Staying Hydrated and Healthy with Summer Drinks

Summer is here, and while we all know we need to hydrate, sometimes our water needs an upgrade. Did you know true hydration means that the water doesn’t just go into our body, but with the right mineral balance, into our cells? Did you know better hydration equals a faster metabolism? The fact of the matter is, no matter how much you drink, sometimes water alone isn’t enough to fully hydrate the body, particularly in extreme heat. 

With that in mind, we took the issue to Integrative Nutritionist Elissa Goodman.  First question: beside feeling thirsty, what are the signs of dehydration? “Signs of dehydration include headaches, a “foggy brain” (slow thinking), lack of appetite, dizziness, decreased urination and a general inability to keep up physically.  Dehydration feels much like a hangover.”

Elissa adds, “Heat isn’t the only thing that makes us dehydrated in summer.  At bbq’s and beach parties we are inundated with increased amounts of sodium whether it be snacks or h’or d’oeuvres or grilled chicken. Sodium is a dehydrating force and Potassium is it’s natural counterbalance.”

So besides eating bananas for potassium, drinking water and cutting down on salt, what can we do?  “One thing you can do to keep adequately hydrated is to buy two products easily found at your local Whole Foods: Coconut water and Ultima Replenisher.”

Coconut water is one of the richest sources of potassium.  A typical serving provides 660 mg of potassium, more than your typical banana, which has 467 mg.  Coconut water also contains magnesium and calcium, but no fat or cholesterol. Plus, the naturally occurring sugars, 14 g per serving, are a fraction of what’s in soft drink.  Coconut water is often used as a mineral-rich rehydrating beverage for athletes because it restores fluids and minerals lost during exercise – similar to Gatorade but without the sugar or calories.  It has very few calories in fact.  Elissa says, “Drinking coconut water when sick, dehydrated or after indulging in too much alcohol or unhealthy foods always makes me feel much better – sometimes even cured – afterwards!  We all should really drink it daily!”

Ultima Replenisher is also like Gatorade, pedialyte or Vitamin water in that it has electrolytes.  “The difference is that Ultima has zero sugar, is naturally sweet and has no artificial ingredients. It contains a full complement of electrolytes, not just a ton of sodium like other drinks. Ultima also contains complex carbs for energy, water-soluble vitamins and vitamin enhancers for day-to-day health maintenance, and antioxidants to protect from free radicals (toxins).” Ultima, by the way, uses no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners and is rapidly absorbed, racing fluid into your cells.  Two other benefits: it has Ester C, which supports your immune system and it comes in a ton of great flavors.

Here are some of Elissa’s favorite home made remedies.  “These potassium-rich beverages will surely add hydrating splash to your summer!”

Drinks Without Alcohol:        

Lemon Berry Tea@

Regular/decaffeinated tea (for 8 ounces of water)
and then add 1 package of Ultima Lemonade and any frozen berries. This drink is pictured above.

Ultimate Palmer@

Iced regular/decaffeinated tea + 1 packet of Ultima Lemonade

Bali Detox@

 Green Tea + 4 ounces of plain Coconut Water

Rasberry Sparkle@

Premix one packet/serving of Wild Raspberry Ultima with 4 oz. of regular water and add 4 oz. of sparkling water and serve over ice and gently stir (don’t shake)
garnish with an orange.

Drinks With Alcohol:

Lemon Rosa@

2.5 oz. Citron vodka
+ 1 packet of Raspberry Ultima
+ 4 oz. pineapple juice and then shake and garnish with lemon zest.

Hyd-Rocks@

Ice Cubes made from Coconut Water or Ultima Replenisher
and add to any liquor and enjoy.

Creamsicle@

2.5 oz vanilla vodka
+ 1 packet Orange Ultima
+ 4 oz. of water and then shake and serve in sugar rimmed glass and garnished with an orange wheel.

Lemon-Aid@

2.5 oz. vodka
+ 1/2 oz Cointreau
+ 1/4 scoop of Lemonade Ultima
+ 2 oz. of water + lemon wedge and then shake and serve in sugar rimmed glass

Elissa Goodman is a Certified Integrative Nutritionist.  She can be reached at healthyheart2soul@gmail.com