The positively or negatively charged ions are what we call electrolytes. Specifically, once with a positive charge are cations and the negatively charged are called as anions. Electrolytes help in controlling nerve and muscle function and also work to rebuild the damaged tissue. The levels of electrolytes in the body are affected by the water amount in the human body. These are essential for:

· Maintain the right acidity of your blood(pH).

· Helps your muscles to contract

· Controls your fluid balance

· Regulates the blood pressure

A Guide for Electrolyte Water for Kids

Hydration

When we perform any sports activity, our body sweats which means that the fluid leaves our body comparatively a lot quickly than otherwise. To allow the muscles to function properly, it is important to replenish those fluids which can otherwise cause muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and weakness. Thus, electrolyte water will keep your kid hydrated and prevent him/her from any such symptoms.

Sickness

When a child is suffering from a flu, it may give rise to diarrhea, high fever and vomiting which can all lead to dehydration. In case of dehydration, it is important to replenish the fluids in the body in order to prevent any serious medical condition.

Prevents heat stroke

Your child is at a greater risk for heat related illnesses in an extremely hot weather. One of the most obvious ways to prevent your little one from such illnesses is to limit their time in heat. Another great option is plenty of fluids and electrolytes that is very important to keep the body cool.

Myths

There are a number of myths that have been associated with electrolyte water. We have listed a few of them:

Better than regular water

Nothing can quench your thirst better than regular plain water. No matter what sports drink you carry with yourself throughout, you will always need a bottle of plain water to do the job.

Provides energy for the workout

Any drink containing less than 6% carbohydrates is unable to provide you with enough energy and thus, they should only be used for the purpose of hydration. Thereby, it is important for you to go through the labels carefully.

Helps in replenishing minerals

Although electrolyte drinks do help in replenishing the mineral content lost from sweating but the mineral content of these drinks isn’t that high as you take it to be, which means that the difference it will make will be very low to even come to your notice.

How does electrolyte differ from regular water?

Staying hydrated is essential for our overall body health and is essential for almost all bodily functions, be it for transportation of nutrients, getting rid of the toxins and regulating the body temperature.

However, it is often believed that electrolyte water is better than regular water which is not really the case because it largely depends on the circumstances. If your little one is at a risk for quick mineral losses, then electrolyte water can be considered beneficial. In case, your child undergoes any of the following, it is better you consider electrolyte water:

· If he/she sweats heavily while exercising.

· If he/she exercises for more than an hour.

· Sick and suffers with diarrhea and vomiting.

· If he/she is exposed to heat for longer intervals.

But in any case, both electrolyte water as well as regular water will contribute towards the daily hydration needs.

Orange electrolytes drink

Homemade electrolytes drink is not only cost effective but is also a lot easier to make. Given below is the recipe for an orange electrolyte drink:

What all you need:

· 2 cups orange juice

· 1 cup coconut sugar

· ¾ teaspoon salt

· 1-gallon tap water

· ½ cup lemon juice

Mix together the orange juice, lemon juice, coconut sugar and salt and let the sugar and salt dissolve. Serve.

The salt helps to replace sodium that is lost throughout the day, whereas the citrus juice consists of ions and potassium. Also, coconut sugar is essential to prevent dehydration and also helps with the taste of the drink.

Conclusion

It is no where stated that your little one needs to drink electrolyte-enhanced beverages the entire time, although without any doubt, these are a lot beneficial if your child has been in a hot environment or has been exercising for a long period. In addition to this, electrolyte water is filled with all the essential minerals our body needs, including sodium, magnesium, potassium and chloride. And if you do not always want to rely on these pricey electrolyte drinks, you always have an option to serve your little one with the homemade version.