Beat the Heat: Hydrate with Lemon
Besides water and electrolytes, lemons are a must-have during the summer. When you are on the field for hours, game after game, staying hydrated is the difference maker in performance.
Why Lemons?
By adding lemon or lime to your water, you give your body phytochemical nutrition. During the process of holding onto the water to absorb this nutrition, the body has more time to break down the molecular structure and hydrate your cells.
Lemons also:
1. Support immune function: Lemons are high in antioxidant vitamin C, which is needed for a healthy immune function, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, and has been used as support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Lemons contain saponins, antimicrobial properties.
2. Alkalize the body: Although the tartness of lemons may make them seem acidic, lemons are actually one of the most alkalizing foods! This is important because training and dehydration can acidify the body, which delays recovery.
3. Aid digestion: Lemon juice has been traditionally used to support the stomach’s hydrochloric acid, which helps to aid digestion. Lemon water is also believed to help purge toxins from the blood and keep skin clear of blemishes.
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1-2 tsp Stevia or honey (to taste). The choice depends on whether you are watching your waistline or could use the extra calories.
Put ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then chill. It’s also great to add frozen strawberries or mint leaves.
Tip: Fill a water bottle halfway with lemonade, freeze it, then top it off with water before you hit the field. Nothing more refreshing!
Learn more about creative ways to stay hydrated through STACK’s Hydration page. And while you’re in the kitchen, check out these delicious, muscle-building smoothie recipes.
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Beat the Heat: Hydrate with Lemon
Besides water and electrolytes, lemons are a must-have during the summer. When you are on the field for hours, game after game, staying hydrated is the difference maker in performance.
Why Lemons?
By adding lemon or lime to your water, you give your body phytochemical nutrition. During the process of holding onto the water to absorb this nutrition, the body has more time to break down the molecular structure and hydrate your cells.
Lemons also:
1. Support immune function: Lemons are high in antioxidant vitamin C, which is needed for a healthy immune function, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, and has been used as support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Lemons contain saponins, antimicrobial properties.
2. Alkalize the body: Although the tartness of lemons may make them seem acidic, lemons are actually one of the most alkalizing foods! This is important because training and dehydration can acidify the body, which delays recovery.
3. Aid digestion: Lemon juice has been traditionally used to support the stomach’s hydrochloric acid, which helps to aid digestion. Lemon water is also believed to help purge toxins from the blood and keep skin clear of blemishes.
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1-2 tsp Stevia or honey (to taste). The choice depends on whether you are watching your waistline or could use the extra calories.
Put ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then chill. It’s also great to add frozen strawberries or mint leaves.
Tip: Fill a water bottle halfway with lemonade, freeze it, then top it off with water before you hit the field. Nothing more refreshing!
Learn more about creative ways to stay hydrated through STACK’s Hydration page. And while you’re in the kitchen, check out these delicious, muscle-building smoothie recipes.