Energy drinks are super popular, but they can be expensive and potentially dangerous. According to a report by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association), visits to the emergency room due to energy drink consumption doubled from 10,068 in 2007 to 20,783 in 2011. Even if you don’t end up in the ER, these drinks can cause a range of side effects like insomnia, headaches, high blood pressure, anxiety, mood swings, and many others. The artificial ingredients alone can lead to issues such as weight gain, rashes, seizures, and even cancer.
With many of us feeling drained, it’s no wonder we turn to energy drinks for a quick boost, whether it’s to power through a workout or just get through the day. The good news is, you can easily make a healthy energy drink at home using natural ingredients. The recipe below offers a fantastic Electrolyte Energy Drink that provides the needed boost without the nasty side effects and is much cheaper to make.
Why are electrolytes so important? They help regulate hydration and are often listed in store-bought drinks as calcium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium. The body absorbs these electrolytes faster than plain water. While tap water does contain minerals, their amount and type can vary, making it less reliable for specific electrolyte levels.
Electrolytes carry electrical charges that stimulate muscles and nerves and help regulate the fluid levels in the body, impacting blood volume and pressure. Sodium is particularly important for this balance, but all electrolytes work together to keep the body’s fluids in check. Maintaining the right amount of each electrolyte is crucial for their proper function.
Drinking this electrolyte beverage will help prevent dehydration, not just because it counts toward your daily water intake, but because the sodium from the sea salt helps the body retain water. Plus, the lemon/lime flavor makes it a refreshing alternative to plain water, making it easier to stay hydrated.
When you’re working out or spending time outside on a hot day, staying hydrated is essential for regulating body temperature. For athletes or those training for events like a 5K, hydration is key to optimal performance. If you’re engaging in prolonged exercise (over an hour), double the recipe and drink half beforehand. Keep the other half in a water bottle to sip during your workout. You might even find your endurance and speed improve.
Here’s how to make an Electrolyte Energy Drink:
Ingredients:
– ¼ cup fresh squeezed lime juice
– ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
– 1 ½ cups water
– ⅛ tsp sea salt
– 1-2 packets of stevia or 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Squeeze the lime and lemon.
2. Fill a glass with 1 ½ cups of water.
3. Add the lime and lemon juice, salt, and stevia or honey.
4. Stir well until the salt has dissolved.
