When your infant or child is having chronic vomiting or diarrhea, perhaps due to intestinal flu, there is nothing more important to you, than giving her/him some fluids.
What's the first thing that pops into your mind? Pedialyte! Is Pedialyte really the best solution? Let's evaluate.
"Pedialyte, a miserable chemically loaded twin of Gatorade marketed to the American Mothers as something revolutionary new and healthful. Well, I have done my best digging for it. And? And I have found nothing, zero value!" - Nick, PhD in Organic Chemistry - DyeDiet BlogElectrolytes in Pedialyte and Gatorade are important because they are what your cells (especially nerve, heart, muscle) use to maintain voltages across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) across themselves and to other cells.
Your kidneys work to keep the electrolyte concentrations in your blood constant despite changes in your body. For example, when you exercise heavily, you lose electrolytes in your sweat, particularly sodium and potassium.
These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the electrolyte concentrations of your body fluids constant. But what about all the sugars, additives, dyes and chemicals that are added to Pedialyte and Gatorade?
Do you really want to add toxins and chemicals into your sick child's little body?
Of course not!