Natural Electrolytes

Working out in the heat of summer can take its toll on your body!  Today, we're going to focus on how you can address this serious summer concern with a homemade solution.  

I like to make up about a gallon ahead of time to keep on-hand in the fridge for use as needed.  (As an aside, I've also had friends and family use the replenishment drink as part of colonoscopy prep, with good results.)

Why should we care about electrolytes?
Our bodies rely on a balance of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium chloride, hydrogen phosphate (a mineral), and hydrogen carbonate (a salt), which are vital for survival. 

If we dilute them too much, it can lead to death by “water poisoning.” They regulate our nerve and muscle function, our hydration, the pH of our blood, rebuilding damaged tissue, and determining blood pressure.

During strenuous exercise or exposure to excessive heat, you sweat and lose electrolytes.  These homemade recipes will help to replenish the electrolytes without all of the added chemicals found in marketed versions.

Electrolyte Replenishment Drink

Ingredients  (makes one quart)

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 ½ to 2 cups fresh water, depending on how strong you want the flavor
• 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons natural sugar or honey, to taste

Directions

• Blend everything together.
• Pour a glass over ice.

Lemon Barley Water

Ingredients

·         2 medium sized lemons

·        -1/ 4 cup pearl barley

·         3 cups water

·         1/ 8 to 1/ 4 cup honey

Directions

• Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest of the lemons, avoiding the pith.
• Put the zest in a medium saucepan with the barley and the water.
• Squeeze the lemon juice into a cup and set aside.
• Bring to a boil , reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, until barley is soft.
• Strain and discard the barley and the zest.
• Stir in the reserved lemon juice and honey.
• Chill before drinking.