The researchers found that while water — both still and sparkling — does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer.
The fastest method for rehydrating patients is the medical technique of intravenous (IV) fluid replacement. This sends electrolyte-balanced fluids directly into the blood stream so it gets distributed by your blood cells throughout the body almost immediately.
If you are dehydrated, it's important to rehydrate as quickly as you can. With beginning symptoms of dehydration, you can rehydrate by consuming fluids that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions.
Best Overall: Gatorade
The levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) are moderate and sensible with 160 mg of sodium and 45mg of potassium per 12 fluid ounce serving. You can also find Gatorade varieties with higher sodium, zero sugar or no calories depending on your needs.
In general, however, it usually takes about two hours for your body to rehydrate fully after drinking a significant amount of water. As for how you should rehydrate, water is the best choice. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, can be helpful for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.
At less severe dehydration levels that are still serious, it's possible that you'll only be drinking oral rehydration fluids. CDC guidelines for those suffering from dehydration through Cholera recommend drinking up to 1 liter of ORS fluid per hour for an adult, and children 20ml / kg of body weight.
About a half hour to an hour after drinking Hydralyte I did notice that I felt a little more energy and felt overall good!
During work or exercise in the heat: • Drink 8-12 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes. Drinking more than 1.5 liters per hour is not recommended and may increase the risk for developing hyponatremia (low sodium).
Bottom line: Gatorade = more sugar, Pedialyte = more electrolytes. Both drinks offer sugar-free versions, but generally Gatorade has a lot more sugar than Pedialyte, which can be good if you're engaging in intense exercise. Many Pedialyte drinks offer more electrolytes than their Gatorade counterparts.
Fruits and vegetables can help with hydration [a banana is 74% water!] and provide healthful nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. So for elite athletes – or those just trying to stay fit – a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, including bananas, is important for performing at your best!
POWERADE ION4 contains four electrolytes – Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium – lost in sweat. Sodium and Potassium help you to retain fluid so you stay hydrated, as well as maintaining your blood volume, sweat rate and muscle blood flow.
The person loses consciousness at any time. There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures). The person has a fever over 102°F (38.8°C). You notice symptoms of heatstroke (such as rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
Drink water, but replace fluids with a drink that contains electrolytes if you experience significant sweating or fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhea. You should feel better after five or 10 minutes.
Properly rehydrate by slowing drinking water and eating fruits and vegetables with high water content. These include cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, strawberries, apples and grapes. This will help replenish your body with the minerals and electrolytes it needs to absorb into the brain and tissues.
But just like anything, too many electrolytes can be unhealthy: Too much sodium, formally referred to as hypernatremia, can cause dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea. Too much potassium, known as hyperkalemia, can impact your kidney function and cause heart arrhythmia, nausea, and an irregular pulse.