pixabay

I'm sure you have heard of the word "electrolyte". Same word associated with the popular drink Gatorade. But are you aware of what it is exactly or why it is important to your health? According to Built Lean, electrolytes are ions in the body that conduct electricity (that is correct, you are electric!) and help maintain the balance of fluids in the inner and outer part of the cell. As fluids become imbalanced, you may feel certain symptoms such as muscle cramping or heart disease.

Dr. Axe stated that having electrolyte imbalance can cause many issues including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and high fevers. The is that you have a lack of fluids. A lack of fluids can lead to dehydration and life-threatening complications. Other symptoms include muscle aches and spasms, anxiety, frequent headaches, heart palpitations, and joint pain. You may also experience changes in blood pressure or appetite and weight. None of this is very pleasant.

Instead of reaching for a sugary sports drink, replenish your electrolytes with these 8 tasty and nutritious electrolyte drinks from Home Remedy Hacks.

1. Watermelon juice. The electrolytes in watermelon promote nerve function and heart health. The tasty summer fruit has properties that make it a miracle worker against muscle pain, especially after a strenuous workout. Make it into a juice and sip after exercising to prevent fluid imbalance.

2. Ginger, lemon, honey. It sounds like a cold remedy, and it very well could be. Pour 1 cup water into a pan. Add 3- 4 fresh ginger slices and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the flame and let cool. Pour into a container and add 2 more cups water. Add juice from 1/2 lemon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons raw honey. Shake and drink.

3. Cranberry maple juice. Cranberry is somewhat of a miracle fruit. The tart berry is rich in electrolytes and is effective at detoxifying the lymphatic system and cleansing the kidneys and bladder. To make this drink, mix 5 cups water with 3 cups unsweetened cranberry juice, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Drink when you are feeling exhausted.

4. Coconut strawberry smoothie. There's a reason coconut water is a favorite among athletes. It really works to rehydrate and replenish. Using a blender, mix 3 cups coconut water with 1 cup water, 1 cup strawberries, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 cup ice.

5. Banana kale smoothie. Banana is one of the greatest sources of potassium, as well as phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. This recipe requires just a bit of prep. Steep 1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds in water for 5 minutes then drain. De-seed 1 orange, chop 1 kale leaf and slice 2 ripe bananas. Blend together, adding water until you reach your preferred consistency.

6. Dark cherry drink. Dark, tart cherries are packed with nutrients. Begin this recipe by boiling 1/2 cup distilled water. Upon reaching a boil, turn off the flame and add 1/4 cup honey and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well until the honey and salt dissolves. Next, add 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, and 3 1/2 cups water. Keep in the fridge to drink when you feel tired or weak.

7. Celery apple smoothie. The sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphorus in celery will do you wonders, as will the electrolytes found in apples. Blend 6 celery stalks, 1 apple, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add water to reach your preferred consistency and drink fresh.

8. Water, sugar, salt. Simply mix 1 tablespoon sugar or honey and 1 teaspoon salt into a tall glass of water. Drinking this on hot summer days will prevent dehydration and the loss of important electrolytes.

Have YOU ever experienced an electrolyte imbalance? Tell us your story when you SHARE this article on social media!

RESOURCES HOME REMEDY HACKS, BUILT LEAN, AND DR. AXE