Pedialyte is a popular hydration product and a must-have drink in the home. Parents use it for prevention or treatment of dehydration in their children.
However, Pedialyte isn’t only for children. Adults can use it to treat dehydration, too.
By the way, it doesn’t just hydrate your body. Pedialyte fills your body with essential minerals, such as potassium and sodium.
The use of this hydration solution has also generated numerous debates. One of them is on the frequency of use.
Can you drink Pedialyte every day?
Here’s what you need to know
The straightforward answer is no. It would be best if you didn’t take Pedialyte every day. The only exception is if you feel dehydrated. Nevertheless, you should be hydrated and better within 24 hours of drinking it. If you don’t, see a doctor for medical help.
Pedialyte contains sugar and energy (kilojoules). Therefore, regular consumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and even poor nutrition. You will also spend more money buying and consuming this drink every day.
Therefore, only consume Pedialyte or give it to your child when he or she has diarrhea or vomiting, which causes dehydration.
However, just because you have Pedialyte doesn’t mean you should neglect water. Though water does not contain sugar and is tasteless, it can still help to hydrate your body.
Keep reading to know more about this topic.
What Pedialyte Is
You may have come across several hydration solutions. But keep in mind that they are all doing the same thing. Pedialyte’s primary use is to hydrate the body. It prevents the body from hydration when you’re vomiting or have diarrhea.
Anyone who has experienced dehydration before would know how critical a condition it is. Dehydration can have some nasty adverse effects on the body. Long-term and consistent dehydration can cause severe damages to the internal organs.
What sets Pedialyte apart is the speed at which it rehydrates the body. But once you feel completely hydrated and energized, there’s no need for you to continue taking it.
Uses Of Pedialyte
Do you know that you can use Pedialyte for hangover recovery and during a workout? Yes, you can. It may also be used for other conditions, as prescribed by your doctor. Here are some of the ways you can use it.
1. Diarrhea and vomiting:
Pedialyte can treat diarrhea and vomiting. It replenishes the body’s fluid, giving you energize and protection from dehydration-induced organ damages.
Vomiting and diarrhea cause the body to lose a lot of fluid. And replenishing lost fluid will enable your body to function properly.
2. Hangover:
Pedialyte can be useful during your hangover recovery. It can help you get better quickly and prevent any damage to your internal organs.
Alcohol consumption causes frequent urination. It happens, irrespective of the brand of alcohol you consume.
As you urinate frequently, you’re losing fluid. Sooner, your body’s electrolyte would reduce massively.
When this happens, you may feel dehydrated and tired when you wake up in the morning.
Note – Pedialyte can replenish your body’s electrolyte count and make your hangover recovery as smooth as expected. Just make sure you consume it before sleeping.
But bear in mind that this isn’t a proven cure. If you want to avoid all the unpleasantness that comes with a hangover, avoid consuming excess alcohol.
3. Workout:
Pedialyte can also profit individuals engaging in intense workout sessions. As you sweat profusely, you’re not just losing fluid but electrolyte.
However, this drink can replenish your body’s electrolyte count.
Again, even if you’re not engaging in any intense workout, you still need to be on the lookout for dehydration symptoms.
Note: If you’re feeling energized before you start working out, there’s no need to take Pedialyte since you’re not dehydrated. Drink it only when you start feeling lightheaded, tired, or other dehydration signs.
You can drink it during a workout to replenish your body fluid. It’s also good for your post-workout recovery.
What Pedialyte Contains
It’s good to have an idea of the constituents of whatever you’re taking into your body. That way, you’ll be able to spot substances you’re allergic to and avoid them. You will also have a better idea of what a product can do for your body.
Below is a list of ingredients you’ll find in Pedialyte.
- Water
- Dextrose
According to Pedialyte’s website, the drink contains less than 2 percent of the following:
- Salt
- Citric acid
- Yellow 6
- Sucralose
- Sodium citrate
- Zinc gluconate
- Potassium citrate
- Acesulfame potassium
- Natural & artificial flavor
The Side Effects of Pedialyte
Here are some unwanted side effects of Pedialyte.
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Fast heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Muscle twitching
- High blood pressure
Note – If you’re contemplating taking excess Pedialyte, know that you will be making a mistake. Why? It’s because excess electrolytes are unhealthy for you. Excess sodium, known as hypernatremia, can lead to vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea.
Again, hyperkalemia, which refers to excess potassium, can harm kidney function. It can also cause nausea, heart arrhythmia, including irregular pulse.
How Much Pedialyte Should You Take Daily?
Pedialyte isn’t designed for everyday consumption. Its function is to rehydrate the body.
However, the drink claims to have a balanced combination of sugar, salt, and other minerals, making it possible for adults to consume.
So, you may consume many cans without feeling any effect immediately. But that’s not good for you health-wise.
You can’t go about drinking cans of Pedialyte if you’re already feeling hydrated and energized. Besides harming your health, you need to consider the cost you’re going to incur.
Now, how much Pedialyte is enough? You can maintain proper hydration by consuming 4 to 8 servings daily.
However, if Pedialyte’s daily consumption needs are over two litters or you have diarrhea or constipation after 24 hours, contact your doctor.
Conclusion
Pedialyte isn’t for everyday consumption. Its primary function is to keep you hydrated. So, it would be best if you only considered using it when you feel tired, lightheaded, or notice other dehydration symptoms.
Pedialyte does not only replace the body’s fluids. It also furnishes it with minerals such as potassium and sodium. We hope you found this post helpful.
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