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Here's How to Make Your Own Sports Drinks

First things first:

There are several sports drinks that are marketed to the athletic
community; Gatorade & Powerade being the 2 biggest. They are often
called thirst quenchers or electrolyte enhancers. Simple put, they
are basically diluted solutions of glucose, potassium, sodium
chloride, citric acid and artificial sweetener.

Keep in mind these drinks were originally designed for athletes,
however, they are marketed to anyone who 'gets thirsty' and they
come in a variety of flavor. Some are carbonated and now some have
added vitamins and/or minerals such as Vitamin C.

Sports drinks are designed to replace electrolytes and water lost
in perspirations during sports activities. One study suggested that
the electrolytes were more rapidly absorbed into the body than
water. Also, keep in mind, that depending on the brand, 200-300
calories could come from the sugar.

The sodium and potassium in sports drinks are valuable. However,
you will have to drink about 32 ounces to supply your body the
equivalent of one gram of salt. So, this means that the normal
intake of salt in your diet is sufficient if you sweat mild to
moderately. If you sweat heavy and very often, you should consume
potassium-rich foods every day or drink a sports drink that
contains potassium. A banana or ½ a cantaloupe are great fruits
containing rich amounts of potassium.

Remember, potassium is a mineral salt (or an electrolyte) and
potassium is essential for maintaining the balance of pH levels in
our body fluids.

To make your own sports drink here is all you do:

Combine 32 ounces of water, ½ teaspoon of iodized salt and a little
sugar. You can also add some lemon or ginger for flavoring.

It's really that simple. You can make it at home and it will cost
you pennies to do so.