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Do you struggle with dehydration?! What’s your electrolyte drink recipe?

19 replies14 peopleOct 29, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

What electrolyte drink recipes help with dehydration after gastric bypass or similar issues?

People share personal mixes using water, salt, potassium, magnesium, and flavorings to stay hydrated when regular drinking feels difficult. Some rely on measured DIY batches with specific ratios while others use tablets or packets for convenience. Experiences vary around taste, cost, and how well the mix prevents cramps or kidney strain.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Whether commercial packets or fully homemade versions work better for daily use versus exercise.

Still open

How lab values like eGFR respond long-term to different hydration approaches.

Nothing here is advice.

19 replies · 14 people
SharpCompass12archiveopening postOct 29

After my operation a couple years back I don't take in fluids the way I once did so dehydration hits me often. To keep my kidneys from getting strained I've mixed up my own electrolyte blend. Even though I've looked into the topic quite a bit I'm still hoping to find other approaches. My blend uses two quarts of water plus potassium magnesium a mineral salt sugar-free taste packets I've tried in different varieties and just a tiny bit of unrefined raw sugar. What blends does everyone else rely on to stay hydrated? Strong stevia leaves an unpleasant sharp aftertaste for me so the little bit of raw sugar helps cut that edge.

WryFenwick91archiveOct 29

This problem bothers me all the time, especially since my home is in a hot climate. I've tried several methods but none satisfy me completely. One mix stands out for its flavor and includes sodium along with potassium and magnesium while keeping sugar minimal. Yet the sodium level seems insufficient for recovery after physical activity, making it suitable mainly for regular days. Another provides a nice ratio of sodium to potassium with little sugar, though it lacks magnesium and costs more than others. Its taste appeals to me most. A third includes vitamins plus minerals and works for daily use rather than intense sessions, but it's difficult to locate locally and has smaller amounts of potassium and magnesium. Tablets from one brand upset my stomach. For exercise I mix maple syrup with sea salt from the store which saves money but makes precise dosing tricky. This gives me sodium and energy but isn't a full electrolyte balance. Keeping fluids in check stays challenging. I'll discuss this with my physician soon.

SlowAlder33archiveOct 29

I generally like that company overall, though the cost per portion didn't work well for me. I still blend their pre-workout powder into my creatine each day anyway. I went through nearly the same steps after getting cramps for the first time ever in a competition while taking Reta. After checking into the topic quite thoroughly I settled on the following blend. Combine 32 ounces of water with a quarter teaspoon of salt, an eighth teaspoon of potassium chloride, and an eighth teaspoon of magnesium citrate. Citrus juice or a sugar-free flavoring can be added if the taste needs improvement. Taking this twice daily supplies roughly 1150 to 1200 milligrams of sodium, around 500 to 700 milligrams of potassium, and 160 to 200 milligrams of magnesium on top of what food already provides. The proportions by weight come out to 1.53 parts salt, 0.48 parts potassium chloride, and 0.61 parts magnesium citrate, or five parts salt, 1.6 parts potassium chloride, and two parts magnesium citrate. To make enough for about thirty portions, stir together two tablespoons plus two teaspoons of salt, two tablespoons of potassium chloride, and three tablespoons of magnesium citrate in a sealed dry container until evenly combined. A single portion uses a scant teaspoon of that blend in 32 ounces of water. Normal use is two portions per day, while very active or warm days can go up to three. Each portion aims for about 600 milligrams sodium, 250 milligrams potassium, and 100 milligrams magnesium. Once mixed into water the electrolytes stay stable, so the main issue is keeping bacteria out rather than losing strength. At room temperature that means using it within a day, or two to three days if kept chilled. Adding fresh citrus means refrigerating and finishing within a day.

IronLedger79archiveOct 29

I used only salt mixed with lemon juice.

IronLantern24archiveOct 29

Staying properly hydrated has always been difficult for me personally. When salt intake drops too low I feel nauseous so a small amount of juice helps ease that. Supplements containing both magnesium and potassium already form part of my regular routine.

GreyLantern71archiveOct 29

I use sugar free electrolyte packets in my large water cup.

LevelAlder29archiveOct 29

My fluid intake habits are pretty poor overall. Plain tap water is my usual choice and I sometimes add electrolyte packets when skipping meals or just for a change. Vegetable juice is something I enjoy quite a bit because of all the salt it contains and I also swallow a big handful of supplements every day yet the total amount of liquids I actually consume stays below what feels right. I always keep a dozen cans of sparkling water stashed in my vehicle. Ice cold plain water tastes good to me too. The problem is I really dislike lining up for the restroom on the job since there are never enough stalls so I deliberately limit what I drink while working then catch up later in the evening which means getting up multiple times after dark. Nonworking months are great for this exact reason since I can sip and use the bathroom whenever without any schedule issues.

GreyFenwick31archiveOct 30

Reading through everyone's experiences here makes me feel pretty ordinary by comparison. Most of my daily fluids come straight from the faucet and I go through quite a lot. Whenever I notice a dip in energy or need some minerals I stir half a serving of electrolyte powder into water since the full amount comes across too sugary or grab another similar packet instead. Checking my levels with a blood test would probably be smart. Vitamins only cross my mind now and then which ends up being almost never.

SharpCompass12archiveOct 30
↳ replying to @LevelAlder29

Wow, handling that kind of restriction would really get to me. Luckily my office has a pair of convenient bathrooms nearby. My desk job means outdoor heat never interferes with my tasks. Still, struggling to drink enough without enough facilities feels rough. My kidneys actually ache from skipping proper fluid intake these days. Every morning I begin with a large blend of fruit juice, plain water, plus unsweetened coffee that adds up to thirty-two ounces. Following that I go through sixty-four ounces of electrolyte beverage. This routine has me heading to the restroom constantly all day long. 😂

SharpCompass12archiveOct 30

Appreciate all the comments from you guys. You really encourage me. I neglected to post about what I'm taking and explain the electrolyte mix better. The same provider I've ordered creatine and protein from in the past is where I got these from too. Grabbed a large jug of that mountain salt besides.

PlainLedger10archiveOct 30

From the start of my Reta process I've felt constantly thirsty with parched eyes and mouth along with other dryness. Not long ago I moved over to alkaline water and noticed a huge improvement inside seven days.

LevelThistle44archiveOct 30

These days my usual cases of bottled water, chocolate protein drinks, and grape fizz all seem pretty dull. If a soda happens to be nearby when I'm craving one, I'll go ahead and have it. My work keeps me outside all day yet I show no signs of dehydration or anything unusual in test results.

SteadyMeadow42archiveOct 30

I go with this particular mix. Preparing a typical two liter serving means adding these items to a big vessel. The water portion is two liters which is about eight cups worth. Sodium chloride gets a half teaspoon added of the fine variety. One teaspoon of substitute salt provides the potassium chloride. Standard baking soda supplies the sodium bicarbonate at one teaspoon. A half teaspoon of epsom salt that is approved for eating handles the magnesium sulfate since the usual kind is not meant for that. Though my magnesium comes from a store bought option instead.

SharpCompass12archiveOct 30
↳ replying to @SteadyMeadow42

That Snake Juice reference really grabbed my attention, haha. Checking out the same thing myself. Not sure what baking soda adds here. Found the idea pretty surprising. Used it on my teeth in the past though. Never realized it could help with staying hydrated. Incredible!

GreyFenwick31archiveOct 30

Yeah my eyes dried out as well yet i picked up drops to keep them moist. figured electrolytes were likely the thing i lacked.

SharpCompass12archiveOct 30

My latest test showed the kidney filtration marker looking way off. But I was clearly dehydrated then and could sense my system was short on liquid. Daily use of that supplement also tends to throw off results. So I stopped it and stepped up fluid intake, getting serious about the change. New tests are lined up for next week. Recent muscle gains might also affect the numbers. That’s why I’ll skip workouts for three days ahead of the draw. Appreciate you checking in!

PlainLedger10archiveOct 30

This alkaline water from a spring comes in bottles and measures ten on the pH scale. I pick up gallon jugs of it at the supermarket. Yeah the dry mouth problems in particular only appeared after beginning my weekly dose of one point five milligrams reta.

PlainThistle11archiveOct 30

Those are what I use except I use a real salt instead. So for 30 servings I do 75 grams of the salt 11.5 grams potassium chloride 11.7 grams magnesium malate

RustLantern55archiveOct 30

Comments aren't something I've looked at yet, but those hydration beverages and mixes just aren't appealing to me at all. That rules out the popular options and similar products. Salty liquids aren't my thing either. Regular water is what I enjoy. Instead, I go with electrolyte pills in capsule form. Taking one along with some water works perfectly for me.

BrightSparrow36archiveOct 30

I blend roughly eight to twelve ounces of plain water into the mixture first before pouring in one or possibly two cans of lime flavored sparkling water.

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