Latest news with #Pedialyte
Observer
15 hours ago
- Health
- Observer
Do you need to drink electrolytes?
There is a large, growing and very competitive market for electrolyte powders, drinks and tablets. In 2024 the electrolyte drink market was valued around $38 billion. The products are designed to be consumed before, during and after exercise — and manufacturers claim they'll optimize your hydration, health and performance. There are even options to supplement your daily hydration, whether or not you are exercising. But do you really need to replenish the electrolytes lost in your sweat? And are sports drinks, electrolyte powders and salty supplements actually the best way to do it? What do electrolytes do? Electrolytes are minerals — such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium — that carry an electrical charge that influences how water moves in your body. 'They help maintain the fluid balance,' explained Dr. Amy West, a sports medicine physician at Northwell Health. They help move fluid into and out of your cells and regulate blood pressure, heart rhythm, muscle, and nerve function. While they're found in supplements and sports drinks, they're also in the foods we eat every day. 'When we talk about potassium, it's in a banana,' said Heidi Skolnik, a nutritionist at the Hospital for Special Surgery. 'When you eat a pretzel, there's sodium on it.' As you sweat, you lose both fluid and electrolytes, and if you lose enough fluid, you can become dehydrated. The volume of blood in your body drops, and 'your heart has to pump harder to get the same amount of blood circulating,' Skolnik said. Do you need to replace them? When you lose an exceptionally large quantity of water and electrolytes, as you might if you're having a serious bout of diarrhea, you need to replace both. In those situations, doctors often recommend a rehydration solution like Pedialyte, which typically has more sodium and potassium than your average sports drink. But experts say you probably don't need to reach for a sports drink during your regular workouts. Even if those workouts are strenuous or happen in hotter weather, drinking water when you're thirsty is enough to keep you hydrated. The sugar and carbohydrates found in many sports drinks certainly may help competitive athletes maintain their energy, but the electrolytes have little impact. In the 1990s, standard medical advice recommended sodium-rich drinks for athletes during any exercise that lasted more than an hour. But more recent research has found that even as you lose sodium through sweat and urine, your body maintains the concentration of sodium in your blood. In several small studies, athletes didn't tend to report a performance difference between working out with water and electrolyte-infused drinks, even after five hours of running in 86-degree heat. It's been well-established for at least a decade that electrolytes don't do much for performance, said Ricardo Da Costa, an associate professor in sports dietetics at Monash University in Australia. 'But the marketing strategies from the sports drinks companies are more potent than the researchers.' 'Everybody thinks that they need to replace lost electrolytes right away,' said Tamara Hew-Butler, a sports medicine scientist at Wayne State University. 'You don't. You will make it up generally in your meals.' Most of the time, you are fine just drinking water when you're thirsty. If you're spending hours outside in the heat for several days and start feeling dehydration symptoms, like lightheadedness, you might reach for a sports drink or supplement, especially if you aren't getting enough electrolytes in your diet, said Robert Kenefick, a professor of biomedical and nutritional sciences at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. In rare cases, you can have too much fluid but not enough sodium in your blood, a condition called hyponatremia, which can cause nausea, fatigue, and, in the most severe cases, seizures or death. It's more likely to happen if you have certain medical conditions such as heart, live,r or kidney problems. For athletes, it can happen if they drink so much fluid before, during and after long workouts that it dilutes the electrolytes in their blood. However, most sports drinks don't contain enough sodium to prevent it, Da Costa said. Is there a downside? Aside from the cost, experts say there's little downside to consuming electrolyte drinks. As long as you're otherwise healthy, they do not have enough electrolytes to overload your system (called hypernatremia), Kenefick said. And the sweet taste could motivate you to hydrate. Like most supplements, however, electrolyte products are not well regulated and can even be contaminated, Hew-Butler said. In 2015, she and her team found unsafe levels of arsenic in Muscle Milk and Gatorade powders that had been provided to college athletes. The athletes showed no signs of having been harmed by the exposure. You won't see 'arsenic' on a supplement label, but you should check for the amount of sugar in the drinks, which can be almost as high as some sodas. As you are reading the label, Kenefick cautioned buyers to be skeptical of what it promises. 'The beverage market is very competitive, and everyone's looking for an edge,' he said. 'A lot of the beverages that are out there are using electrolytes as a marketing tool.' This article originally appeared in
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- NZ Herald
Do you need to drink electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals – such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium – that carry an electrical charge that influences how water moves in your body. 'They help maintain the fluid balance,' explained Dr Amy West, a sports medicine physician at Northwell Health. They help move fluid into and out of your cells and regulate blood pressure, heart rhythm, muscle and nerve function. While they're found in supplements and sports drinks, they're also in the foods we eat every day. 'When we talk about potassium, it's in a banana,' said Heidi Skolnik, a nutritionist at the Hospital for Special Surgery. 'When you eat a pretzel, there's sodium on it.' As you sweat, you lose both fluid and electrolytes and if you lose enough fluid, you can become dehydrated. The volume of blood in your body drops and 'your heart has to pump harder to get the same amount of blood circulating,' Skolnik said. Do you really need to replace them? When you lose an exceptionally large quantity of water and electrolytes, as you might if you're having a serious bout of diarrhoea, you need to replace both. In those situations, doctors often recommend a rehydration solution like Pedialyte, which typically has more sodium and potassium than your average sports drink. But experts say you probably don't need to reach for a sports drink during your regular workouts. Even if those workouts are strenuous or happen in hotter weather, drinking water when you're thirsty is enough to keep you hydrated. The sugar and carbohydrates found in many sports drinks certainly may help competitive athletes maintain their energy, but the electrolytes have little impact. In the 1990s, standard medical advice recommended sodium-rich drinks for athletes during any exercise that lasted more than an hour. But more recent research has found that even as you lose sodium through sweat and urine, your body maintains the concentration of sodium in your blood. In several small studies athletes didn't tend to report a performance difference between working out with water and electrolyte-infused drinks, even after five hours of running in 30C heat. Ricardo Da Costa, an associate professor in sports dietetics at Monash University in Australia, said it's been well-established for at least a decade that electrolytes don't do much for performance. 'But the marketing strategies from the sports drinks companies are more potent than the researchers.' 'Everybody thinks that they need to replace lost electrolytes right away,' said Tamara Hew-Butler, a sports medicine scientist at Wayne State University. 'You don't. You will make it up generally in your meals.' Most of the time, you are fine just drinking water when you're thirsty. If you're spending hours outside in the heat for several days and start feeling dehydration symptoms, like lightheadedness, you might reach for a sports drink or supplement, especially if you aren't getting enough electrolytes in your diet, said Robert Kenefick, a professor of biomedical and nutritional sciences at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. In rare cases, you can have too much fluid but not enough sodium in your blood, a condition called hyponatremia, which can cause nausea, fatigue and, in the most severe cases, seizures or death. It's more likely to happen if you have certain medical conditions such as heart, liver or kidney problems. For athletes, it can happen if they drink so much fluid before, during and after long workouts that it dilutes the electrolytes in their blood. However, most sports drinks don't contain enough sodium to prevent it, Da Costa said. Is there a downside? Aside from the cost, experts say there's little downside to consuming electrolyte drinks. As long as you're otherwise healthy, they do not have enough electrolytes to overload your system (called hypernatremia), Kenefick said. And the sweet taste could motivate you to hydrate. Like most supplements, however, electrolyte products are not well regulated and can even be contaminated, Hew-Butler said. In 2015, she and her team found unsafe levels of arsenic in Muscle Milk and Gatorade powders that had been provided to college athletes. The athletes showed no signs of having been harmed by the exposure. You won't see 'arsenic' on a supplement label, but you should check for the amount of sugar in the drinks, which can be almost as high as some sodas. As you are reading the label, Kenefick cautioned buyers to be sceptical of what it promises. 'The beverage market is very competitive and everyone's looking for an edge,' he said. 'A lot of the beverages that are out there are using electrolytes as a marketing tool.' This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Written by: Emma Yasinski Photographs by: Sean Dong ©2025 THE NEW YORK TIMES
New York Post
20-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Summer travel must-haves for jet lag, constipation and immunity
Got the travel bug this summer? Just make sure you don't pick up any other bugs when you hit the road. No matter where I go on vacation, I've always taken a fully-stocked mini medicine bag with the obvious essentials: painkillers, antacids, Band-aids, Lactaid and a little something for nausea. But that medicine bag has grown a bit in recent years — especially since I've become The Post's wellness editor. Advertisement Now it includes a bunch of other things you might not think to pack, and they've made a massive difference in how I feel and function when I'm away from home. The Post's wellness editor shares her healthy must-haves for travel, including supplements to beat jet lag and an essential for staving off illness. JenkoAtaman – To fall asleep and beat jet lag I just got back from Hawaii, and between the 10.5-hour flight from New York and the 6-hour time difference, I knew the jet lag would be a beach — if you know what I mean. A big reason we sleep so poorly while traveling is that our circadian rhythms get messed up from time differences. Advertisement Melatonin can help fix this. That's because your body naturally produces melatonin in response to darkness at night, getting you ready for sleep. It usually happens on a pretty regular schedule, so when it gets out of whack when you take red-eyes or switch time zones, you can nudge it in the right direction with a supplement. One of my favorites right now is Kourtney Kardashian's Lemme Sleep, a gummy with a yummy berry flavor that blends melatonin with L-theanine and magnesium — a key ingredient in the viral 'sleepy girl mocktail.' Advertisement I also love the Make Time for Beauty Sleep gummy, which has that special trio of melatonin, magnesium, and L-theanine too — plus biotin for skin, hair and nail health. To stay hydrated Advertisement I used to get super sick from heat exhaustion and dehydration, so years ago when I went to Cambodia, I knew I needed to figure out a way to not die in the 100-degree heat. At the time, Pedialyte was one of the only brands making travel-size electrolytes. Now there are a ton of great brands to choose from. I'm currently loving Thorne (I'm partial to the mango limeade in the variety pack), FlavCity (pineapple coconut is my fave) and Groove (strawberry kiwi for the win). I keep one in my purse so I can pour it into a water bottle if it's hot out, but they're also great for chugging after a night of cocktails so you wake up without a hangover. They key is to get those electrolytes in before you start feeling sick. To get my tummy straight Never had tummy problems while traveling? I don't believe you. Even if you're really good about not overeating — and knowing which countries where you can't drink the water — sometimes, things get stuck. Or let loose. Or whatever other euphemism you prefer. Advertisement So here's a tip if you're constipated: Pack a fiber supplement. I've been using BelliWelli because they come in handy little travel-size packets in tasty flavors like watermelon and strawberry lemonade (and the branding's super cute). Don't go crazy, though — that new 'fibermaxxing' trend has some downsides, as we recently reported. To fight infections and stay healthy overall Advertisement Travel really presents the perfect recipe for illness — you're probably not sleeping enough, you're eating new things, and you're exposed to lots of people carrying who knows what germs. Upping your vitamin intake before, during and after could help boost your immunity. Barrière makes these adorable vitamin patches, from vitamin D3 stickers that look like suns to vitamin B12 ones that look like rainbows, hearts and palm trees. Electrolytes, fiber and melatonin are musts — but Carly would never go anywhere without her sinus rinse. Viktoriia M – Advertisement I'm especially obsessed with the Travel Well patches, which have zinc and vitamin D3 — both essential for immune function — and elderberry, which may also support immune health. I also like MegaFood's burpless omega-3 pills, since fish oil is kind of a magic ingredient for everything from immunity to heart health to brain function. And this one's got none of those gross fishy burps. Finally, my least sexy recommendation — but something I absolutely can't live without: NeilMed's sinus rinse kit. If you've never done nasal irrigation before (like a NetiPot), it may take some getting used to. But when I'm using this nightly, I don't get colds. They just flush everything out. Advertisement It's also good for allergies and flu and COVID symptom relief — just make sure you're following the directions so you don't get a brain-eating amoeba.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Memphis area to be under heat advisory. What to know about forecast, heat exhaustion
Heat index values are expected to approach or top 105 degrees Fahrenheit across the Mid-South for several days starting July 16, and the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory starting at 11 a.m. The NWS forecasted a heat index above 100 every day from July 16-22, and the city could face a heat index of 110 degrees on July 17. More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The elderly, the very young and people with chronic diseases, especially chronic respiratory diseases, are especially at risk for heat stroke, Dr. Jeff Mullins, a physician with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, previously told The Commercial Appeal. But anyone can have a heat-related injury during periods of sustained high temperatures. Here's what you need to know as extreme heat hits the region. How can I stay safe in the heat? One of the best things you can do to avoid heat stroke is 'simply not be out in the sun in the middle of the day,' Mullins said. He also recommended doing any yard work when it's cloudy or when the sun is going down to avoid direct sunlight. Additionally, Mullins recommended hydrating far in advance of any outdoor activities. For example, if you're planning on doing yard work on the weekend, make sure you're hydrating on Friday night. The NWS recommended taking frequent breaks in the shade, wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Mullins advised taking a break in the shade for every hour you're outside. He cautioned against taking breaks indoors ― cooling off indoors puts stress on your body to reacclimate to the heat when you go back outdoors. It's also helpful to drink electrolytes, he said. He recommended alternating a drink like Pedialyte for every bottle of water. If Gatorade is your electrolyte of choice, you should drink it every third bottle, because its high sugar content can be dehydrating, Mullins said. How hot is too hot to be outside? A healthy adult should delay outdoor activities if the heat index breaks 110, Mullins said. It could take a healthy person a few hours to become dehydrated, but for children or the elderly, it can be as short as 30 minutes, he said. Heat index is not the same as temperature ― it's calculated with both temperature and humidity. More water vapor in the air causes more heat to be transferred to your body, he said. Mullins recommended using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Heat and Health tracker, an online tool that allows you to enter your zip code and see your heat risk. The NWS also warned never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles during high heat. What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? The most common heat-related injuries are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person has been exposed to too much heat and is dehydrated. Heat exhaustion is not necessarily a crisis, Mullins said, but it can trigger other health issues like a heart attack or a stroke. However, heat stroke is a medical emergency. The treatment is ice, hydration and rest, Mullins said. It's important to watch for the warning signs of heat injuries. Lightheadedness is probably one of the first things a young person will notice. If you feel lightheaded after bending down, it's time to take a break, he said. Dry skin, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperatures are also symptoms of heat stroke, according to the CDC. 'If you find someone that has passed out in the heat…you need to assume heat stroke,' Mullins said. 'Don't worry about whether they look like they're sweating or not, or how they feel when they wake up. If they've passed out, that's a 911 to the emergency room.' Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at and followed on X @jca2902. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis heat advisory: NWS forecast, what to know about heat stroke Solve the daily Crossword
Jordan News
10-07-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
How to Deal with Rotavirus? - Jordan News
Rotavirus is a virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. It primarily affects children, with most children contracting it at least once before the age of five. اضافة اعلان However, adults can also get infected, although symptoms are usually milder or may not appear at all in healthy individuals. The virus spreads easily through contact with objects contaminated with fecal matter, making transmission common in households, daycare centers, and hospitals. Dr. Adel Al-Belbisi, head of the National Center for Epidemic and Communicable Disease Control, clarified the nature of the virus that has recently spread in Jordan—characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever—confirming it is "rotavirus" and not linked to watermelon or other fruits. Common Symptoms in Adults Symptoms usually begin about two days after exposure. Early signs include mild fever and vomiting, followed by severe watery diarrhea that may last for 3 to 7 days. Other common symptoms include abdominal cramps and loss of appetite. In healthy adults, symptoms may be mild or even absent. However, severe dehydration can occur due to prolonged diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydrated individuals often experience dry mouth, intense thirst, decreased urination, or altered consciousness (such as drowsiness or dizziness upon standing). Elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems (e.g., diabetes patients, those with chronic illnesses, or individuals on immunosuppressive medications) are more at risk of complications. Adults who care for young children are also at higher risk, as kids easily spread the virus within the family. Modes of Transmission Rotavirus is mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Infected individuals shed large amounts of the virus in their stool, starting two days before symptoms appear and continuing for about ten days after recovery. Transmission can occur when contaminated hands, tools, or toys come into contact with the mouth. Common examples include consuming food or drink contaminated with an infected person's feces, or touching doorknobs and toys contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers alone are not sufficient—studies have shown limited effectiveness against rotavirus. The virus can remain infectious on uncleaned surfaces for weeks or even months. Hence, hygiene is the cornerstone of prevention. Diet During Infection Treating dehydration is the top priority when dealing with rotavirus. It is crucial to drink plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids. Water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions (e.g., Pedialyte or homemade sugar-salt solution) are recommended, especially in cases of severe diarrhea or vomiting. Once appetite improves, the patient can gradually return to a normal diet. Initially, it's best to consume bland, easy-to-digest foods such as boiled white rice, cooked vegetables, bananas, applesauce, plain toast, or crackers. Yogurt can help support the digestive system, and lean boiled meats can be reintroduced gradually. Maintaining balanced nutrition while focusing on hydration is essential. Certain foods and drinks should be avoided during infection, as they can worsen diarrhea. These include: Fatty and sugary foods (e.g., sweets, soft drinks, sweetened juices) Fried and heavily spiced foods Caffeine (coffee and strong tea), alcohol, and nicotine—all of which irritate the stomach and intestines Some individuals may temporarily develop lactose intolerance, so milk and dairy products (except yogurt) should be avoided until the gut recovers. General Prevention Measures Handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers. Frequent personal hygiene, especially cleaning under fingernails, helps prevent transmission. Surface Disinfection: Clean contaminated surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, toys, kitchen tools) with disinfectants. Diapers and personal hygiene items used by the patient should be cleaned or disposed of separately. Avoid Sharing: Do not share eating utensils, cups, or towels with an infected person. It's best for the sick person and their caregivers to use personal items during the illness. Vaccination: While there's no vaccine for adults, the World Health Organization recommends vaccinating all infants with rotavirus vaccines (e.g., Rotarix or RotaTeq). This reduces community spread and protects vulnerable groups like the elderly. The vaccine is not given to children older than 8 months or to adults. Handling Patients: When caring for a sick child or adult, take precautions when changing diapers or cleaning up. Wash hands thoroughly afterward, and avoid letting the patient prepare food for others until fully recovered. Medical Recommendations for Dealing with Rotavirus There is no specific antiviral treatment for rotavirus. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Health institutions (CDC, Mayo Clinic) recommend the following: Consult a Doctor When Needed: Adults should see a doctor if symptoms persist for more than two days or if severe signs appear—such as frequent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever over 39.4°C, or signs of severe dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, extreme drowsiness). Elderly or chronically ill individuals should not delay seeking care. Rehydration: The primary medical recommendation is to drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Oral rehydration solutions are particularly useful if diarrhea lasts more than a day. Patients should resume a balanced diet as soon as possible once they start feeling better. Avoid Inappropriate Medications: Antibiotics do not help in rotavirus infections, as they target bacteria, not viruses. Anti-diarrheal medications (motility inhibitors) are generally not recommended without medical advice, especially for children or the elderly, since the body needs to eliminate the virus and toxins. Monitoring and Support: In cases of severe dehydration or continuous vomiting, hospitalization and IV fluids may be necessary. It's vital to watch for dehydration signs and act quickly. Doctors recommend rest, hydration, and small, easily digestible meals when tolerated. In summary, rotavirus in adults usually causes mild symptoms, but should be taken seriously, especially in elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Follow medical and official health guidelines: maintain strict personal hygiene, stay hydrated, eat properly, and consult a doctor if warning signs appear.
