It could have been a lot of things…
Maybe it was eating a few too many cookies at his birthday party. Or maybe it was just consuming too much dairy for a sensitive tummy? (You do need ample amounts of milk to dunk cookies after all.) Or maybe it was simply a stomach bug. Whatever it was, it stunk.
Ezra had an upset tummy for a few days. Happy and healthy otherwise, his tum-tum took a walk on the wild side. I’ve been careful to feed him a “better than BRAT diet” to nourish his little body while being sensitive to his digestive tract, but I’ve also been careful to make sure he’s well-hydrated.
With diarrhea (and other tummy troubles),hydration, and replacing electrolytes and energy is important. There are lots of rehydration drinks on the market, but many of them contain artificial colors and flavors. No thanks. Other options usually given like sports drinks, ginger ale, fruit juice and tea aren’t recommended (source) as they are often too high in sugar. Too much sugar makes diarrhea worse because it draws water from the colon and soften stools. Again, no thanks.
After reading about homemade rehydration drinks, I decided to make my own homemade electrolye drink. No artificial ingredients here! I’m shocked by how good it tastes. This drink can be used for rehydration after a stomach bug, exercise, during labor and any other time extra hydration is needed!
Coconut water is used as a base because it’s a good source of electrolytes–nutrients often depleted with diarrhea.
“Electrolytes are minerals that use electric charges in the body to produce reactions such as muscle contraction, nerve movement and a regular heartbeat.” (source: Livestrong)
Fresh squeezed citrus juice is added for flavor and potassium (an electrolyte). A little honey is added because it’s a simple carbohydrate and refuels cells. A pinch of Himalayan pink salt is added (the drink should be no saltier than tears) for sodium. Here’s the low-down:
Homemade Electrolyte Drink
Ingredients
4 cups coconut water
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice
2-3 Tbsp. raw, local honey
1/4 tsp. Himalayan pink salt
Directions
Combine the ingredients in a bottle with a lid and shake well. Shake well before serving. Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy (and feel better)! xo, Allison
Sources
Oral Rehydration Solution
Oral Rehydration Therapy
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