How Do I Add Electrolites to Water?

Electrolytes are minerals in blood and other body fluids that are electrically charged. The body must maintain a balance of electrolytes for good health. Sweating, diarrhea and vomiting can cause you to lose fluids and electrolytes, but normally, the body can control electrolyte balance through food and fluid intake.

Recipe

• The Mayo Clinic recommends that in an urgent situation, people who need to replenish fluids and electrolytes after a bout of diarrhea should drink a specific concoction of water and salts. To one liter of water, add 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 tbsp. sugar and 1/4 tsp. potassium chloride. (Potassium chloride is available in grocery stores as a salt substitute.)

Mixing

• There is no need to heat the mixture; merely shake it until the minerals have dissolved.

Consumption

• Electrolyte solutions such as the Mayo Clinic recipe are not designed to be drunk regularly, as the body will replenish electrolytes naturally through food and drink. Inaccurate measurements of the salts in the recipe can also be dangerous for electrolyte balance in the body.