Cool Off With These Electrolyte Citrus Popsicles | Mental Health Recipes

• Did you know you can lose 235 milliliters of water for every 15 to 20 minutes of running?
• Or that your brain consists of around 80% water?
• Or that even mild dehydration can lead to anxiety and irritability?

When talking about mental health, hydration isn’t often the first thing that comes to mind. However, it’s one of the most essential aspects of maintaining a stable mood.

The first signs of dehydration even include fatigue, headaches, and irritability - impacting how you think and feel, as well as your ability to handle stress.

But here’s a quick summer hack for you to avoid dehydration and look after your good ol’ noggin: Electrolyte popsicles! 

These snacks make it easy (and enjoyable) to maintain your hydration levels and, well, keep your head on straight. So, let’s explore why these are a great option for taking care of your mental health and how to make ‘em.

Stay Hydrated This Summer With These Electrolyte Citrus Popsicles

Drinking plain water can be a bit of a bore.

It also isn’t that effective at keeping you hydrated. When you sweat, you don’t only lose water. You also sweat out essential electrolytes like:

• sodium
• potassium
• magnesium

Without replenishing these, your body can’t properly absorb and retain the fluids it needs. 

In other words, chugging back loads of water, without adequate electrolytes, is likely going to leave you running to the toilet frequently throughout your day (not ideal!). For effective hydration, you need electrolytes, which is exactly where these popsicles come into play.

How These Electrolyte Citrus Popsicles Support Your Mental Well-Being

Let’s zoom in.

• How does staying hydrated support your mental health?
• What role do electrolytes play exactly?

Keep reading to find out.

Electrolytes Keep Your Brain Sharp

Sodium, potassium, and magnesium work together to maintain proper nerve signalling. This helps you think clearly and also recall things with ease.

But when electrolyte levels drop, you may notice brain fog, mental fatigue, and difficulty focusing, as well as feel a little bit frustrated.

In fact, research goes as far as to say that electrolyte imbalances can lead to neuropsychiatric manifestations, mimicking disorders like depression. Yet, correcting this imbalance solves the issue, leading to improved mood. 

Water is Essential for a Balanced Mood

Feeling off? More down than usual? Drink up!

And no, I’m not talking about grabbing a pint of beer or another cocktail (In fact, most research suggests you definitely shouldn’t have alcohol to alleviate mental distress).

Drinking water is shown to substantially increase mood. It’s even shown to enhance processing speed and working memory, which are all important for optimal cognitive function.

When we drink enough water, we properly hydrate the brain. And considering the brain is about 80% water, it's necessary to produce and transport neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers) in our brain. In turn, we can think clearly, experience a better mood, and function at our very best.

Staying Properly Hydrated Can Help Manage Stress

Chronic dehydration actually puts your body in a mild state of stress, elevating cortisol levels and making you more reactive to daily challenges. When you’re well-hydrated, however, your body’s nervous system (which is responsible for the stress response) functions more efficiently. And this helps you stay calm and resilient in the face of pressure. 

Proper hydration supports healthy blood flow to the brain, ensuring that stress-management areas, such as the prefrontal cortex, receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. 

These Electrolyte Citrus Popsicles, in particular, offer a mindful way to hydrate while providing natural compounds that support stress management. 

Furthermore, the vitamin C in these popsicles can contribute to the regulation of cortisol. The natural sugars also provide a small amount of energy, without spikes or crashes (which processed foods tend to contribute to).

Fluids + Electrolytes Reduce Mental Fatigue

When tired, reach for a bit of water, or one of these popsicles!

Sometimes, thirst is the first sign you’re dehydrated. Having these popsicles on hand, however, offers a quick pick-me-up that’s a little bit more exciting than just salt and water. 

Related Article: Nootropics: What Are They & 4 You Can Use for Combating Mental Fatigue