4 Ways to Add Electrolytes to Drinking Water for Max Rehydration
Updated June 8, 2023.
Electrolytes aren't just for professional athletes or your go-to hangover cure; they're essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. These powerful minerals, which control fluid balance, help muscles contract, and regulate blood pressure, can give your everyday hydration a much-needed boost. By dissolving in water and conducting electricity, electrolytes transform ordinary H2O into a revitalizing elixir for your body.
So whether you're a weekend warrior or simply looking for an extra edge, join us as we explore four natural and easy ways to add electrolytes to your drinking water for maximum rehydration.
1. Best Overall: Electrolyte Drops for Optimal Rehydration
2. Salty Electrolyte Boost: Sea salt
3. Best Hydration + Digestive Soother: Ginger
4. Best Refreshing Hydration: Watermelon
Benefits of Adding Electrolytes to Drinking Water
Before we discuss four natural ways to add electrolytes to water to supercharge your hydration, here are some benefits of adding electrolytes to water:
- Balancing blood pH levels
- Increasing nerve, muscle, heart, and brain functionality
- Rebuilding damaged tissue
- Regulating blood pressure
Common electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium play a crucial role in our bodily functions. While sports drinks frequently include these essential minerals to enhance athletic performance, you can also opt for natural methods to infuse your water with electrolytes for an equally beneficial effect without artificial additives.
» Wondering what water you should drink? Find out what our experts say
4 Ways to Add Electrolytes to Water Naturally
1. Electrolyte Drops
If you're looking to increase your electrolyte intake without the fuss, consider using electrolyte drops. These drops contain essential electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and calcium and are great for boosting your energy any time of the day.
Unlike bottled electrolyte drinks, electrolyte drops do not contain added sugars or flavorings, making them a healthier option.
Pros
- Easy to carry and use on the go
- Designed specifically for rehydration purposes
- Do not contain added sugars/flavorings
- Customizable dosage for individual hydration needs
- Precise and convenient way to add a balanced mix of essential electrolytes
Cons
- May require additional expense compared to other natural sources
Natural Electrolytes for Total Rehydration
MAYU Water’s Electrolyte drops ensure quick absorption of high-quality minerals into the body.
MAYU's Electrolyte blend contains only natural ingredients—magnesium, zinc, potassium, chloride, and 75+ organic ionic trace minerals, providing all the electrolytes your body craves, with no need for artificial sweeteners or cover-ups for a synthetic taste.
To ensure proper mixing, use a Mayu Swirl to mix the electrolyte drops into your water. This way, you will upgrade your drinking water naturally and ensure optimal hydration.
How MAYU's electrolytes make your water better:
- Replenish vital minerals to maintain proper electrolyte balance in the body
- Help prevent muscle cramps and promote muscle function
- Aid in post-exercise recovery, allowing you to bounce back more quickly
- Enhance the absorption of water at the cellular level, ensuring better hydration
- Support efficient energy production, helping you feel more energized and hydrated
2. Sea Salt
Is salt an electrolyte? Yes, salt indeed contains essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The best types of salt to boost your water's electrolyte content are sea salt and Himalayan pink salt, as they are less processed than regular table salt.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, which is equal to about 1 teaspoon of table salt. Now, how much salt should you add to water for electrolytes? By adding just a pinch of salt to your water, you can effectively increase its electrolyte levels. This will provide your body with the necessary minerals to maintain proper hydration and balance.
Pros
- Easily accessible and cost-effective
- Provides a quick electrolyte boost
- Contains a variety of minerals, including sodium, which is a key electrolyte
Cons
- Taste may not be suitable for everyone
- Difficult to measure the exact amount of electrolytes added
- Excessive use of salt may lead to increased sodium intake
3. Ginger
Ginger has long been lauded for its nutritional properties, but did you know it contains electrolytes? Ginger contains calcium and magnesium, as well as Vitamin C, which supports gut health. Not only that, but it may also help reduce inflammation and can help with pain relief due to its natural compounds. Indians and Chinese have used ginger as a tonic root for over 5000 years.
To make a naturally electrolyte-loaded drink, crush or slice the root of ginger and add it to water. If you prefer a punchy, gingery hit, let it steep in hot water for a few minutes or leave it overnight for a stronger flavor.
Pros
- Adds a pleasant flavor to water
- Contains antioxidants that support overall health
- May aid in digestion and provide relief from nausea
- Natural anti-inflammatory properties can soothe the digestive system
Cons
- Requires additional preparation
- Does not provide a significant amount of electrolytes compared to other sources
- The taste of ginger may not be appealing to everyone
4. Watermelon
About 95% of the weight of a watermelon is water, but it's also rich in magnesium and potassium. A one-cup serving of watermelon provides 170 milligrams of potassium and 15.2 milligrams of magnesium, about 5 and 4 percent of your daily needs, respectively. It also contains trace amounts of calcium.
Its L-citrulline content enhances athletic performance by increasing oxygen intake, making it an ideal choice as a natural electrolyte source. Plus, who can resist the fresh, summery flavor that makes it a refreshing addition to water?
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Provides a refreshing, pleasant taste
- Contains L-citrulline, which increases oxygen intake
- High water content helps with hydration
Cons
- Requires preparation
- Not as concentrated in electrolytes compared to other sources like electrolyte drops
- Limited availability based on seasonal variations
Enhance Hydration Naturally for Better Health
Adding electrolytes to your water is a simple way to stay hydrated and improve your health as a whole. You can easily add electrolytes to your water without using sugary sports drinks by using natural sources like sea salt, ginger, watermelon, or electrolyte drops. Try out these methods to get the most out of rehydrating, and your body will thank you.