Hydration is necessary for a variety of reasons. Children and adults alike need to replenish necessary fluids and nutrients such as electrolytes and potassium when fighting symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Adults also need to replenish these nutrients after strenuous athletic activity or exercise. Making rehydration drinks at home is cheaper and healthier than buying them at a store.
Reasons to Make It at Home
Typical store-bought rehydration drinks are likely to have unhealthy ingredients to go along with the needed nutrients. These include high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, food coloring and other artificial ingredients. When making the drink at home, total control is maintained regarding how it is made.
Typical Ingredients
When making a rehydration drink at home, there are a wide variety of ingredients from which to choose. Some of these are water and salt to replenish lost nutrients; organic fruit juice that contains no high fructose corn syrup; sugar for sweetness; green tea for added flavor and health benefits; and rice cereal for babies.
Sample Recipes
There are numerous ways to make a rehydration beverage. One simple option is to mix fruit juice and water together, and add just a pinch of organic sea salt. Substitute green tea for the water for a different flavor. For young children, mix 1 cup of rice cereal with 1 quart of water and 1/2 tsp. of salt to replenish fluids lost through sickness.
Alternatives
If pressed for time, there are alternatives available in most kitchens that require no preparation. Broth from chicken or vegetables replenishes electrolytes. Water, sodium and electrolytes are found in high-water fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, cantaloupe and honeydew. These are kept in the refrigerator and served cold to make them taste more refreshing after a workout.
Tags: corn syrup, drink home, fructose corn, fructose corn syrup, fruit juice, high fructose
