ArticlesDIY Electrolyte Mix: A Practical Guide
If you train hard — especially in the heat — you already know water alone isn’t enough. Sweat pulls key minerals from your body, and if you don’t replace them, performance drops fast. But buying electrolyte drinks or tablets every session? That adds up quick.
Here’s the good news: you can make your own basic electrolyte mix at home — for pennies a serving. No sugar. No fillers.
Why DIY?
Store-bought options are convenient, but they’re also expensive. Most cost $1–$2 per serving — and many contain extra ingredients you might not want.
The homemade version below delivers similar electrolyte ratios, All you need is a digital scale, a food processor (optional), and a few grocery store ingredients.
The Formula
Per Liter of water:
- Sodium: 525 mg
- Potassium: 150 mg
- Magnesium: 60 mg
- Calcium: 90 mg
Per 1 Serving
Light Salt (Morton’s)
0.6 g
Provides sodium and potassium
Baking Soda
0.83 g
Adds sodium and helps buffer acidity (alkalinity)
Epsom Salt (unscented)
0.30 g
Source of magnesium
Calcium Carbonate
0.14 g
Source of calcium
Total powder per serving: ~1.87 g
Note: You’ll need a digital scale that can read to the hundredths of a gram for accuracy.
Batch Recipe (Makes over 500 servings)
- 311 g Lite Salt
- 429 g Baking Soda
- 155 g Epsom Salt
- 75 g Calcium Carbonate Powder
Blend the dry ingredients in a food processor to break down crystals and ensure even mixing. Store in an airtight container.
Serving suggestion: Mix a heaping ¼ tsp into 24 oz of cold water. Add your favorite natural flavor (see below), shake, and you’re good to go.
Optional Flavor Boosts
The mix itself is unflavored — salty with a hint of bitterness from magnesium. Try these natural flavor combos:
- Citrus Refresh: Squeeze of lemon or lime + pinch of stevia
- Berry Salt: Unsweetened berry drink mix (like True Lemon Raspberry)
- Tea Base: Brewed hibiscus or green tea + your DIY powder
Avoid sugary mixers if you're using this for fasted training, keto, or blood sugar control.
Safety Notes
- Don’t exceed recommended amounts — too much baking soda or magnesium can upset your stomach.
- If you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions, check with your doctor before using electrolyte supplements.
- This formula is for active people — not general daily use.
Final Thoughts
Hydration doesn’t have to be complicated — or expensive. This DIY powder gives you the key minerals your body needs to perform at its best, whether you’re crushing heat workouts or refueling after a sauna. It's customizable, portable, and costs a fraction of store-bought options.
