Summer heat got you down? Need to replenish after a workout, sickness, or even labor? This easy and delicious DIY natural electrolyte drink is just what you need.
Taking care of you.
As a busy woman, sometimes taking care of myself can be hard to do. But self-care is an essential part of a healthy family. Unfortunately, I’ve learned this the hard way. When my health is running low, I suffer and my family is worse off for it.
Lack of sleep, the strain of running around like a chicken with your head cut off life, workouts, summer outdoorsy stuff, even sickness… All these things can cause strain on our bodies and deplete them of their mineral resources. It’s important for us to replenish so that we can keep our health and take care of ourselves and our families.
This easy, DIY electrolyte drink is a wonderful way to replenish your body’s electrolytes and re-hydrate your system! It’s full of natural, healthy ingredients, and takes next to no time to whip up. I enjoy drinking it as a “special drink” (as my kiddos call it), but I’ve found it extremely useful to have on hand after sweating out a fever. I’ve also made a version of it after the births of my last three children to help give my body a boost after labor and delivery!
What exactly are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are tiny hormone-controlled chemicals our body produces that help our cells generate energy and maintain stability. They include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate.
Physical exertion and stress can deplete our bodies of these important chemicals, but thankfully, they can be found naturally in foods.
Citrus fruits are a wonderful source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. I used orange, lemon, and lime for this recipe, but you could also use grapefruit, as well.
Coconut water already contains all five minerals essential for electrolyte balance! If you can’t get your hands on coconut water, you could also use milk kefir, which is also high in calcium and magnesium (just remember the texture will be different!).
For an added boost of minerals, I use a few drops of liquid trace minerals, some magnesium powder, honey (contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium), and a pinch of sea salt (contains magnesium, potassium, and of course, sodium).
- 1 c. citrus juice (I did 1 lemon, 1 lime, 1 orange)
- 3 c. coconut water
- 3 T. honey
- ¼ t. magnesium powder
- 3-4 drops of trace minerals (optional) (available on Amazon)
- dash of sea salt
- Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- Puree to mix.
- Serve as is, or over ice.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge.
What a great way to hydrate up!
Thanks Rebecca! 🙂
This is lovely Raia! I love the addition of the trace minerals. Such a great idea!
Thank you, Emily. I like to sneak them in where I can. 😉
Such a good idea. I’ll have to make this for my kids when it gets up in the 100’s here in Utah!
I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful, Megan! It’s a great summer replenisher. 😉
What a great lesson on elecrolytes and how to replenish them without expensive or sugary drinks!
~jules
Exactly, Jules! Most of the electrolyte drinks in the grocery stores are full of so much unnecessary stuff. :p
Oh, this is great! Replenishing electrolytes is definitely something I worry when I’m running during the hot SoCal springs and summers. This would be so perfect post-run instead of something with a ton of sugar! Plus, it just looks really tasty. 😉
Thanks, Tracy. 🙂 It would be an excellent post-run drink!
I’m glad that I came across this recipe! I will definitly need to make this as I’ve been going through difficult times lately x
I hope you find it refreshing, Diana!
It sounds like a drink I must have and asap. I don’t always hydrate myself properly and that can’t be good for my health. A delicious and healthy drink is all I need. Great recipe!
I’m in the same place, Daniela. I too often forget to drink and suffer for it! I hope you get a chance to enjoy this drink! 🙂
Homemade electrolyte are so much better and cost efficient. We make something similar but never added trace mineral oil. Would be trying this soon !
So true, Molly! Homemade is usually always a better option. I hope you enjoy this version!
Never thought about making one of these myself… great idea. Thank you!
Thanks, Simon! I hope you get a chance to try it out. 🙂
This sounds way better than gatorade 🙂
Haha! Definitely, Sharon. 😉
I always buy store made powders but never even thought to make this….thanks for sharing!
Glad to share, Lauren! It really is easy to make!