It has been marketed, time and again, to consume brand name sports drinks in order to stay hydrated to get your electrolytes, however, popular sports drinks contain a variety of sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup and liquefied table sugar which will not assist your weight loss efforts. Even more alarming, some sports drinks contain harmful chemicals such as brominated vegetable oil. Brominated vegetable oil is a combination of bromine and vegetable oil and is similar in composition to brominated flame retardants; this additive used to remove any cloudiness to the appearance of the beverage. Banned in the Japan and Europe, consumption of brominated vegetable is associated with thyroid disease, memory loss, fatigue, tremors, skin rashes, cancer, and hormone disorders.

Sports drinks are suggested to active people for electrolyte replacement however, the risks outweigh the benefits. Electrolytes are minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium and we do excrete this through our bodily fluids so yes, it is important to replenish these minerals. You can do so by eating mineral-containing foods including but not limited to vegetables, fruits, beans, fish, and meats. To get hydration and electrolytes all in one, try some of these delicious combinations.

1. Chia Seeds and Raw Coconut Water

Raw coconut water is relatively low in sugar and boasts a variety of electrolytes. Stirring in a tablespoon of Chia seeds will add some texture as well as protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.

2. Almond Milk, Spinach, and Banana

This combination provides calcium, magnesium, potassium, as well as folate, Vitamin A and iron! Simply blend one cup almond milk, one frozen banana, and one cup raw spinach. Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt for sodium however, most of us do obtain enough salt in our diets so adding more probably isn’t necessary.

3. Celery, Ginger, Lemon, and Apple

If you have a juicer or go to juice bars where you can choose your own ingredients, juice five stalks of celery, a few pieces of ginger, one lemon and half an apple. This drink is light and refreshing with a limited amount of sugar and contains naturally occurring sodium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, and potassium.

If you're a busy person who doesn't have time to prepare the above-mentioned drinks, water is your best friend for hydration. If you're looking to add some electrolytes and nutrients to your daily regimen (that water is void of), check out our easy and convenient line of patches here! PatchMD provides vitamins and supplements in a topical patch that utilizes the skin for the delivery system and avoids the digestive system. PatchMD supplies essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to dieters who may be adhering to a restricted-calorie food regimen.

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