The surprising truth (and fix) for winter DEHYDRATION
It’s cold outside… you’re not sweating… and you’re not hot, either!
So how could you possibly be DEHYDRATED?!
I hate to burst your bubble, but chronic dehydration is a big problem in the winter—because folks simply don’t notice that they’re losing fluids!
Which means you don’t have to be OVERHEATED to be dehydrated.
Luckily, I’ve got an elixir that can help stop dehydration and its dangerous health effects.
(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, 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 use 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. And any of these 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.
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 kitchen (along with a little prep work and grocery shopping).
To staying hydrated,
Cory Templeman
Senior Editor, eAlert
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/


