ELECTROLYTE REPLENTISHING DRINK

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that help maintain proper muscle and nervous system function. The best known are sodium, potassium and chloride. Anything that seriously depletes your body’s store of fluids – including diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating – can also disrupt your balance of electrolytes. To make your own formula for replacing them, mix 4 cups of water with two tablespoons of sugar ad l/2 teaspoon of salt, and stir thoroughly. You can add lemon juice or sugar-free flavouring if desired. Have a banana along with it to get some potassium. Unless you do endurance sports, steer clear of electrolyte sports drinks such as Gatorade. They have plenty of calories, and the added sugar can actually worsen diarrhea and nausea.

Tip of the month from Consumer Reports on Health, April 2011