The hottest days of summer are here – be sure to stay hydrated!
Drinking water is essential for hydration anytime of the year, however during the very hot summer days you will be losing a significant amount of fluid as your body works hard to regulate your temperature.
Sweat is made of water and also several electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Therefore it is important to replace these electrolytes as well – not just water!
You can make your own natural electrolyte formula (homemade “Gatorade”) at home using ingredients from your kitchen.
· Add 1 litre of water or your favourite herbal tea (chilled) to a pitcher
· Add 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed citrus juice (orange or grapefruit is yummy) to the pitcher
· In a mug, add a few tablespoons of warm water to easily dissolve the following:
o 1/8 teaspoon salt
o 2 tablespoons of honey
· Add the contents of the mug to the pitcher, stir well, and voila! Your own “homemade Gatorade”!
Adjust the recipe to your taste. The salt provides the necessary sodium while the citrus juice provides potassium, magnesium, and other electrolytes which are essential to sweat formation.
Drink as needed throughout hot days. Enjoy!