Electrolytes are minerals that are needed by the body to perform basic life function processes. Two of these functions in particular is to maintain electrical neutrality in the cells and to generate and conduct action potentials in the nerves and muscles.
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE
When electrolyte levels in the blood become too high or too low, it can cause an imbalance, which in turn can lead to issues such as:
- irregular heartbeat
- muscle weakness or spasms
- bone disorders
- convulsions and/or seizures
- confusion
- numbness
- excessive tiredness
- nervous system disorders
- change in blood pressure
CAUSES OF IMBALANCE
- poor diet and severe dehydration
- prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea
- loss of electrolytes and hydration after exercise
- acidosis/alkalosis (imbalance of blood pH)
- diuretics and other drugs
- congestive heart failure
- cancer treatment
ELECTROLYTE DRINKS
Most electrolyte drinks that you will find on supermarket shelves (and even some from healthy places like sports nutrition stores) contain ingredients that are far from being beneficial to the body. High levels of sugar, sodium, food dyes, chemical sweeteners and other additives found in these drinks contribute to health problems. Many popular electrolyte drinks, when consumed regularly, have the potential to lead to diabetes, kidney damage, tooth enamel erosion and weight gain.
Clearly it’s best to avoid this ‘health’ drink and stick to a natural source of rehydration of electrolytes.
HOMEMADE AND HEALTHY ELECTROLYTE DRINK RECIPE
- 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups of raw coconut water
- 2 tbl organic raw honey or organic maple syrup
- 2 pinches of Himalayan salt
METHOD
- Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
- Bottle in glass and refrigerate.
- Best served on ice.
For a nice change, substitute the orange juice for 1/4 cup of lime juice!
