When a person gets sick with vomiting and diarrhea, the electrolytes can take a dive causing further depletion. Electrolytes are minerals in the body consisting primarily of sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate and magnesium. These minerals contain an electrical charge, essential to bodily functions. Illness, strenuous exercise, heat, altitude and dry air can easy offset our electrolytes, which then need to be replaced. 


The principle electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and chloride.

Electrolytes are generally acquired from water. 

Many over the counter drinks are sold as electrolyte replenishing essentials, but their health value is depleting to overall function. This is not the goal. Finding the answer through supportive food is always best, especially when it works.

The GAPS rebuilding protocol is specific to rebuilding and repair. Sometimes, however, while on protocol, the body will purge a virus or parasites. This can deplete the electrolytes and leave the person looking to replace the lost. The worst thing that can be done at this time is to choose a man made, chemical laden, sugar filled drink.

There are three primary options, according to Dr. Natasha.

  1. Any fermented vegetable brine is optimal. This includes kvass, vegetable medley, kraut juice, fermented garlic, kimchi and probiotic pickles, which are generally favored, even by children.
  2. She says, “Some people drink a solution of a teaspoon of natural salt in a glass of water, and find it helpful for their health. Meat stock and bone broth have salt added and are rich in minerals and can be considered to be an electrolyte solution.” Natural salt is most commonly found in this form, this form or this form
  3. Meat stock, is the third option, which is rich in minerals and can be made in a few hours. 

Some folks use Gatorade for electrolyte support however, it contains two forms of sugar, citric acid which is a black mold converted from sugar, monopotassium phosphate is used as a fertilizer, a food additive and a fungicide. It also contains brominated vegetable oils which displace iodine, a valuable nutrient to every cell of the body including the thyroid gland. 

photo courtesy of tiverylucky at





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