When we exercise or fast, it's important for your overall health to prioritize hydration by adding electrolytes, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring.

Fruits and vegetables provide natural electrolytes, but if you exercise, live in a hot climate, or follow a low-carb diet, you may need to add extra electrolytes as a sports drink.

What exactly are electrolytes and how do they work?

Electrolytes are minerals that play an important role in many bodily functions, including hydration, muscle contraction and nerve function. When we sweat, we lose electrolytes through our skin, so it's important to replenish them by drinking fluids like water or sports drinks. An imbalance in electrolytes can lead to dehydration.

Electrolytes are essential to our health, regulating everything from nerve function to cellular fluid balance, blood pressure and pH levels. By making sure we have enough electrolytes in our system, we can maintain optimal health and avoid problems.

The electrolytes important for hydration are sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride and phosphate. However, there are also other trace minerals and elements that play a role in optimal hydration. Therefore, it is important to consume a variety of foods and drinks that contain these essential nutrients to stay well hydrated. One way to do this is to make a sugar-free electrolyte sports drink at home with simple ingredients.

And before you grab a colored bottle of who-knows-what-in-the-drink, it's good to know that most electrolyte drinks are loaded with artificial or regular sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors and preservatives - ingredients we use during a fasting period, or also detox, definitely want to avoid.

3 electrolytes to keep you hydrated during exercise or detox period

You can replenish your electrolytes without sports drinks in a few easy ways:

1. Himalayan Pink Sea Salt

An easy way to replenish your electrolytes is to add Himalayan pink sea salt to your water. This salt is rich in minerals and can help restore electrolyte levels. You can add 1 teaspoon of Himalayan sea salt to a glass of water in the morning. This will help keep your body hydrated.

2. Vegetable stock

You can also dissolve 1 to 2 vegetable stock cubes in a cup of water. Adding a few electrolyte-rich foods like mushrooms and spinach will give you potassium and magnesium, important minerals for hydration. A vegetable broth made from organically grown vegetables can be an excellent source of essential electrolytes.

3. Electrolyte supplements

There are some great electrolyte supplements on the market that can help you stay hydrated and replenish your electrolytes. Just be sure to check the ingredient list for (refined) sugar or artificial sweeteners.

How do you make your own sugar-free electrolyte sports drink?

This electrolyte sports drink is the perfect way to stay cool and hydrated on a hot day. The drink is often thought of as a sports drink, but it's also handy to have with you even when you're not working out. Replenishing fluids with a natural electrolyte sports drink can help you feel and perform better.

Combine all ingredients in a mason jar, shake and enjoy! This electrolyte recipe is sugar free, low carb, and wonderfully refreshing. Perfect for athletes or anyone looking to improve their health.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of water

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/8 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or other high-quality salt

1 tablespoon powdered stevia (optional)

Shake and taste. With the lid on, shake the drink until the sweetener is dissolved. Taste and add more sweetener to taste if needed. Do you want an extra boost? Then add a ginger shot . Add ice cubes or drink it as is.

Can you pre-make electrolyte drinks?

Yes, you can make a sugar-free electrolyte sports drink a few days in advance and keep it in the fridge - or just make it fresh, it's ready in less than 5 minutes.