Try freezing fruit to add flavorful electrolytes to cool your water. Photo by David Young-Wolff.

If you are feeling thirsty no matter how much water you drink then it is likely you are low in the minerals that affect hydration—electrolytes. Common electrolytes include: calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.

Electrolytes play a number of important roles within the body such as:
Maintaining fluid balance.
Affecting the acidity or alkalinity of blood (pH).
Promoting healthy muscle function.
Encouraging healthy brain and nervous system activity.

You always lose electrolytes when you sweat; in the summer you tend to lose more and need to replace them daily. Water alone does not contain electrolytes; we take them in mostly from plant-based foods, so a good way to obtain minerals is to eat vegetables, nuts, and seeds. If you experience excessive sweating from strenuous work or exercise, or if you are sick and dehydrated, replacing electrolytes directly is a good idea.  You can buy different electrolyte replacements at the health food store, but I prefer to make my own at home.

Electrolyte Replacement Drink
1/4 tsp Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
1/4 tsp non-aluminum baking soda
1/2 quart water
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/2 tbsp raw honey
Put in the blender and enjoy!

One of my favorite summer hydration recipes is a raw vegetable soup. This is easy to make and great for keeping you cool.

Read more spa water recipes in LA YOGA.

Summer Veggie Soup
1/2 avocado
1 carrot
1/4 small red onion (more to taste)
2 tbsp sauerkraut
4 cherry tomatoes (optional)
1 cup (at least) sprouts (I prefer the larger sprouts for flavor like sunflower
although any kind will do)
Juice of 1 lemon

Directions
Cut everything up and place it in the blender. Blend until desired smoothness.

Try adding fruits and fresh herbs to water for variety and electrolytes. Photo by David Young-Wolff.

Fruit Freeze
If drinking water in the summer feels too bland, try spicing it up with your
favorite frozen fruit. I love to freeze fresh organic strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries to have on hand. Add them to water and you have a flavorful way to cool and wet your summer palate. The best part is when the yummy fruit flavored water is gone, you get to eat the berries!

Cucumber moisturizes and hydrates inside and out. Photo by David Young-Wolff.

Cucumber Moisturizes from the Inside
Have you ever wondered why your local spa offers you water with mint and cucumber? Mint is cooling to the body, but it can be a bit drying (which is not great in the desert climate of LA). However, if you add some cucumber—which is both cooling and moistening—you have a perfect blend to stay cool and moist.

For more information on experiencing sustainable wellness and health solutions through food, visit Sustainiablehc.com 

Cari Schaefer

Cari Schaefer is a holistic healthcare provider with more than 16 years of experience who currently practices is Santa Monica, California. She is also the best-selling author of the book The Food Solution.

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