When Should I Drink Gatorade Instead Of Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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. Electrolytes coming from natural sources without added sugars and dyes are recommended.

Can Gatorade replace water intake?

Gatorade, because of its electrolyte content, helps to restore the lost electrolytes and keep a person hydrated, during intense activity. It

can also replace electrolytes

, during times of illness, such as stomach viruses.

When should you drink a sports drink instead of water?

The recommendation is adults and children should only have sports drinks during extended and heavy exercise that lasts longer than an hour. “Water, water and water should be the beverage of choice for hydration before,

during and after physical activity or exercise routines lasting less than one hour

,” Dr.

Is it better to drink Gatorade or water when sick?

Both are rehydration drinks

Pedialyte and Gatorade are both designed to prevent or treat dehydration. In fact, thanks to their electrolyte content, they’re

more effective than water at rehydrating

.

Why is Gatorade not good for hydration?

In this precarious scenario, some medical facilities are using sports drinks as rehydration solutions. However, therein lies a health risk. “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.

Is Gatorade bad for your kidneys?

Drinks like Gatorade contain high levels of sugar and sodium which have proven to be detrimental to children especially when they consume a large amount of these drinks.

Gatorade has the potential to lead to diabetes, kidney damage

, tooth enamel erosion and can add to the growing number of overweight children.

Is water or Gatorade better?

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. Electrolytes coming from natural sources without added sugars and dyes are recommended.

Which is better for you Gatorade or Powerade?


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.

What can I drink for dehydration besides water?

  • Tea. Tea has the same hydration effect as water and is overloaded with antioxidants to help your ‎body get rid of toxins. …
  • Fruits juice. …
  • Vegetables juice. …
  • Sparkling water. …
  • Infused water.

What hydrates better than water?


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. It is also energizing in nature which makes it a healthier substitute for packaged sports or energy drinks.

Is Sprite good when you’re sick?

During an illness involving vomiting and diarrhea, it is important to prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids in small sips until the stomach is settled and then in larger amounts until your thirst is satisfied. Clear liquids are the best. Water, Gatorade, Sprite, 7-Up, and Ginger Ale are suggested.

Is Gatorade Good for flu?

“Sports beverages may be fine for healthy persons following intensive exercise, but they

are not recommended for those with fever, diarrhea or

vomiting. Seasonal influenza is not usually associated with diarrhea, but this season many children are reported to have it as one of their symptoms.”

Does Gatorade help your stomach?

A new study shows that Gatorade was

as effective as Pedialyte at rehydrating and easing diarrhea in children with viral gastroenteritis

. Sometimes called the “stomach flu,” viral gastroenteritis is caused by a virus that may trigger diarrhea and/or vomiting and usually improves by itself within a week.

What is the fastest way to cure dehydration?

  1. The only effective method for treating dehydration is to replace the fluids and electrolytes that have been lost. …
  2. For infants and childrenoral rehydration solution is recommended, starting with a teaspoon every five minutes and increasing the amount from there.

How can I hydrate myself quickly?

  1. Water. While it likely comes as no surprise, drinking water is most often the best and cheapest way to stay hydrated and rehydrate. …
  2. Coffee and tea. …
  3. Skim and low fat milk. …
  4. 4. Fruits and vegetables.

Is Pedialyte better than water?

The precise combination of electrolytes and sugars in Pedialyte helps to restore fluid levels and the nutrients that are lost through sweating, urinating, or vomiting and diarrhea. It’s

more effective than water

— which does not contain electrolytes — at treating mild to moderate dehydration.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.