electrolyte replacement

 another similar recipe that I found for making smaller quantity:

 

 

4 cups water
1/2-teaspoon baking soda
1/2-teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 packet Sugar-Free Kool-Aid (optional)

Gatorade works well in a pinch also, backed up by double-blind clinical studies.  Gatorade can be purchased in powdered form that you simply add water to. For treatment of dehydration due to influenza, it should be made more dilute than usual, half or three quarters usual strength.  It should be administered in a gradual fashion if vomiting is present - a small sip every couple minutes, not a big glass all at once.

Gatorade is deficient in potassium.  Adding a bit of salt substitute as in the recipies above will compensate for this.

One should be careful with salt substitute. Potassium is necessary for proper electrolyte balance, but "everything in moderation".  It is unlikely most "normal" people would do so, but it is possible to cause yourself heart problems by getting too much potassium at once.  

"That said, reports of deaths or close calls due to ingesting potassium chloride are rare. Children and people with medical problems are most at risk. The NoSalt label includes the warning "Persons having diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or persons receiving medical treatment should consult a physician before using a salt alternative or substitute."

The portions mentioned in the recipies above are undoubtedly fine.

Edited by bruss01

Many of us have included Gatorade in our preps. I have a lot myself. While reading I came accross the items below.

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Pedialyte or rehydralyte if dehydrated. Concentrated electrolyte drinks without the sugar. When already dehydrated give pedialyte instead of Gatorade or Powerade because the sugar in the sports drinks could cause further vomiting or diarrhea by attracting water in the intestines and preventing water absorption into the body. The electrolytes in the pedialyte particularly the sodium will aid in water absorption.

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While sports drinks such as Gatorade also contain electrolytes, they have a higher concentration of sugar than your child needs. And if your preschooler isn't consuming much in the way of other liquids and foods, they can actually prolong diarrhea.

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DO NOT give your child soft drinks, juices or sports drinks, as they can sometimes make diarrhea worse.

Interesting. I have always been told that if I could not get my child to drink pedialyte to try gatorade.

Edited by justme

Already posted in another thread:

Gatorade works well in a pinch also, backed up by double-blind clinical studies.  Gatorade can be purchased in powdered form that you simply add water to. For treatment of dehydration due to influenza, it should be made more dilute than usual, half or three quarters usual strength.  It should be administered in a gradual fashion if vomiting is present - a small sip every couple minutes, not a big glass all at once.

Gatorade is deficient in potassium.  Adding a bit of salt substitute as in the recipies above will compensate for this.

One should be careful with salt substitute. Potassium is necessary for proper electrolyte balance, but "everything in moderation".  It is unlikely most "normal" people would do so, but it is possible to cause yourself heart problems by getting too much potassium at once.  

"That said, reports of deaths or close calls due to ingesting potassium chloride are rare. Children and people with medical problems are most at risk. The NoSalt label includes the warning "Persons having diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or persons receiving medical treatment should consult a physician before using a salt alternative or substitute."

I prefer investing in dual use preps, such as a water filter and propane stove, which will be used for camping trips as well as a pandemic emergency.  Gatorade, I will drink in the summer for electrolyte replenishment and pleasure, as well as for rehydration in an epidemic.  Who's gonna be chugging that pedialyte after mowing the lawn in 100 degree heat?  Using preps for day to day or recreational use keeps you familiar with them and prompts you to rotate your stock.  Provided, of course, that you replace them as you use them.

Edited by bruss01

Yes, great point. I forgot this. Our pediatritions have said to use pedialyte instead of gatoraide.  pedialyte can be given to adults. the amount in the bottles are smaller, but when your that sick you won't be able to drink alot anyway. i've been stocking up on it.