Homemade Natural Electrolyte Concentrate

Tired of paying big bucks for overpriced synthetic electrolyte powders? This homemade electrolyte concentrate uses 100% all natural ingredients that keep you hydrated, replenish minerals, and cost a fraction of the price!

Why use daily electrolytes?

For several years I’ve been starting my day with a big glass of electrolytes instead of plain water. Especially if you struggle with any chronic health issue like I did, electrolytes are very important for mineral balance and keeping hydration at optimized levels.

For a long time, I drank tons of plain water and it actually made me more dehydrated and tired. After learning about the body’s need for minerals especially with chronic fatigue or adrenal issues, I began using a pinch of celtic salt in my water in the mornings. (This is also when I learned how to make adrenal cocktails, which is very helpful also!)

After that, I learned about the importance of potassium and magnesium and that most of us aren’t meeting our RDAs for these minerals. So I started trying different electrolytes that contained more than just sodium.

Electrolyte brands I’ve tried

Thus began my foray into the world of electrolytes. There are SO many options to choose from, it’s actually overwhelming! Not to mention, many of them are very expensive. Plus, a lot of them also contain less natural ingredients, although some use higher quality ones. Here are a few I tried in the past:

• LMNT
• Ultima
• Redmond ReLyte
• Jigsaw Adrenal Cocktail
• Jigsaw Potassium Cocktail

There are countless others! To be honest, I got tired of paying the premium price tag.

Why make a homemade natural electrolyte concentrate?

So, I wanted something easier on my wallet but with the same mineral rich benefits using ingredients I already had at home.

The thing I love about this homemade natural electrolyte concentrate is that it uses ingredients your body can recognize, and that have other benefits too!

It’s important to note that while this homemade electrolyte mix has a variety of minerals, it’s still primarily a sodium concentrate. So, if you want a more balanced electrolyte drink with more potassium, it’s a good idea to add a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) cream of tartar or a splash of coconut water to your glass also.

Natural electrolyte concentrate ingredients

Here are the ingredients in this DIY electrolyte tonic:

• Celtic salt – This is the foundation and SO helpful because it contains 70+ trace minerals in and of itself! Unlike many pre-made powder electrolytes which use table salt. High quality sodium is important for electrolyte balance and adrenal support.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Make sure it has the “mother” for the fermented probiotic benefits. It also has trace amounts of potassium and magnesium. ACV can also aid digestion, support healthy blood sugar, aid weight loss, and even help reduce cholesterol (1).
• Lemons – A great source of vitamin C and with some potassium, lemons also aid digestion and provide liver support as well.
• Ginger – Powerful support for gut health, ginger also contains a bit of potassium and magnesium.
• Raw local honey – While honey only contains trace amounts of nutrients, this improves the flavor profile and the natural sugars help your body absorb the other beneficial electrolyte minerals. It’s also rich in antioxidants. If local, it can also help with allergies.

How to make the electrolyte concentrate

To a large jar, add your Celtic salt (you could also use pink salt like Redmond’s), apple cider vinegar, and honey.

Juice the lemons and add the lemon juice, then slice an additional lemon (rind on) and add to the jar as well. It’s ideal to use organic lemons for this, if possible. Next, thinly slice your ginger and add it as well.

Give the jar a good stir/shake and it’s ready to use! The concoction will only get more powerful over time as it infuses.

Simply add a spoonful of the electrolyte concentrate to a large glass of water and enjoy!

Shake before using each time. Store in the fridge and use within 2 months. Makes around 60 servings.

Electrolyte concentrate dosage

For dosage, a tablespoon a day stirred into a large 16-oz glass of water is usually a good amount for most adults. If you find it too acidic, split the dose in half and drink some in the morning, some in the afternoon.

It’s great to drink before a meal as a digestive support to aid stomach acid production. First thing in the morning before breakfast is perfect.

Recipe tips & tricks

Sip through a straw ideally – this electrolyte blend is acidic, so the straw prevents damage to tooth enamel.

If you find the concentrate too sour for your liking, try adding a small packet of True Lime to your glass – it works wonders to balance it out! Or, add more honey to the mix for an extra touch of sweetness. Increasing the amount of water also helps mellow the flavor.

This concentrate is also wonderful for adding to salad dressings and sauces! Mix with a bit of olive oil and a dash of dijon for a quick yummy dressing.

This recipe has a high sodium ratio vs. potassium. If you want it a little more balanced, increase the potassium by adding a pinch of cream of tartar (about 1/8 teaspoon per glass) or a splash of coconut water to your cup when you mix it together.

Your salt probably won’t fully dissolve into the liquid — that’s normal. Just give the jar a good shake before adding to your water each time.