Keeping a proper balance of electrolytes in the body is crucial for all individuals, particularly seniors, as they are more prone to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to certain age-related conditions. Since electrolytes play an important role in the body, their shortage can lead to several issues such as weakness and disorientation. Fortunately, there are various natural drinks that are rich in electrolytes and can help seniors avoid such issues.
Top 10 electrolyte drinks
1. Lemon water with salt
One of the simplest and best electrolyte drinks for seniors is lemon water with salt. Lemon is a powerhouse of electrolytes, as it contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which are essential. To make this drink, all one needs to do is squeeze half a lemon in a glass, add some water and a pinch of salt to it, and stir. The sea salt in this drink also provides two essential electrolytes to the body – sodium and chloride. To make this drink even better and packed with more electrolytes, one can add a teaspoon of raw honey to it. Raw honey is rich in electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Plus, it will add some nice sweetness to the drink.
2. Coconut water
Fresh coconut water is among the top 5 natural electrolyte drinks for seniors. The water that is extracted from the coconut fruit is rich in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Coconut water is easily available in grocery stores and has even less than 50 calories. One only needs to make sure that they purchase the unsweetened version, and they will have the best electrolyte drink without sugar.
3. Cow’s milk
Yet another natural and easily available drink that is rich in electrolytes and does not require any preparation is cow’s milk. It is widely popular as a rich source of calcium, but along with that, it also contains various other electrolytes, which include magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. But before choosing cow’s milk as an electrolyte drink for seniors, one must ensure that they are not lactose intolerant.
4. Watermelon juice
Among the various fruit juice options, watermelon juice stands out as one of the best electrolyte-rich drinks. This is because watermelon has a high concentration of magnesium and potassium. Along with these, watermelons also contain calcium and phosphorus in some amounts. But one must ensure that they are getting fresh watermelon juice without any additives. To promote the well-being of seniors, it is advisable to avoid fruit juices with added sugars.
5. Cherry juice
Yet another fruit whose juice can serve as a great electrolyte drink for seniors is cherry. These naturally sweet treats are packed with potassium, phosphorus, calcium, as well as magnesium. Along with that, they also contain slight amounts of sodium, which makes cherry juice highly rich in electrolytes. Plus, as an added benefit, cherries are also rich in antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation in the body.
6. Pomegranate juice
Just one cup of pomegranate juice contains a high amount of potassium. That itself makes pomegranate juice one of the best electrolyte drinks for seniors. Along with potassium, pomegranate juice also contains phosphorus, magnesium, and trace amounts of sodium. And just like cherries, pomegranates are also rich in antioxidants, which makes them even more beneficial for seniors.
7. Orange juice
Packed with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, orange juice can also prove to be one of the best electrolyte drinks for seniors. In addition to being rich in electrolytes, oranges are great sources of vitamin C, which is one of the best antioxidants that can strengthen the immune system.
8. Fruit or vegetable smoothies
Since fruits are so rich in electrolytes, besides juice, one can also make a smoothie out of them for seniors. Also, when preparing a fruit smoothie or a smoothie with a milk base, one can add a banana to it since it is also a good source of electrolytes. In fact, bananas are especially rich in potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Apart from fruits, there are several vegetables as well that are packed with essential electrolytes. These comprise spinach, kale, and avocado. So, a smoothie with these as key ingredients can also serve as a great drink with electrolytes for seniors.
9. Buttermilk
Like milk, buttermilk is another dairy product that can serve as one of the top 10 electrolyte drinks for seniors. Buttermilk is actually the water that is left over after whole milk is churned into butter. The drink is especially rich in calcium and sodium, but must only be given to seniors who are not lactose intolerant.
10. Citrus honey drink
A fun and tasty beverage that can serve as a drink rich in electrolytes for seniors is the citrus honey drink. To make this, one would need to mix a cup of fresh orange juice with a few drops of lemon juice and a drizzle of honey. Since all of these are great sources of electrolytes, this can prove to be a beneficial electrolyte-rich drink for seniors.