Health, Dr. Mao, Santa Monica

Three Cool Drink Recipes For Summer: Dr. Mao's Wellness Central

Courtesy Photo

Dr. Mao Shing Ni

Posted Jun. 30, 2013, 9:04 am

Dr. Mao Shing Ni / Mirror Columnist

The soaring temperatures are a sure indicator that summer is in full swing!

Running for cover in your air-conditioned home will surely cool you off, but it won’t protect you from dehydration.

The summer heat can easily strip us of much needed water through excessive perspiration.

For overall health, drink plenty of fluid to replace any that is lost from sweating.

Try these simple tips and recipes to quench your thirst and stay cool as a cucumber all summer long!

Hello To H2O!

The easiest and best way to replenish any lost fluid is to drink good old plain water!

Nothing will refresh and hydrate you more than a glass or two.

If water sounds boring, try adding some fresh mint, a splash of unsweetened juice, some citrus slices, or even a cucumber slice to your pitcher.

Remember to carry a canteen with you at all times and take a few sips every half hour.

You might think that the AC is enough to cool you off, but remember that it doesn’t supply you with fluid that you lost while waiting for the bus!

Sip on some H2O and save yourself from the unpleasant effects of dehydration, like dizziness and nausea.

Power Up With Electrolytes

When you sweat, you not only lose water but also necessary electrolytes like potassium and sodium – especially when working out!

What’s so important about electrolytes?

Electrolytes maintain fluid homeostasis, muscle coordination, and heart function.

But don’t be so quick to reach for that sugary beverage that, while it may contain electrolytes, also supplies you with toxic preservatives and additives like food colorings and high-fructose corn syrup.

A natural alternative you might try is coconut water, which contains sodium and potassium.

Recipe: Yummy Citrus Electrolyte Replacement

Try this simple homemade recipe and sip it throughout the day.

• one cup warm water

• two tablespoons honey

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Fresh juice of one orange

Combine all ingredients and add another liter of water for a refreshing pick-me-up!

Can The Caffeine

Although an iced coffee drink may provide you with some cooling effect, remember that caffeine is a diuretic.

This means that your body will lose water and you may put yourself at an even greater risk for dehydration!

Frozen coffee beverages not only contain tons of sugar, but that super size portion will leave your insides parched.

If you must indulge, choose the smallest size and forget the whipped cream, caramel, and fudge sauces, unless you want to expand your waistline.

Make sure to drink at least 10 ounces of water for every caffeinated beverage you consume – and, yes, that includes caffeinated tea as well.

Recipe: Chamomile Cooler

Try this easy iced herbal, caffeine-free tea recipe that will keep you refreshed all summer long! 

• Chamomile tea

• Fresh mint

• Fresh orange slices

• Stevia (optional)

Using tea bags or chamomile leaves, make hot tea and put it in the refrigerator to cool. Once it's chilled, add mint, orange slices, and a drizzle of honey or stevia for some added sweetness.

If you like, pour some of the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze it, then drop the cubes into the chilled tea and enjoy!

You Lose With Booze!

A surefire way to get dehydrated is to drink alcohol.

A cold beer might sound like the perfect thirst quencher, but the added calories and beer belly may not be what you bargained for this summer!

Like caffeine, alcohol is a diuretic that will ultimately dehydrate you, so don’t be swayed by that strawberry colada or margarita.

Opt for a cold homemade berry smoothie instead, like the one below.

Recipe: Sweet Thirst Quencher

• one cup mixed frozen berries

• half cup cold coconut water

• Small handful of fresh mint

Blend all the delicious ingredients and enjoy.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on “The Ricki Lake Show,” “Dr. Oz,” and contributes to Yahoo Health and The Huffington Post.  Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition, and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica, Newport Beach, and Pasadena. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni, founded the Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com.