Electrolyte Water
An ancient remedy for hydration, made with salt, sugar and lemon.
- Prep
- None
- Cook
- 5 minutes
- Serves
- 1
From Ayurveda: Breaking the Rules Without Breaking the Principles
This recipe is based on an old tradition for staving off dehydration: licking a lemon sprinkled with salt and sugar. Sodium and potassium move hydration in and out of the body’s cells, and glucose helps carry them, so use real sugar rather than a substitute. I recommend organic cane sugar.
I often suggest it for patients who are struggling to keep fluids down, and it is lovely for sipping through hot weather or whenever you feel worn out. Ayurveda does not recommend cold drinks, so if you keep it in the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature before drinking. Yes, it tastes salty, and your body will thank you for it.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Method
- 1In a small saucepan, combine 4 ounces of the water with the salt and sugar.
- 2Bring to a simmer over high heat, stirring until the granules dissolve.
- 3Pour into a large jar with the remaining water, add the lemon or lime juice, and stir.
No stove? Shake everything together well in a jar. The granules may not fully dissolve, but it is still more hydrating than plain water. If you cannot keep fluids down for more than a day, please contact your health care provider.
