By Aisha WilliamsCategories: Family
Homemade Pedialyte is a quick and effective solution to dehydration. But, store-bought Pedialyte is often packed with sugar. So, here’s a low-sugar option for the whole family.
Why Make Homemade Pedialyte?
According to the CDC, beverages are the leading source of added sugar in the US diet. They note that frequently drinking sugary beverages can lead to diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
In children, this problem is more pronounced. Studies show many children who regularly drink sweetened beverages suffer from:
With these harmful effects in mind, homemade Pedialyte Drinks can be a healthy alternative to store-bought Pedialyte drinks. These are often loaded with sugars. We see even with the diet varieties that use sweeteners as a sugar substitute, these aren’t ideal. “No sugar” might make drinks seem healthier. However, even without sugar, diet drinks don’t have any more nutritional value than regular soda. And, as research points out, the addition of sweeteners like aspartame in diet products still can lead to obesity, diabetes and mood disorders. Moreover, buying store-bought means more plastic and less sustainable production methods.
Benefits of Pedialyte Drinks
Pedialyte is a rehydration drink for adults and children. It can be used to replace fluids and minerals lost during illness. As a treatment for dehydration, getting the right amount of fluids and minerals can help recovery — as well as being a popular option for active people and endurance sports.
Children
Interestingly, studies have shown Pedialyte drinks can be especially important for children. This is because children are especially at risk from dehydration. When children are ill, symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and fever can lead to dehydration. Yet children may not have the ability to communicate that they are dehydrated. For this reason, homemade Pedialyte can help persuade children to drink more. With a little sweetness, but without the damaging effects of sugary drinks.
Adults
For adults, Pedialyte drinks can also help with recovery when sick. Pedialyte is a source of electrolytes, which are made of a solution of solvable salts. Here, salts refer to minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and other nutrients, not sodium chloride, which is table salt. Without electrolytes, the body can’t function properly. You’ll feel weak, fatigued and nauseous. Luckily, drinks such as Pedialyte can help manage these symptoms. In fact, studies show electrolyte drinks are a quicker remedy for dehydration than water! That’s often especially useful when your body is recovering and you just woke up from a sweaty sleep, or are feeling feverish in general. Even as an adult, it can be hard to motivate yourself to drink enough water in those times, and a fresh-tasting homemade Pedialyte can help you out.
So, how can you make Pedialyte drinks at home?
Homemade Pedialyte: Easy Recipe
DIY Pedialyte is easy to make for adults and children. And much better than the store-bought ones with heaps of sugar. The recipe below will make a liter of Pedialyte.
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 teaspoons organic sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 3 cups cold water
- 3 lemons
- (Optional) 1 cup low-sugar juice of your choice
You could also experiment with different tastes by adding some mint, cucumber or fresh fruit.
Instructions:
- Mix the salt, baking soda and sugar with the hot water until dissolved.
- Add the cold water.
- Squeeze in the juice of all 3 lemons.
- Add juice if desired.
- Keep refrigerated.
Though your homemade Pedialyte can last in the fridge for three days if needed, it isn’t advisable to drink Pedialyte every day. Make sure you mainly drink water and only enjoy Pedialyte after exercise, or when you’re feeling especially dehydrated for another reason. Of course, this tasty recipe can also substitute for a summery lemonade when trying to keep cool on a hot day.
Read more:
- Boost Your Immune System: 10 Ways to Improve Your Natural Defense System
- The 5 Best Natural Remedies for Congestion
- 10 Natural Home Remedies for Pollen Allergies
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Tags: family Guide health recipe
