4 Ways to Add Electrolytes to Drinking Water for Max Rehydration
Feeling parched and sluggish? Ditch the sugary drinks and try these four refreshing ways to add electrolytes to your water for a rehydration boost
Updated March 25, 2024.
Feeling drained and sluggish? Plain water might not be enough to combat dehydration, especially after exercise or in hot weather. Electrolytes, essential minerals lost through sweat, play a crucial role in hydration.
These minerals aren't just for athletes or hangover cures—they're essential for everyday health. They help regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and blood pressure. That's why we'll delve into the best ways to add electrolytes to your water for optimal hydration.
4 Ways to Add Electrolytes to Drinking Water
- Electrolyte drops
- Sea salt
- Ginger
- Watermelon
Benefits of Adding Electrolytes to Drinking Water
Common electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium play diverse roles in our bodily functions, such as:
- Balancing blood pH levels
- Increasing nerve, muscle, heart, and brain functionality
- Rebuilding damaged tissue
- Regulating blood pressure
While sports drinks frequently include these essential minerals to enhance your athletic performance, you can naturally boost your water with vital electrolytes and get the same benefits.
» Find out what our experts say about the healthiest water to drink
1. Electrolyte Drops
Electrolyte drops conveniently add essential electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and calcium to your water. They'll boost your hydration and energy throughout the day. They also absorb quickly. And, unlike bottled electrolyte drinks, they don't have added sugars or flavorings, making them a healthier option.
MAYU Minerals | Electrolyte Drops contain only natural ingredients—magnesium, zinc, potassium, chloride, and 75+ organic ionic trace minerals. They provide all the electrolytes you need with no artificial sweeteners.
MAYU Minerals | Electrolyte Drops
Step up your hydration
Subscription
Save 20% with monthly deliveries
Size
1 fl. oz/30ml
Price
$16.80
Brief overview
MAYU Minerals Essential Drops are highly concentrated, remineralizing a liter of water with only eight drops. They have a wide range of electrolytes, such as magnesium, sodium, and 72 other organic ionic trace ones.
Why choose MAYU Minerals Essential Drops
MAYU Minerals Essential Drops are ionic, which means your body can quickly absorb them. They provide an effective way to add electrolytes to water for maximum rehydration and preserve its natural taste and odor.
Pros and cons
No artificial sweeteners
Remineralizes RO, distilled, and spring water
Suitable for on-the-go use
Not essential for all RO systems
No flavors
2. Sea Salt
Salt—sodium chloride—is a crucial electrolyte lost through sweat. The FDA's recommended daily intake is 2300 mg—about one teaspoon. With that in mind, you should add only a pinch to your water to increase electrolyte levels.
The best types of salt to boost your water's electrolyte content are sea and Himalayan pink salt, as they're less processed than regular table salt.
Pros
- Affordable
- Boosts electrolytes quickly
- Has various minerals
Cons
- Taste may not be suitable for everyone
- Excessive use may lead to high blood pressure
3. Ginger
Ginger is a delicious spice and a natural source of electrolytes. Beyond its familiar flavor, ginger contains calcium and magnesium, essential minerals that help your body function optimally. Additionally, it packs a punch of Vitamin C, supporting gut health and potentially aiding in reducing inflammation and pain relief.
Making a refreshing and electrolyte-rich beverage with ginger is simple. Crush or slice a ginger root and add it to water. Prefer a more intense ginger flavor? Let it steep in hot water for a few minutes, or leave it overnight.
Pros
- Has antioxidants
- Relieves nausea
- Soothes the digestive system
Cons
- Requires additional preparation
- The taste may not be appealing to everyone
4. Watermelon
While 95% of watermelon is water, it's surprisingly rich in electrolytes like potassium (170mg/cup), magnesium (15.2mg/cup), and trace amounts of calcium. It also contains L-citrulline, an amino acid that boosts oxygen intake.
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Refreshing, pleasant taste
- Increases oxygen intake through L-citrulline
Cons
- Requires preparation
- Fewer electrolytes compared to other alternatives
Enhance Hydration Naturally and Boost Your Health
While plain water is vital in hydration, electrolytes are crucial for optimal health and well-being. These minerals are essential for various bodily processes, from regulating muscle function to balancing blood pressure.
Fortunately, numerous natural alternatives exist beyond sugary sports drinks to enhance your water with electrolytes—experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt, incorporating slices of ginger, or enjoying refreshing watermelon.
If you prefer a convenient solution, consider using electrolyte drops for an on-the-go boost. Remember, hydrating properly with electrolytes is critical to maintaining a healthy and energetic lifestyle.
