy.  Sugar “signals the body to down-regulate the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Cortisol levels spike during exercise and particularly during anaerobic (when you get breathless) exercise.” (source)

Sea salt is full of electrolytes and minerals. Plus it “plays an important role of balancing the stress hormones during exercise. Salt reduces adrenaline levels and supports overall metabolic health.” (source)

Trace mineral drops add to the electrolyte content of the drink. Due to soil depletion many of us do not get enough trace minerals in our diet, so I supplement with this regularly.

Freshly pressed juices such as lemon, lime, and orange contain vitamins, enzymes and easily digestible sugars that help maintain energy during a workout, then help speed recovery afterwards.

These healthy homemade sports drinks support optimal hydration by replacing vital minerals and electrolytes.

Orange Twist Sports Drink

  • 3-4 cups water (depending on the concentration you prefer)
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon celtic sea salt or real salt
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup (or more to taste)
  • a few drops of Concentrace minerals drops (optional)