Electrolytes are mineral salts that your body uses for several chemical processes, including transmitting electrical signals throughout your nervous system to control muscle contractions. Electrolytes also contribute to cell function and balance the pH level in your blood. Electrolytes dissolve in water, and some electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, pass out of your body in urine and sweat. Commercial electrolyte energy drinks replace that sodium and potassium but can also contain a lot of sugar, artificial flavoring and preservatives. You can make your own electrolyte energy drinks with natural ingredients.
Step 1
Use 1 qt. of citrus juice for the potassium and as the base for your energy drink. Grapefruit juice has 1,603.2 mg of potassium per quart, and orange juice has 1,901.6 mg per quart. Add one type of juice to the 1-gallon container, or blend them together if you wish.
Step 2
Add sea salt for the sodium component. Use 1 level tsp. of salt for every quart of juice.
Step 3
Add sugar to taste, if desired. The sugar provides additional calories and sweetens the drink if you are using a very tart juice. You can also use artificial sweetener, if you prefer.
Step 4
Cover and shake the jug to mix the juice, salt and sugar together.
Step 5
Add 1 qt. of distilled or filter water to the jug. The water will dilute the juice and give it a texture closer to a sports drink.
Tips and Warnings
- For additional electrolytes, choose a citrus juice with added calcium.
Things You'll Need
- 1-gallon jug with lid
- Citrus juice
- Sea salt
- Sugar, optional
- Artificial Sweetener, optional
- Water
References
- "Human Nutrition"; Catherine Geissler; 2011
- Power Drinks & Energy Tonics; Tracy Rutherford; 2002
- Medline Plus; Electrolytes; August 2009
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