The Importance of Minerals + Electrolyte Drink Recipe

*This post is in partnership with Pascoe Canada.

Keeping the body hydrated is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Drinking plenty of water has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the mucosal lining of the intestines, as well as on the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Staying hydrated is a simple way to promote a healthy gut. Water, of course, is great but in order for our bodies to be truly hydrated, we need minerals. Throughout the day, as we are working, exercising, taking care of the kids, our minerals can become depleted. It can be helpful to maintain the minerals in the body for proper hydration. 

Standard water does not contain high amounts of minerals in it. Since the body is also losing minerals thought the day, it can be helpful to add electrolytes and minerals, especially during times of exertion.

 A sign you may need more minerals is when you are drinking plenty of water but yet you are still thirsty. Did you know that minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium help the body to hold onto hydration? Continuing to drink plain water can cause further mineral depletion and it can be helpful to use an electrolyte drink instead. 

Now, you may think to run out to the store and grab a typical electrolyte drink like Gatorade or Powerade but these products can contain ingredients that are not ideal for our health. It is important to always read the labels of products and to watch out for ingredients in certain drinks like sucrose, glucose-fructose, flavouring, food dyes etc. These added ingredients are not necessary but thankfully you can make an easy electrolyte drink at home! 

 Homemade Electrolyte Drink

 1 cup pure coconut water 

 1 cup filtered water

 1/4 cup pure organic fruit juice 

 1 packet of Pascoe Canada’s Basenpower

 Drizzle of raw honey

 Directions:

 Combine in a large mason jar and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and enjoy a cup as needed

The importance of minerals for the body:

Each mineral plays a very important role within the body. Minerals help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals to perform many different functions — from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat.

There are two kinds of minerals –  macrominerals and trace minerals.

Macro means “large” in Greek. Your body will require larger amounts of macrominerals in comparison to trace minerals. Macrominerals consist of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur.

A trace of something means that there is only a small amount of it. So even though your body needs trace minerals, it needs just a small amount of each one. Trace minerals includes iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, and selenium.

Calcium: Essential for strong bones and blood clotting.

Magnesium: Supports normal nerve and muscle function & immune function

Phosphorus: Used in all cell functions 

Potassium: Regulates major biological processes, muscle contraction and regulates heartbeat

Sodium: Maintains water balance, produces digestive juices

Chloride: Acts as an electrolyte, aids digestion and regulates blood pH

Sulphur: Supports digestion, waste elimination and bile secretion

Iron: Involved in red blood production

Copper: Supports the absorption and metabolism of iron

Zinc: Supports the immune system and aids in wound healing

Focusing on food sources for minerals can also be helpful when working to increase minerals in the body.

FOODS RICH IN ZINC:

Lamb, Grass-fed beef, Chickpeas, Cashews, Pumpkin seeds, Chicken, Turkey, Eggs, Mushrooms, Salmon, and Cocoa powder

 
FOODS RICH IN MAGNESIUM:

Cooked spinach, cooked Swiss chard, dark chocolate, sunflower seeds, dried cashews, mackerel, almonds/almond butter, pumpkin seeds, dried, amaranth, buckwheat groats, black bean, avocado, quinoa, spirulina, dried figs, kefir, mung beans, and bananas.

FOODS RICH IN CALCIUM:

Grass-fed dairy, sardines, kefir, kale, okra, bok choy, almonds, broccoli, and watercress.

MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION

Pascoe Canada’s Basenpowder supplement can be helpful to maintain a healthy balance of essential minerals.

Basenpowder is a multi-mineral electrolyte powder supplement. The electrolyte powder and mineral supplement replenish the body to support vital physical processes. Basenpowder delivers essential minerals and electrolytes to:

Help maintain proper muscle function

Help in tissue formation and bone health

Support healthy hair, skin, and nails using zinc

Support immune function

THE BENEFITS OF CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, ZINC

The powder is a multi-mineral supplement that contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. These are the most essential vitamins and minerals the body needs. Calcium and other minerals are used in muscle contraction and nerve impulses. They control blood pressure and support healthy bones. Electrolytes are needed for our organs and cells to function. The mineral supplement balances acidity and helps repair damaged tissue. Essential electrolytes support a healthy immune system.

WHO SHOULD USE AN ELECTROLYTE AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENT?

Electrolytes and trace minerals are always rising and falling due to hydration and changes in bodily fluid. Essential minerals are not made by the body. They must come from a well-balanced all-natural diet. However, adequate calcium, magnesium, and potassium are harder to obtain in the right amount. This is why Basenpowder’s easily absorbable formula is a top pick that can be used by anyone.

Supplementation benefits individuals with mineral deficiencies. This might be due to age or illness. Mineral deficiency may also occur as a result of some diseases, such as osteoporosis. Minerals may help to relieve symptoms of dehydration. Athletes can consume the electrolyte supplement as a sports drink for hydration. It provides electrolyte replacement and refuels energy levels. The electrolyte drink delivers rapid hydration, prevents muscle cramps, and strengthens bones.

Basenpowder is suitable for adults and children over 9 years of age. Unlike tablets, coated caplets, soft gels, or capsules, Basenpowder is: 

Lactose, gluten, and sugar-free

Contains no artificial ingredients or artificial sweeteners

Vegan and keto-friendly

Caffeine-free

HOW TO USE BASENPOWDER:

Basenpowder is easy to add to your daily routine. The dietary supplement replenishes the body quickly due to its fast absorption. Mix one scoop of the powder or one single-serve stick packs of Basenpowder with 8 ounces of water. The electrolyte mix can be added to your favourite beverage, smoothie, or shake. Add fruit or herbs to the unflavoured food supplement. Enjoy a great-tasting lemon flavour or lemon-lime electrolyte water!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Electrolytes and trace minerals are always rising and falling due to hydration and changes in bodily fluid. Supplementation can benefit those with mineral deficiencies.

Along with proper nutrition and lifestyle, Pascoe Canada’s supplements can be excellent supporting tools to help you with mineral deficiencies.

To learn more about Pascoe Canada’s products, visit their website here: https://www.pascoe.ca/

Always consult your doctor before you begin taking a supplement or make any changes to your existing medication and supplement routine. This is not medical advice, but it is information you can use as a conversation starter with your physician at your next appointment.