Welcome back, I’m Your Health Bestie Barbara. If you joined us last week, we talked about preventing cramps using electrolytes. Gatorade is a popular sports drink that helps people extend their performance and recover from a tough workout.
This week, we’re diving deeper into how fluids and electrolytes impact your metabolism and respiratory system. We will learn how something as simple as broth can help maintain balance. Let’s get started!”
Sodium Cravings & Alternatives
Many people crave salty foods such as Fritos, chips and fries. Low sodium diets are promoted as healthy. But, if you workout your body loses salt. This needs to be replenished. Gatorade can help, but not everyone wants or needs a sugary drink, especially if they have diabetes.
If you have been craving meals that contain loads of sodium your body may need more electrolytes. Chili cheese fries or chili chese tator tots are packed with sodium. You may not realize when you eat them, you are instinctively responding to your body’s needs.
Of course I am not encouraging anyone to eat a bunch of fast food. Rather, I am pointing out that our cravings often signal what our body truly needs – in this case, sodium.
We cannot eat spoonfuls of sodium by itself. Food is the delivery system for what the body actually craves. Its possible we gravitate towards processed food specifically because of its salt content.
By realizing your body’s need for salt you can satisfy the cravings with more nutritious foods. For example olives are a healthy, portable snack. They contain a decent amount of sodium. They are portable keep you on the go.
Nuts are another great option! Many are salted, making them a portable and satisfying snack. Pack a small bag and throw it in your computer case for a quick, low-calorie option that won’t spike blood sugar. It will help to meet your body’s sodium needs.
Nuts and olives can easily replace chips or fries. They can be just as filling.
Metabolic Disorders & Electrolyte Balance
Now, let’s talk about how metabolic disorders can arise when the body’s fluids and electrolytes are out of balance. This can lead to conditions such as diabetes or respiratory issues. Your doctor can test for these imbalances. One key factor is the balance between sodium and chloride in your blood.
Our body is a complex system. Sodium and chloride are found in the blood. The balance between them determines whether the body remains healthy or develops a metabolic or respiratory condition.
Many of Us, Myself included have believed that a low sodium diet is equivalent to health. But Our body’s tell Us otherwise. We don’t necessarily want a low sodium diet. This need for sodium may be the reason we crave mac n cheese or pizza.
Sodium and Chloride play a vital role in maintaining balance. Too little can be just as harmful as too much.
When we crave processed foods, does this mean we are doomed to poor health? Not necessarily.
Research shows that sodium and chloride are essential for maintaining health. Last week, we discussed Gatorade and pickle juice. These drinks contain electrolytes that help replenish sodium.
What are your thoughts on sodium? Do you avoid it, or do you think it’s essential? Let’s start a conversation – send me a message or drop a comment!
Broth: A Natural Electrolyte Source
Another excellent way to replenish sodium is Broth. The good news:
- It is budget friendly
- Easy to make
- Low in calories
- Filled with minerals and electrolytes
- Super healthy!
Chicken soup is often praised as being ‘food for the Soul’. It is essentially broth with chicken chunks. Broth can easily be prepared without animal products while delivering key nutritional benefits.
Try this experiment:
- Prepare broth with animal products one week.
- The next week try a version without them.
- Let me know does it still feel just as beneficial?
I believe that much of broth’s power comes from its salts and minerals by themselves.
My broth recipe is always evolving. Here is my latest version:
- Spring Water, it is naturally rich in trace minerals and electrolytes.
- Celery as a source of potassium.
- Garlic and onion add depth and sulfur compounds.
- Kale has many minerals and nutrients such as vitamin k, vitamin a and more.
- Apple cider vinegar helps to extract nutrients and pull them into the broth.
- Himalayan rock salt has trace minerals. It also includes a bit of iron. This gives the pinkish color.
- I add potassium chloride and magnesium chloride as well. Electrolytes help support nerve signaling and muscle activity.
- Black pepper and turmeric are the secret ingredient. Black pepper enhances curcumin absorption from the turmeric. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and many other benefits as well.
How I Make It
- I boil these ingredients in a soup pot for 10-20 minutes.
- I reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
- After it has cooled I strain the broth and store it in jars. These make for great on the go drinks during the week to help me maintain my electrolyte balance.
- I keep the kale and eat it separately. It is already well seasoned and ready to go. The remaining ingredients are discarded.
The result? A nutrient dense drink that keeps me hydrated and balanced all week long.
Do you drink broth regularly? What’s your favorite way to prepare it?
Electrolytes and fluids are the foundation of good health.
Next Article
In this episode we learned to listen to Our body’s, trust Our instincts, and embrace real food and minerals. Next week, we’ll talk about a common ingredient that may be disrupting your metabolism, propylene glycol.
I decided to check if I had any products containing this ingredient. It did not take long. The first three products I looked at all had propylene glycol. I was floored.
Learn why this product may be disrupting your health and find out what you can use instead!
This is Barbara, I am Yours in health. If you found this episode helpful be sure to subscribe, share and leave a review. It only takes a moment and it would mean the world to me.
Until next time, remember, every day can be a healthy day.
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