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a sports bottle poolside

How to Make Your Own Sports Drink

Dairy-Free
Gluten-Free
Nut-Free
Vegetarian

Avoid unhealthy additives by making your own sports drink. Add some trace-mineral drops for an extra boost.

a sports bottle poolside
  • Makes
  • Prep Time
  • Cook Time

An effective sports drink contains water for hydration, carbohydrates for fuel, and electrolytes (particularly sodium and potassium) for regulating blood pressure and muscle contractions. This combination can help stave off dehydration and overheating and improve performance.

Want to make your own? Try this basic DIY recipe.

  •  4 cups water
  •  1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  •  2 tbs. raw honey
  •  1/4 tsp. sea salt
  •  Couple of trace-mineral drops (optional)

Directions

  1. Combine ingredients and enjoy as needed during or following higher-intensity ­activities that last more than 60 minutes and take place in ­extreme temperatures (hot or cold).
  2. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to five days.

This was excerpted from “Drink Up!” which was published in the May 2022 issue of Experience Life magazine.

Sarah Tuff is a Colorado-based outdoors, health, fitness, and nutrition writer.

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