Pedialyte is an OTC rehydration drink for both children and adults. It's one of the most effective and safest treatments available for mild to moderate dehydration. Because it contains electrolytes, it's more effective than drinking only water if you've lost a lot of fluids.
Water is your best bet for everyday hydration, since it is free of sugar, calories, and caffeine. All of your daily food and beverages contribute to your daily fluid needs.
A more natural alternative to a processed sports drink is coconut water. Per cup, it contains 252 milligrams of sodium and 9 grams of carbohydrates per cup, compared with 160 milligrams of sodium and 21 grams of carbs in a serving of Gatorade's Thirst Quencher.
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.
Coconut water
Coconut water is naturally low in sugar and contains a variety of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium ( 2 ). At 46 calories per cup (237 ml), it's also a healthier alternative to sodas, juices, and traditional sports drinks ( 2 ).
Coconut water, milk, fruit juice, and lemon water may help to hydrate and replenish electrolytes. Most individuals can maintain electrolyte balance with a balanced diet and enough water. However, electrolyte drinks may be used in some situations, such as while sweating or sick post workout or after heavy exertion.
While Gatorade can help you stay hydrated, it's best to only drink it when needed. For people who aren't exercising for at least one hour, five days per week, water is the best bet for staying hydrated.
When compared with similar products like Gatorade, Powerade and Body Armor, BioSteel Hydration Mix offers the fewest calories and carbs per serving by a large margin. It also has thousands more milligrams of the following nutrients and amino acids compared to Gatorade, Powerade and Body Armor per serving.
Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks. Researchers credit milk's natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein for its effectiveness.
Coconut water is, undoubtedly, the best hydrating drink. It is low in calories and rich in potassium and is known to have better hydrating qualities than plain water.
The best way to get electrolytes is by consuming them through your diet. You can get electrolytes from foods like chicken, watermelon, and avocado. You can also get electrolytes through drinks like 100% fruit juice, coconut water, or sports drinks.
As for the ranking, well, Hunnes specifically notes Pedialyte and coconut water, both of which deliver plenty of electrolytes without the same sugary explosion as drinks like Gatorade and Powerade (which she says can be okay, too, if you really just need some liquid in you), as good choices.
Electrolytes in drinks
orange juice, which contains potassium and, sometimes, calcium. coconut water, which contains potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium and is naturally low in sugar. soy milk, which contains magnesium and potassium. tomato juice, which contains sodium.
Powerade has more vitamins than Gatorade
Neither has any fat or protein. However, Gatorade contains 10 more calories and slightly more sodium than Powerade per serving. On the other hand, Powerade packs more micronutrients, including magnesium, niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12, which play important roles in your body.
Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix takes the top pick among sports drinks. One scoop contains 80 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates, necessary for optimal recovery and rehydration, along with 380 milligrams of sodium to help you replenish fluids lost during exercise.
Although sports drinks are designed to replenish hydration during and after exercise, some of them may be dehydrating, according to a new study.
Gatorade contains 160 milligrams of sodium and 45 milligrams of potassium per serving, whereas Powerade contains150 milligrams of sodium and 35 milligrams of potassium per serving. In comparison, Gatorade is slightly better at replacing lost electrolytes.