To jumpstart a healthful diet and maintain good nutrition, we're providing a top 10 list of foods high in natural electrolytes. Electrolytes have received high praise in recent years for their ability to energize the body even though these minerals have always been available in several superfoods and are vital for health. As their name suggests, electrolytes spark the functioning of cells in the body to produce energy and support hydration. However, they can be snuck into processed foods and sugary sports drinks, negating their positive effects.
The best way to replace lost electrolytes is by eating whole (rather than processed) foods and by drinking plenty of water that's already infused with them. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural, electrolyte-boosting options available. The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, to name a few. Each helps the body to function properly by building new tissue, supporting blood clotting, and maintaining the blood's pH level.
Although fad diets may come and go, the tried-and-true combination of healthy eating and regular hydration is always on trend. For ideas on how to add more electrolytes to your daily consumption, here are 10 ideas to get you started.d.
#1: FloWater
Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day is made easier with the availability of filtered water infused with electrolytes. FloWater contains four of the main natural electrolytes responsible for boosting energy and maintaining healthy body functions. These are magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. These are the same electrolytes touted by health and other sports drinks, but they often have added sugar, calories, and artificial coloring and flavoring.
In comparison, FloWater is a pure source of electrolyte goodness, thanks to its electrolyte enhancement filter, one of the seven stages of filtration that occurs during the tap water transformation process. During other water treatment methods, contaminants and pollutants are filtered out, but the naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes found in water sources are eliminated as well.
Fortunately, the FloWater process addresses both the filtration of solid impurities and smaller particles as well as adding back in electrolytes to boost the water quality and flavor. Additionally, the alkaline filter raises the pH level of the water to neutralize acidity in the body, and the activated oxygen filter works as a natural sanitizer for the tanks and system, while boosting the amount of oxygen available for your muscles and blood. It's a beneficial and delicious way to replenish electrolytes.
For more information on alkaline water vs. distilled, visit here.
#2: Leafy Greens
The benefits of eating spinach were arguably popularized by Popeye and with substantial reasoning. Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as electrolytes, such as the essential mineral magnesium. While canned spinach doesn't top the list of most diets, the prevalence of spinach salads and adding spinach to smoothies are ways people enjoy this leafy green.
Kale is another leafy green superfood that went through a craze several years back and has remained at the top of health lists ever since. Its robust, dark leaves are added to stir fry recipes and have been made into chips, among countless other ways to prepare it. Those who jumped aboard the kale bandwagon shared their love of these leafy greens, making it easy for anyone to add into their meal planning and benefit from their nutrition.
#3: Avocado
Like kale, avocados was deemed a superfood superstar with the introduction of avocado toast. The food trend swept the nation at record speed with far more Instagrammable photos than you could ever imagine. Its photogenic appearance doesn’t overshadow the fact that an avocado contains magnesium and potassium, as well as vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, among others.
In addition, they are rich in healthy fats to promote healthy hair and skin. They’ve also been touted to aid in natural detoxification, osteoporosis treatment, and as a support to heart health. Every time you indulge in avocado toast, add a few slices to your sandwich, or enjoy guacamole and chips, you’re giving yourself a dose of electrolytes and vitamins. Encouraging people to add natural electrolytes to their diet with avocados is an easy sell because it’s likely they’re already consuming their fair share.
#4: Strawberries
For such a small fruit, strawberries pack a nutritional punch. They are a premium source of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants and fiber. This combination of nutrients are advantageous for the immune system and skin health. Eating strawberries also promote proper cell function and tissue growth. Plus, they just taste delicious.
Rather than resorting to artificially-flavored drinks or foods, people should consume the real deal and forgo the additional calories, sugar, and additives that often make up these types of fruit-flavored products. Ripe strawberries eaten alone, sliced on top of cereal or yogurt, or slipped into a protein drink or smoothie are all excellent ways to incorporate this fruit into any nutritional plan.
#5: Milk
There used to be an old slogan for milk that confirmed it “does a body good.” The statement still stands true since milk is fortified with calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, all of which strengthen bones and allows the body to maintain a regular blood pressure.
Although many may shy away from milk as part of a regular source of electrolytes, there are several varieties of milk available today that are lactose-free. A bowl of cereal in the morning or using milk instead of plain water for a smoothie or ways to add more milk to your diet.
#6: Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, which is good for heart health and blood pressure. Because of this, they are often the go-to food for runners since deficiencies in potassium may lead to muscle cramping and muscle weakness. After experiencing a long run or race, eating a banana is an optimal first snack before diving into a full meal.
Bananas are also a good source of magnesium, which is a boost for the skin. They also are an energy boost and often aid in digestion. Boosting your level of electrolytes with a banana is an easy and inexpensive solution, since a bunch usually costs no more than a couple of dollars. They taste great added to oatmeal, sliced up and dipped in peanut butter, or eaten on their own when on the go.
#7: Fish
Fish is given superfood status due to its omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a staple for those following a red meat-free diet but still want a substantial source of protein. As far as electrolytes go, they’re an excellent source of sodium and potassium.
Among the many advantages of eating fish, particularly salmon, trout, and tuna, are the study-proven heart health benefits, the boost to brain functioning, and protection against vision degeneration. Replacing red meat or other protein sources with fish at least once or twice a week is a simple way to introduce fish and its health benefits into a balanced diet.
#8: Oranges
Oranges are the obvious choice for a boost of vitamin C, and they contain potassium to boost the system. They are a quick and easy snack and naturally enhance the taste of water to encourage you to hydrate throughout the day. Citrus juice, in general, is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. Incorporating these into your cooking and squeezing their fruit juice into beverages add natural flavor and health benefits.
#9: Potatoes
When not laden with heavy cream or butter, potatoes carry an excellent source of fiber, vitamins B and C, potassium, and manganese. They are a health food known that curbs inflammation in the body and boosts immunity. Arguably, they are one of the most popular vegetables available, packed with nutrients, and versatile for cooking.
A baked potato or roasted potatoes with limited fats or oils added keep the nutritional level high, especially when eaten with the skin on. They are filling and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in multiple ways.
#10: Nuts
Grabbing a handful of almonds or peanuts is a smart option for an afternoon snack. They are a high source of magnesium and fiber. They are a tasty alternative to a vending machine snack pack. Adding them to salads, soups, and other dishes boosts the level of nutrition and electrolytes of your favorite meals.
Getting a Health Boost from Electrolytes
With ingredient information readily available, people are paying more attention to what they consume. Foods and drinks that contain electrolytes are beneficial and important to include in everyday diets to avoid an electrolyte imbalance. FloWater encourages people to hydrate with pure, great-tasting water with an added boost of electrolytes.
It’s easy to feel good about drinking FloWater. It’s the purest, best-tasting water and promotes healthy body function through hydration and the addition of essential minerals. With a fast fill time and auto-replenishment, it’s easy to keep a crowd hydrated after a workout, when they’re traveling, at work, or at a number of other places and events where finding a source of crisp, filtered water has become a necessity.
It’s always better to go the organic route versus falling into a processed food rut. This list skims the surface of the number of delicious foods available that contain natural electrolytes, but drinking FloWater may be the easiest way to get a regular boost.
If you want to know the difference between reverse osmosis vs. distilled water treatments, keep reading here.
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