While vibrant sports drinks promise to replace lost electrolytes, Dr Amati believes that finding more natural alternatives will double the health benefits. “It’s important to choose natural sources such as coconut water and avoid sports drinks that have added artificial sweeteners, colouring and flavouring,” she says.

As a Brazillian, Rauen-Prestes wholeheartedly agrees that coconut water is a great natural alternative. “We’re obsessed with it. We make ice out of coconut water to put into everything, which is a great trick,” she says. “In terms of food, a healthy balanced diet can help with electrolytes. (Plump for foods) like spinach, kale, broccoli, beans, potatoes, nuts, berries, tomatoes, milk, olives, chicken, fish, avocados, bananas (this one is the electrolyte superstar), and lots of water.”

Alex Ruani’s easy DIY sports drink recipe

It couldn’t be cheaper or easier to make your own electrolyte-rich drink. We can’t guarantee that it’ll be as fizzy as a Lucozade but at least it’ll be a more normal colour…

INGREDIENTS

250ml of fruit juice
750ml water
1g table salt (optional)

METHOD

Mix 250ml the juice with the water.
Berry, orange, apple or pineapple juice are all naturally high in potassium and sodium so can be the best choice for re-fuelling.
Add the table salt (if using one of the juices listed, this is optional) and shake well.
Chill for at least an hour.

Rehydrating with water after exercise isn't enough – you need electrolytes too