Ever feel like you’re drinking plenty of water but still not hydrated?
It’s true—sometimes water just ain’t enough. It’s times like these you need the big guns, minerals, also known as electrolytes.

Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium, and phosphorus are necessary to keep your cells hydrated. They are responsible for many essential functions of the body including maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and promoting healthy nerve and muscular function. You can see how important minerals truly are.

Sweating on hot summer days, or through exercise depletes extra minerals. Stress is also a major culprit of mineral depletion. One of the first signs of low minerals and dehydration is feeling thirsty. Later signs can include: fatigue, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, constipation and slowed metabolism.

It’s an easy fix. Take in more minerals!

5 Ways to Get Hydrated
(other than just drinking water)


Watermelon

There’s a reason everyone loves packing watermelon in their beach cooler. This super hydration fruit is 90% water and full of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper. Research studies have shown that watermelon can also help reduce high blood pressure and even decrease muscle soreness and speed up recovery after physical activity.

Spa Water

If water bores you or is otherwise unappealing, try making spa water at home. Yes- it’s quite alright to spoil yourself. You don’t have to wait for spa days. Simply fill up a pitcher of water and add in your favorite fruit, veggie slices or herbs. Here’s some ideas:

  • Watermelon, cucumber & lime
  • Raspberry & fresh mint
  • Mixed citrus
  • Strawberry, lemon & fresh basil
  • Cucumber, lime & fresh mint
Coconut Water

Love coconut water? There’s a good reason why so many of us are amped about this stuff, including yours truly. Coconut water contains more potassium than 4 bananas, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium. For best flavor and highest nutritional value, choose raw, organic, preservative-free coconut water (usually found in the refridgerated section).

Cucumber

Cucumbers make a wonderful salad addition during the summer. They’re high in water content, as well as vitamin c, beta carotene, managanese and flavonoid antioxidants. Other ways to get your cuke on: go paleo (even just for the moment) and use cucumber slices instead of a cracker or chip. Slice it up and enjoy with guacamole, hummus, or tapenade.

Electrolyte Water

For hydration on the go, simply add one serving of electrolytes to your water. My favorite is sugar-free, preservative-free Ultima Electrolyte Replacer. It’s sweetened with just enough Stevia to be low glycemic without the strange aftertaste, and comes in individual packets you take with you anywhere.

Do you have a favorite way of staying hydrated?

Please share!