News from Illinois CancerCare

Dehydrated? Make Your Own Electrolyte Drinks!

Do you struggle with dehydration? Do over the counter electrolyte drinks taste off? Are they too expensive?

Our oncology dietitians recommend making your own homemade electrolyte drinks! Simply make a large batch and keep in the fridge to have on hand. These recipes are a great alternative to store-bought drinks and can be used to help combat dehydration – a common concern for cancer patients during treatment.

Pictured to the right is Oncology Dietitian Jeanna Rich and Intern Kriston Love (Illinois State University) serving drinks to patient being seen for dehydration at our Bloomington clinic.

HOMEMADE CITRUS ELECTROLYTE DRINK
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups water (filtered or raw coconut water)
  • 2 tbsp organic raw honey or organic maple syrup
  • 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt

Instructions:

  • Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
  • Store in mason jars or reusable glass cap bottles

HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY LEMONADE ELECTROLYTE DRINK
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups water (filtered or raw coconut water)
  • 2 tsbp organic raw honey
  • 1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt

Instructions:

  • Put all ingredients in a blender and pulse for about 30 seconds, or until strawberries are pureed. Serve and drink immediately.