Hospitals across the country have been hit with a double whammy: an alarming flu season combined with a shortage of intravenous fluids. Hurricane Maria's devastating impact on Puerto Rico, a crucial manufacturing center for U.S. medical supplies, has caused supply chain disruptions. In this precarious scenario, some medical institutions use sports drinks as a rehydration solution. But therein lies a health risk.
“The basic deficiency of drinks like Gatorade for disease-related dehydration is that there is too much sugar and not enough salt (sodium) or potassium,” says John D. Bowman, MS Pharm, Texas A&M Irma Lerma Professor of Pharmacy. Rangel College of Pharmacy. "Sports drinks may be fine for healthy people after intense exercise, but are not recommended for people with fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Seasonal flu (influenza) is not usually associated with diarrhea, but this season many children are affected. As one of their symptoms. Children and the elderly are at greater risk for severe symptoms due to dehydration, and using sports drinks, chicken soup or other home remedies can even worsen the condition."
Bowman suggests oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution, a treatment for stomach flu and dehydration recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), the ingredients of which are probably in your kitchen cupboard. Simply combine one liter of water, half a teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar. Optionally, half a cup of orange juice or a mashed banana can be added for potassium. The WHO-ORS solution is a scientifically sound method of replacing body fluid loss, developed for use in developing countries where cholera or other diarrheal diseases are common.
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning that flu season is responsible for hundreds of deaths across the country, it's not too late to get vaccinated. “If you have not yet received the flu vaccine, you should do so now as flu season is still at its peak,” Bowman said. “The people most at risk are children under five and over 65, although many baby boomers between the ages of 50 and 65 also get the flu.”
For those who already have the flu, antivirals such as Tamiflu can help. “Antiviral flu medications may be in short supply in your area, so call the pharmacy ahead of time to check,” Bowman said. “They are helpful if taken within the first day or two after having the flu. What people call the stomach flu is not the same as the respiratory flu, but both can lead to dehydration, which makes one feel worse. Using Oral Flu Rehydration is a general recommendation for any sick person with mild to moderate dehydration, and its use can delay or even prevent the need for emergency treatment.
But Bowman also warns that people concerned about dehydration or other symptoms of the flu should contact their doctor immediately.
FAQs
“The basic deficiency in beverages such as Gatorade for illness-related dehydration is that there is too much sugar and not enough salt (sodium) or potassium,” said John D.
Do sports drinks really help with dehydration? ›
The short answer is yes; sports drinks are good for dehydration. As its name suggests, sports drinks were created explicitly for athletes to prevent dehydration. While they're not the end-all, be-all option to secure a hydrated future, their electrolyte fluids pack a punch before, during, and after a good workout.
Does Gatorade actually help dehydration? ›
The short answer is yes. Gatorade was designed to prevent dehydration. It is a good rule of thumb to sip on Gatorade and water throughout your workout to maintain a healthy hydration level with sweat loss. Immediately following your activity, you should consume at least 8 ounces of Gatorade to avoid dehydration.
Do sports drinks help when sick? ›
These drinks won't help you get over your cold or flu, and some could do more harm than good. Sports drinks. They can help if you're very dehydrated, but they don't really do much to make you feel better. Plus, they have a lot of sugar.
Are sports drinks hypotonic or hypertonic? ›
Most traditional sports drinks (like Gatorade, Powerade and so on) technically fall into the 'isotonic' category, that is, they're similar in concentration to human blood. Isotonic drinks deliver a reasonable amount of energy and clear the gut promptly too—though not quite as fast hypotonic solutions.
Are sports drinks actually better than water? ›
Sports drinks contain calories and drinking too much can take away from balanced eating. Don't let sports drinks replace other nutritious drinks throughout the day. Water is the best choice if your athlete is thirsty between meals.
What's better than Gatorade? ›
Luckily, there are natural and healthy alternatives to Gatorade with a fraction of the sugar, including coconut water, watermelon water, and other fruit juices, milk, and superfood smoothies. If you haven't tried these options yet, now is a great time.
What hydrates you faster water or Gatorade? ›
This myth comes from a study funded by Gatorade that found people who drank their product were better hydrated than if they drank water—but only because they drank more fluids. If you drank the same volume of water versus Gatorade, you'd be equally hydrated.
Is Sprite good when sick? ›
Sprite may not be a good choice for replacing lost fluids when experiencing stomach flu. While some people may find that Sprite can help settle a nauseous stomach, the sugar content in the drink can worsen some symptoms of stomach flu, such as diarrhea. However, Sprite may be an option if other liquids are unpalatable.
What is the best electrolyte drink for seniors? ›
Seniors seeking a natural hydration boost should consider HiLyte Electrolyte. Made with 100% plant-based ingredients and free of artificial additives, it offers a clean and flavorful option. Its balanced electrolyte blend supports fluid balance, muscle function, and overall well-being.
Electrolyte Drinks to Replenish Low Levels
- Milk. Cow's milk provides a unique blend of electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein that makes it an ideal workout recovery drink. ...
- Coconut Water. Coconut water is the liquid found inside a coconut. ...
- Fruit Juice. ...
- Smoothies. ...
- Pedialyte. ...
- Gatorade. ...
- Electrolyte Water. ...
- Electrolyte Tablets.
In addition, sports drinks contain higher levels of sodium that children do not need in large amounts and can be harmful and increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease [12]. For most children and adolescents, water is sufficient to maintain adequate hydration during physical activity [13].
Why are sports drinks so important? ›
Numerous studies show that traditional sports drinks can improve physical performance and increase the length of time that an athlete can perform or compete before reaching exhaustion. They supply the muscles with energy, plus water and electrolytes, which help keep muscles from cramping and dehydration at bay.
Does Powerade actually hydrate you? ›
Although Gatorade and Powerade can help you stay hydrated, it's best to drink them only when needed. If you are not exercising for at least one hour, water is the best bet for staying hydrated. Electrolytes come from natural sources without added sugar and dyes.
Do sports drinks really replenish electrolytes? ›
Numerous studies show that traditional sports drinks can improve physical performance and increase the length of time that an athlete can perform or compete before reaching exhaustion. They supply the muscles with energy, plus water and electrolytes, which help keep muscles from cramping and dehydration at bay.
What is the best drink for dehydration? ›
What are the best drinks to hydrate?
- Water. No surprises here. ...
- Milk & milk alternatives. One scientific study . has suggested that milk is right up there with the most hydrating drinks. ...
- Fruit and herb-infused water. ...
- Fruit juice. ...
- Sports drinks. ...
- Coconut Water. ...
- Tea.
A few studies have shown that electrolyte drinks do hydrate better than regular water3,4, but are they necessary? The answer: only in some circ*mstances. Electrolyte drinks can be beneficial for someone who is enduring very intense exercise (75+ minutes) or when it is extremely hot in the workout environment.
