What should I drink if I become dehydrated? This is a common question, and there are ''many answers'' out there, many of which are wrong and even dangerous.
First of all, note that when you sweat, you are losing free water, meaning the sweat has a minimal number of electrolytes, especially sodium and chloride. So, should I drink water, Gatorade, or electrolytes fluids? The answer is: You have to drink just water, and in this way, replace the free water that has been loose.
On the other hand, what about if I have diarrhea or vomit? In this case, it is very different. Through diarrhea, you are losing many electrolytes, especially sodium, bicarbonate, and potassium. On the other hand, if you have been vomiting, you are now losing chloride, hydrogen (H+ ie ACIDS), sodium, and potassium. Said that, you have already intuited that, in this case, you will need electrolyte-rich fluid replacement.
So, which is the best? Should I drink Gatorade or Sprite with salt or mineral water with sugar and salt? The answer to all of these questions is NO. These ''electrolyte'' preparations should not be used for fluid replacement if you have diarrhea or vomit. What about the electrolyte drinks that are sold in many stores? Again, the answer is NO; those products are just like Gatorade.
So, what should I drink? Well, at this point, I would like to tell you some essential facts. If you only have diarrhea, are not dehydrated, and have no vomiting, you could use some medical-prepared electrolyte products, such as PEDIALYTE or powder preparations.
But, if you are vomiting and/or dehydrated from diarrhea happening more than 4 times, you would need IV FLUIDS REPLACEMENT as soon as possible. So, at this point, maybe the question is how I can be sure if I need IV fluids or drink electrolytes or just water? Well, now the answer is to visit a doctor because physicians are those who have been trained to recognize the initial signs and symptoms of dehydration and can prescribe the medication you would need and, of course, use the correct fluids you may require to be replaced as well as iv fluids if you needed.
And remember, as said in a previous post, do NOT USE LOPERAMIDE or any other drugs without a medical prescription that may cause more damage than benefits.
Y que VIVA MEXICO cab...!!
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