Let's talk electrolytes!
There's a lot out there about electrolytes; ads for new electrolyte-rich products, sensationalized articles about the newest research, and so much more. It's easy to get confused and buy into whatever new health gimmick has hit the shelves, but I'm here to arm you with some knowledge!
I could go on for ages about electrolytes, but I'm going to hold my dorky nutritionist side back and keep things short and sweet. To put it simply, electrolytes are tiny water-soluble electricity conductors that play a huge role in our bodies' normal functions and the maintenance of homeostasis (fancy term for "in balance"). The electrolytes in the human body include sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonate. These little guys can get depleted due to excessive sweating and dehydration caused by physical activity or illness, and other circumstances. It's important to replenish electrolyte levels after such things so your body can carry on with its normal functions and keep you going. That's where those well known electrolyte-rich sports drink come in!
Sports drinks are formulated to restore electrolyte levels and aid in rehydration, and have for ages been the go-to in such situations. However, with more people becoming interested in the nutrition information of the food and drinks they consume, there's some concern over the artificial flavors and colors of said sports drinks as well as their high sugar content. I was in the same boat, which is what led me to figuring out how to create my own electrolyte drink at home, not only for my health, but also to make an effort in reducing the plastic-packed drinks I buy.
This "elixir" has become my go-to for a post-workout drink and is a handy recipe to have on hand during flu season since it aids in replenishing electrolytes lost during fever sweats or difficult bathroom moments, to put it politely. The electrolytes are provided by the salt (sodium and chloride) and orange juice (potassium and calcium), whilst the antioxidants come in the form of green tea and the Vitamin C from the orange and lemon juice. Not only is it packed with electrolytes and antioxidants, it's refreshing and simple to prepare, making it a great alternative to store-bought sports drinks!
YIELDS
1 serving
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 1.5 cups Brewed green tea (can substitute with another tea, filtered water, or coconut water for an extra boost of electrolytes)
- 1 cup Freshly-squeezed orange juice (about 3 large oranges)
- 1/4 cup Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (about half of one large lemon)
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon Salt (this can be adjusted to suit your taste)
Directions
1.) In a large cup or jar, brew 1.5 cups of green tea. Mix in the sea salt until dissolved and set aside to cool. Depending on your preference, you can let the tea cool to room temperature (or add ice, however this will water it down as the warm tea melts the ice), or make the drink as soon as your tea is brewed and drink it warm, which can be quite cozy and energizing in the morning.
2.) Juice the oranges and lemon and add to the green tea and sea salt concoction. Stir and enjoy!
Also by Aubrey: Vegan Spicy Peanut Noodles
Related: Raw Vegan Immunity Boosting Elixir
I Make This Celery Juice Recipe Every Day To Banish Bloating—No Juicer Needed!
Get more like this—Subscribe to our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!
__
Photos: Aubrey Pacheco
