Bottled electrolyte drinks typically contain high amounts of sugar and other ingredients that are impossible to pronounce. If you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not beneficial for the body. The fact remains that people love sugary drinks that promise increased hydration. Excess sugar consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. One bottle of these sugary electrolyte drinks can contain 40 grams of sugar (or somewhere close to that number).

Electrolytes are minerals that use electric charges in the body to generate reactions, including nerve movement, heartbeat, and muscle contractions. Calcium and other electrolytes also have other functions in the body. Lemons help to provide the body with more potassium, magnesium, calcium, and a trace amount of sodium. Similarly, oranges offer a lot of potassium. In fact, one study found that freshly squeezed orange juice hydrated the body better than other beverages.

Mix the fresh lemon juice and orange juice with filtered water, grade A maple syrup, and Himalayan pink salt. The maple syrup provides the sweetness that you need for this tart beverage. If you don’t like maple syrup, you can replace it with raw agave nectar. Enjoy this beverage before your workout or on a hot sunny day. If it tastes great to you and you decide to make it again, let us know in the comments so we can provide similar recipes.