“Nature’s Gatorade” washes away dehydration

It’s early March, so why in the world would I be talking about DEHYDRATION?!

Well, the fact is, whether you live in Death Valley or Maine… reports show chronic dehydration occurs in 17% to 28% of older adults in the United States.

In other words, you don’t have to be OVERHEATED to be dehydrated.

Luckily for you, I’ve got an elixir that can help stop dehydration from wrecking your body.

And this isn’t some sugar-laden “sports” drink, either!

This one’s straight from Mother Nature and can be made right in your own kitchen.

Switchel is a sweet and tart beverage made with simple, all-natural ingredients like:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water,
• Ginger,
• And a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or

And I can assure you, this ISN’T some trendy “health drink.” It’s been around for centuries!

Switchel was the drink of choice for colonial farmers looking to rehydrate while haying the fields. And, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, switchel is sometimes known as ‘Haymaker’s Punch.’

Fast-forward to today, and switchel is commonly referred to as ‘nature’s Gatorade’ thanks to its ability to naturally boost your body’s electrolyte levels.

Electrolytes regulate nerve and muscle function, balance blood acidity and pressure, help rebuild damaged tissue, and HYDRATE your body!

It’s perfectly normal to lose electrolytes when you sweat (like when you’re exercising or getting physical activity), or even when you go to the bathroom.

But when you are dehydrated, it can result in an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, and even heart palpitations – all of which could land you in the hospital.

And unlike mainstream sports and energy drinks (which yes, do help keep you hydrated and help replenish your electrolytes), switchel doesn’t have any of the processed sugar or hard-to-pronounce JUNK that’s on the nutrition label.

Switchel contains superfoods that are chock-full of electrically charged minerals like calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and sodium that boost your electrolytes.

For instance, apple cider vinegar and maple syrup (two of the ‘core’ ingredients in switchel) both contain high levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium.

So, the next time you’re feeling ‘parched’, don’t fall for the lies and gimmicks of those mainstream drinks.

Switchel is made from just a handful of ingredients, so you can easily make your own batch of switchel in the comfort of your own kitchen (along with a little prep work and grocery shopping).

To staying hydrated,

Sarah Reagan

P.S. – Don’t forget sure to check out this afternoon’s eAlert as I have the scoop on how apple cider vinegar can help you if you have diabetes.

Sources:

Lidell, Rose. “Nature’s energy drink: Switchel, the fermented health tonic.” https://food.news/2021-06-04-natures-energy-drink-switchel-fermented-health-tonic.html

Muinos. Lacey. “Switchel Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” https://www.verywellfit.com/switchel-fermented-energy-drink-benefits-4078393

Tinsley, Grant. “Everything you need to know about electrolytes.” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153188

National Library of Medicine. “Adult Dehydration.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/