sports drinkYour body is made of tissue, muscle and organs—but the majority of your body is composed of water. Because your body requires hydration (after all, how could your brain, muscles and even sleep patterns be at their best, without it?) it’s crucial to have enough of the minerals your body needs to thrive. In other words, boost your electrolytes the natural way, and allow your body to function as best as possible. It’s your life—with only one body to take you from A to B and back again. It’s time to get electrolyte-happy!

Why Your Electrolytes Levels are Low (and Why It Matters)

Were you clueless about electrolytes until you saw it on a trendy water bottle label? Think of electrolytes as the team lead to your ‘good health’ game. It calls the shots to your digestive system and kidneys. It dictates how good you’ll feel based on the minerals your body needs to perform properly. Some of the minerals your body needs are potassium, calcium, sodium and phosphates. High levels of electrolytes allow you to be properly hydrated and release harmful toxins from your system, whereas low levels of electrolytes can cause diarrhea, fainting, and even heart disease.

Get It Naturally From Fuel: It’s in the Food You Eat!

Electrolytes help your kidneys do their job, and lessen the risk for muscle cramping or soreness. Your electrolyte levels matter for your health and vitality, so boost your electrolytes in the easiest, most natural way possible—from the foods you eat!

A whole foods diet (nutrient-rich foods) is the best and heathiest way to boost your electrolytes. Stick to plenty of fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Integrate more sweet potatoes, tomatoes, limes, artichokes, green beans, beets, carrots and apples into your diet.

‘Go organic’ whenever possible, and integrate nuts and seeds as a snack a few times a week, as they include a quick and easy source of electrolytes as well. Walnuts go great on top of a spinach, strawberry and feta salad, while sunflower seeds, sesame seeds or pistachios can be the perfect way to liven up a bowl of oatmeal!  Dark greens such as kale and spinach are chocked full of the minerals necessary to boost your electrolytes, as are beans (white, pinto and red are best!)

Do This One Thing Daily…

Are your electrolytes low on a daily basis? Grab a banana and fuel the potassium that your body needs to thrive. For an extra boost of hydration (after taking a cardio class at your gym, for example), mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt in with an 8 ounce class of water. You’ll boost those electrolytes, and feel ready to rock your day with gusto, passion and ambition!