Energy drinks are extremely popular, but they’re not only expensive, they could also potentially land you in the emergency room. A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) showed that visits to the ER related to energy drink consumption doubled between 2007 and 2011, jumping from 10,068 to 20,783 cases.
Even if you don’t end up in the emergency room, energy drinks can cause numerous negative side effects. These include insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure, anxiety, mood problems, and around 90 other issues from artificial ingredients, like weight gain, rashes, seizures, and even cancer.
However, with many of us feeling low on energy daily, it’s no wonder people turn to these drinks for a quick boost to get through a workout or just to make it through the day.
Fortunately, it’s quite easy to make your own healthy energy drink from natural ingredients. The following recipe provides a fantastic Electrolyte Energy Drink that gives you the energy boost you need without the nasty side effects. Plus, it’s incredibly cheap to make.
Why are electrolytes so important?
Electrolytes are crucial for regulating hydration, which is why you often see them in the ingredient list of store-bought drinks. They include calcium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium. The body can absorb these electrolytes faster than plain water. While tap water does contain minerals, the amount and type can vary. It’s good for hydration but not reliable for a specific level of electrolytes.
Electrolytes carry electrical charges that stimulate the muscles and nerves and help regulate fluid levels in the body. This fluid balance affects various functions, including blood volume and blood pressure. Sodium plays a major role, but all electrolytes work together to keep fluids balanced. It’s essential to maintain a certain level of each electrolyte for them to function correctly.
Drinking this electrolyte beverage helps prevent dehydration, not just because it adds to your daily water intake, but because the sodium from the sea salt helps your body retain that much-needed water. Plus, the sweet lemon and lime flavor provides a refreshing change from plain water, making it easier to stay hydrated.
When you’re working out or spending time outside on a hot day, getting enough water is essential for regulating your body temperature. If you’re an athlete or training for an event like a 5K, staying hydrated is crucial for optimal performance. For extended exercise (lasting longer than an hour), double the recipe and drink half beforehand. Keep the other half in a water bottle to sip throughout your workout, which may improve both your endurance and speed.
How To Make An Electrolyte Energy Drink:
Ingredients:
– ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
– ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
– 1 ½ cups water
– ¼ tsp sea salt
– 1 – 2 packets stevia or 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Squeeze the lime and lemon juice.
2. Fill a glass with 1 ½ cups of water.
3. Add the squeezed lime and lemon juice, salt, and stevia or honey.
4. Stir really well, making sure the salt has dissolved.
