What are Electrolytes ?
Electrolytes, as defined by the National Library of Medicine, are minerals endowed with an electrical charge. These minerals encompass sodium, calcium, chloride, potassium, phosphate, and magnesium. When you consume foods and beverages containing these minerals, they disperse throughout your body, harnessing their electrical energy to support vital bodily functions.
According to the National Library of Medicine, electrolytes play a crucial role in:
◊ Maintaining the balance of water in your body.
◊ Regulating your body’s pH level.
◊ Facilitating the movement of nutrients into your cells.
◊ Assisting in the removal of waste from your cells.
◊ Ensuring the proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, heart, and brain.
WHAT IS ELECTROLYTE WATER?
Electrolyte water, as the name suggests, is water infused with electrolytes—those essential minerals mentioned earlier. It is available in various forms:
◊ Tablets that you can dissolve in water.
◊ Powders that can be mixed in.
◊ Bottled water pre-infused with electrolytes.
Common examples of electrolyte water brands include Gatorade, Propel, Liquid IV, and Pedialyte.
DOES TAP WATER CONTAIN ELECTROLYTES?
While tap water may contain some electrolytes, the concentrations are generally quite low. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, an average liter of tap water provides roughly 2-3% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Potassium, on the other hand, is usually present in minimal quantities in tap water.
However, there are instances where your tap water can contain an excessive amount of calcium and magnesium, often referred to as “hard water.” This type of water in your home can lead to several issues for your plumbing and appliances, including visible scale buildup and pipe corrosion.
To address hard water problems, the best solution is to install a water softener or a water softener alternative. These water softening systems can effectively reduce the minerals that can harm your plumbing and appliances. Traditional water softeners utilize ion exchange, replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. In contrast, water softener alternatives operate without the need for salt, producing zero water waste and requiring less maintenance.
DOES FILTERED WATER CONTAIN ELECTROLYTES?
If you use a reverse osmosis system to filter your water, it’s possible that your water supply will contain electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. For instance, the FreshPoint 5-Stage Undercounter Reverse Osmosis System can efficiently eliminate more than 99% of particles, dissolved salts, organic molecules, and bacteria from your drinking water.
HOW TO MAKE ELECTROLYTE WATER
If you’re interested in preparing homemade electrolyte water, there are several methods you can try at home. Here are three recipes for you to explore:
RECIPE #1 (ADAPTED FROM HEALTHLINE)
Ingredients:
◊ ¼ cup of lemon juice
◊ ¼ cup of pomegranate juice
◊ ¼ teaspoon of salt
◊ 1½ cups of unsweetened coconut water
◊ 2 cups of filtered water
Steps:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together.
2. Transfer the mixture into a pitcher.
3. Chill it to your desired temperature and serve.
RECIPE #2 (ADAPTED FROM RAISING GENERATION NOURISHED)
Ingredients:
◊ 2 cups of filtered water
◊ Juice of ½ lemon
◊ ¼ teaspoon of real sea salt, Himalayan salt, or Celtic sea salt
◊ 2 teaspoons of raw honey
Steps:
1. Place all the ingredients in a suitable container, such as a pint mason jar.
2. Shake or stir until all the ingredients are dissolved.
3. Store and chill the mixture in your refrigerator for at least two hours.
RECIPE #3 (ADAPTED FROM ILLINOIS CANCER CARE)
Ingredients:
◊ 2 cups of filtered water
◊ ½ cup of fresh or frozen strawberries
◊ ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice
◊ 2 tablespoons of raw honey
◊ ⅛ teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt
Steps:
1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Serve and enjoy immediately.
These homemade electrolyte water recipes offer a refreshing and health-conscious alternative to store-bought options.
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Join us as we unravel the science behind electrolytes, explore the world of electrolyte water, and demystify the truths about your tap and filtered water. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to make informed choices about your water consumption.
