I recently gave a talk at our local library on hydration. We tend to think dehydration only happens in the summer, but it can happen any time we have an imbalance in our intake and output. Think winter when we have a virus with vomiting or diarrhea, or a really dry climate where we are breathing with our mouths open.

I’m sorry that I don’t have photos, but I do have recipes. Water gets a little boring, and straight water does not replace electrolytes. These drinks will help to replace the sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium you lose through sweat and … other body fluids.

Homemade Gatorade

3 cups coconut water

1 cup juice (100%)

2 tblsp. honey

¼ tsp. sea salt

4 cups water

2-3 tsp. Lemon or lime juice

Cucumber Aqua Fresca

3 small cucumbers

10 basil or mint leaves

2 limes

1 tblsp. lemon grass

½ cup sugar

¼ cup honey 

2 cups water

      Blend together, then strain.  Add to 2 more cups of water and ice.

Pickle Lemonade

To 8 ounces (1 cup) of your favorite lemonade, add 1.5 ounces (3 tblsp. of 

pickle juice.  Garnish with a pickle spear.

Harvest Cooler

1 3 ounce package lime Jello (or any other flavor)

1 cup boiling water

1 quart pineapple juice

Juice of 3 lemons

1 ½ quarts ice water

      Dissolve Jello in boiling water.  Add juices, then ice water.  Stir or shake before serving.

l was surprised to find my favorite was pickle lemonade! Herbal teas using ‘skin’ herbs like marshmallow and calendula are also really good choices. Be aware that marshmallow tea only keeps a couple days due to the polysaccharide chains that brewing it will bring out. It starts to get slimy pretty quick.

Hope you enjoy these. Stay hydrated and avoid headaches, muscle cramps, and nausea brought on by not getting enough fluids. (and just as a hint – if your urine is darker than the background of this page, you need to be drinking more!)