Rehydrating Your Child Naturally: Homemade Pedialyte
I get a lot of questions about this from readers and have also wondered myself…how do you rehydrate your sick child without succumbing to the artificial ingredients found in Pedialyte?
Just ask any pediatrician across the country and they’ll likely say this is the beverage of choice when it comes to your little one recovering from the stomach bug… And in case you are not familiar with Pedialyte, it's a hydration solution that is meant to offset the effects (such as vomiting or diarrhea) of illnesses like the flu. -
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- I am not saying this drink won't provide your sick child with some much needed nutrients (we've used it before ourselves years ago), but what about the unnecessary extras it comes with like artificial flavors, sweeteners, and color (yellow 6)?
We've already discussed some disturbing facts about the artificial dyes that require a warning label in many countries outside of the US, but as far as I can tell there aren’t many acceptable rehydration alternatives that don’t contain them (Gatorade or other sports drinks often come up as another electrolyte solution but it's also full of artificial sweeteners and dyes).
And when I asked our pediatrician’s office if they could please recommend another option, since I wanted to avoid the questionable artificial ingredients in Pedialyte, they had no idea what I was talking about. I am honestly not sure why I was surprised.
So I decided to reach out to a local, board-certified pediatrician, who is also trained in integrative medicine, for some better choices on fast rehydration. Dr. Sheila Kilbane shared with me that there is actually an alternative, and it's a well-known recipe provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) called Oral Rehydration Salts/Solution (N-ORS). In so many words she said this solution was created for those in developing countries that can't just run down the street to the nearest Piggly Wiggly to grab some Pedialyte.
And after she explained it to me like that it made complete sense that there would be an acceptable, easy alternative to Pedialyte in existence. So I then went back to our regular pediatrician's office and specifically asked if ORS would adequately replenish my child during a time of dehydration and this time they said "yes." It's amazing to me the amount of pull drug companies have on our doctors these days because Pedialyte is of course made by Abbott, one of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies on the planet.
I'd like to share this "Homemade Pedialyte" N-ORS version with you today, but with one warning message...
Disclaimer: This recipe is recommended for children who are older than 1, generally healthy with properly functioning kidneys, and not experiencing severe dehydration or high fever (which would probably require direct medical attention anyhow). And, as always, follow your own doctor's advice over anything you find on the internet!
Homemade Pedialyte Recipe
Mix together:
1 quart water
2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
Note: If you fear your child will think this drink is too plain consider adding in a couple splashes of orange Juice. Also, the sugar and salt may dissolve more easily if you warm up the water first. You could also pour this solution into freezer pop molds and make homemade Pedialyte popsicles.
I did also ask Dr. Kilbane about using coconut water for rehydration since it does contain some natural electrolytes, but the concern there is the lack of sodium. Your body needs the sodium to help you retain the liquid, otherwise it will just go right through you. You could potentially add ¼ teaspoon table salt and some OJ to coconut water to make sure both the sodium and sugar aspects are covered, but the recipe above is a sure thing.
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Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.
Comments
Jensays
This is awesome to have on hand!!! My daughter is severely allergic to corn and coconut (among 22 other foods), and I noticed that the pedialyte label is almost exclusively corn ingredients. Thank you sooo much!!!
I LOVE this! My younger daughter has gotten the flu and various viruses where she is vomiting for days and we've had to give her the Pedialyte. I hate reading that label and seeing all of the food dyes in there! I need to keep this on hand. Thanks so much for this great post!
Is it possible that parents are overreacting when somebody in their family has caught a stomach bug? My thinking was, that a healthy child (and adult) is easily going to recover from a stomach bug without any special measures, and Pedialyte & Co only come into action when the illness is so persistent that dehydration might become a real issue.
BTW, why are so many posters recommending coconut water? That thing, that needs to be imported over thousand of miles from tropical regions? It’s amazing to me the amount of pull real-food-preachers have on our people these days...
This is a case where for dehydrated, ill kids (not as general sports drink) you want as processed (or simple) as possible. For this to make a difference between keeping and hydrating a kid at home and needing a hospital stay you wouldn't want to use honey, mollasses or juice. If you child will drink the homemade solution (and really you only want a teaspoon or two at a time initially) then great, otherwise you may need chemicals that still keep the solution as easy as possible to absorb, but more palatable. This is processed foods at it's best (though color is unneeded). I personally throw sugar and salt in with plain tea and it works fine for me, but I don't have a young child's gut. Medication are generally chemicals, which is why if needed I'm fine with pedialyte whe needed. Cathy
I read all these comments and I think that not one person has hit the nail on the head. While I don't think that you were bashing doctors, I also don't think that situations like this are the sole fault of pharmaceutical companies. The problem is that most consumers of healthcare are not interested in alternatives to prescription medications. People often just want a pill to fix them. If this were a question of blood pressure medication, in many instances changes in diet and increased exercise can be a natural remedy to lower it, but who wants to take responsibility for that (sarcasm), most just want to take a pill to lower it. I think that there is nothing wrong with wanting to find alternatives to the "easy fix" especially when it is usually cheaper in the long run. By the way, thanks for the recipe, it seems that my kids never finish the bottle of pedialyte when we need it and this will help eliminate the waste along with the cost, and the added benefit of not having all the junk in it.
Ailments that cause diarrhea are a leading cause of death in children in countries that are not industrialized. Healthcare workers there teach mothers to rehydrate their children by boiling a liter of water, dissolving six teaspoons of sugar in it, and adding one pinch of salt. One liter bottles are a common size that prepackaged water comes in making this even easier to make. The only thing missing is some potassium - another electrolyte lost w/diarrhea. But if you don't have a Walmart/Walgreens/Whatever nearby this is a handy recipe to get you going. http://rehydrate.org/solutions/homemade.htm
I'm wondering if this would work with a colonoscopy prep. I just did one and had to find an alternative for Gatorade. I ended up with apple juice (not horrible, even after 64 oz.!), but I'm doing my homework now for next time. Thanks!
Thanks for this recipe! I didn't realize it was so easy to rehydrate with common ingredients! I wonder if the raw honey raises blood sugar the way sugar cane does (since that's the point right??) because I only have coconut crystals and raw honey for sweeteners...I'll have to check ;o) Thanks again!
Lisa:
As a practicing pediatrician, I don't think you were disrespecting your pediatrician for not giving you an alternative ORS. A simple google search will get you similar, WHO-approved homemade recipes. You seem pretty discerning - I bet you like your pediatrician very much! We typically recommend Pedialyte because it's convenient, nothing needs to be measured, it's clean, and it works. We really don't care who makes it. One important point is that mothers who are breastfeeding should try to continue breastfeeding through acute gastrointestinal illnesses. And, most vomiting and diarrhea infections are viral and not severe in healthy, well-nourished children, so most don't need to take any oral rehydration solutions to recover.
Great blog! Best wishes!
When our children become ill and the need for using Pedialyte is established it is NOT just the sodium and carbohydrates that needs to be replaced in their system. Also, sugar substitutes are not recommended for children especially for those under the age of 3. Along with the sodium & carbohydrates, there is also a need to replace other electrolytes. Those minerals include potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate, and hydrogen carbonate. It is true that children do not need the added dye/coloring, however, adding certain juices may be hard on the gut, and may worsen symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting. Have your child's pediatrician advise you as to which liquids would help to rehydrate your child when the need for Pedialyte or other oral electrolytes arises.
In the real world of healthcare in America...medical schools spend very little time and depth, comparatively, focusing on nutrition. Of course new physicians are adequately prepared to handle basic patient care with the knowledge that they have, and I don't mean to suggest otherwise. However, they cannot ever and will not ever know it all - nor is it fair to expect them to. This is reality.
In the real world of healthcare in America...big pharma has TONS of money and time to advertise everywhere one can imagine, AND to send their drug reps out for more than 40 hours a week courting prescribing physicians, providing luncheons, dropping off samples, hosting luxurious conferences and meetings, and meeting their sales quotas. Do they have a tremendous influence? Absolutely. Does this mean doctors are selfish villains? Of course not. While big pharma has provided some amazing advances in modern medicine...they don't always get it right, either. Nor should we expect them to. The truth is that big pharmaceutical companies, while they have saved many, many lives, mess up sometimes, or simply don't provide the best option for care; and they have money and power that the average citizen or group cannot compete with when it comes to advertising, harm done, alternative medications or treatments, etc. At the end of the day...big pharma is in business to profit AND to change the world...but profit is a part of their business model. This is reality.
In the real world of healthcare in America...grass roots efforts to challenge big pharma in cases where big pharma IS wrong are met with a defense team, power, and money that grass roots efforts cannot afford to fight. This is reality.
In the real world of healthcare in America...as patients (and parents and children of patients,) we have a right and a responsibility to question AND to listen to our physicians' recommendations. It is our job as patients to try and understand why we are choosing a course of action. Healthcare is a team approach - the patient being the most important member of that team. This is my reality because I choose it.
I have the utmost respect for the dedication of most physicians I know. The amount of knowledge that they must maintain and constantly improve is just staggering. My personal experience, however, is that it's simply "easier" to just go with what is convenient and that works "well enough" in cases such as the example of using Pedialyte. Does Pedialyte cause harm for most kids who use it? No. Not really. Is it the healthiest and safest alternative? Clearly not. Available research regarding dyes and additives and preservatives supports this statement.
I believe that efforts like Lisa's are VITAL to changing our world. One relationship at a time...one gentle and respectful question to our physicians at a time...we CAN change healthcare in this country for the better.
It's not a black and white or an "us" versus "them" issue. Our world is mostly different shades of gray. It's an issue that requires all of us to be a bit flexible and open to change, with an attitude that NONE of us know it all, and perhaps we should pull together the best of BOTH modern medicine AND natural alternatives...with the end goal of optimal health care with the BEST outcomes for ALL of us. :)
This was timely for me! My daughter was up all night and getting dehydrated. I hate buying Pedialyte because of the non-food ingredients but also because my kids hate it and I always feel like I'm wasting my money.
So, this time, I'm just wasting a few cents on sugar and salt. :)
When I was involved with the SCA, I used to make "Sekanjabin" which we nicknamed "Medieval Gatorade". A brief explanation is below, but feel free to google it.
Beyond the Well
Sekanjabin
Sekanjabin has long been one of my favorite drinks. It is essentially a vinegar simple syrup that can be stored unrefrigerated and then diluted to taste when a refreshing beverage is desired. It is often referred to as "medieval Gatorade" because of its hydrating properties. The most simple recipe is to dissolve four cups of sugar in two and a half cups of water over medium heat. Then add one cup of vinegar and simmer for 30 minutes to reduce the volume. Then mint leaves are added and the syrup allowed to cool. When cool, the mint leaves are removed and the syrup can be bottled for later use. The key to making a successful sekanjabin is to use a quality vinegar. If you like strong vinegar flavors, consider a balsamic vinegar, if you are not a fan of a vinegar flavor, use a good quality apple cider vinegar. (Never, never use a cheap white vinegar!) Mint is optional and can also be replaced with other flavorings, as your taste dictates. I particularly like to replace some of the water with a fruit juice - pomegranate, for instance. However, have a care that your chosen vinegar and chosen are an appealing combination. Balsamic works well with spices, apple cider works best with fruits. Experiment and have fun with it, the classic recipe is just the beginning!
I just want to be clear. At no point did I knock Lisa for her quest for a healthy alternative to pedialyte. I think it is great that people have another alternative to pedialyte. I have always given my children an alternative to pedialyte which was shared with me by my doctor. My issue is solely with the fact that she accused doctors of being under the influence of pharmaceutical companies. Yes, I did use the word bribe because that is what it implied. I also took issue with the fact that she vilified all physicians. No, I am not a sheltered woman, I think there is no reason for name calling. I also know for a fact, that doctors do not receive kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies. I stand by my opinion that it is Lisa's job to provide alternatives to the unhealthy options that are plaguing our market.
I follow a recipe that calls for raw honey instead of the sugar (if you have it) to take advantage of all anti-bacterial properties in the raw honey. My recipe also calls for fresh lemon juice (for vitamin C) and I add some grated raw ginger for more anti-bacterial properties.
But I thank you for posting this for times when I may not have raw honey and lemons lying around! So simple, cheap and easy for anyone! I love coming across things like this!
I like this idea...plus, can I just mention that it would be CHEAPER? We bought pedialyte last time our son was sick, and he wouldn't even drink it, so we wasted a good $5. He doesn't drink anything but water and milk so I think the taste was unappealing to him.
I take a small bag of the sugar/salt powder (and maybe there's baking soda in my recipe, don't remember) when travelling overseas, in case 'montezuma's revenge' strikes. Mix the right amount with purified water to combat dehydration while the bugs pass through. It can totally save a vacation!
Or... and this might be a stretch for conspiracy theorists to understand... maybe doctors aren't under the spell of big pharma, maybe... just maybe, most people they deal with don't want to make their own pedialyte and would rather just buy it from the store.
I just wish this article didn't have to have the tinge of conspiracy.
The timing of this post could not have been more perfect. We're snowed in today, and wouldn't you know it -- my toddler started vomiting first thing this morning and now has diarrhea. And on a day when we'd be risking life and limb to leave the house to make it to a pharmacy. They say things happen for a reason. . . Thank you, Lisa!!!
Thank you so much for posting this! My daughter (15 months) threw up a couple of times this morning. I was going to get her some pedialyte from the store, but was concerned because I knew it would be full of artificial dyes and other processed junk. I had a thought to look on this website and low and behold what would you have posted about, but pedialyte. It almost seems like a miracle. Thank you so much!
At our local pharmacy there is an off brand pedialyte type drink for kids with no color or flavor. It's simply clear. Wish I knew the brand off the top of my head.....
No dyes, cool. What are the ingredients? I couldn't seem to find that on their website.
I wish I had had Lisa's recipe yesterday. I put my 3 year old in the tub to clean her up after vomiting, then went down to start laundry. When I came back to check on her, I caught her drinking bath water (because she was thirsty). Which of course she threw up a little later, sigh.
It makes me so frustrated that companies feel the need to put artificial dyes in things, especially kid products. It's even hard to find dye free Ibuprofen. When I have a vomiting child that last thing I want is dyes that might stain clothing, bedding and carpet if they come back up. I spent the afternoon cleaning up blackberries and it was not pretty. Plus, of course the obvious health risks of ingesting artificial dyes.
Kristin, you can find the ingredients list here: http://pediaone.com/1-liter-bottles
The 8oz bottles are clear - no fruit or vegetable juice for color.
Annsays
It's your job to give alternatives to processed foods not to accuse doctors of being bribed by pharmaceutical companies. The training, hours and dedication that they put into their jobs is equal if not more than what you do for yours. Perhaps you should rewrite the line "It’s amazing to me the amount of pull drug companies have on our doctors these days because Pedialyte is of course made by Abbott, one of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies on the planet." Despite the evils of pharmaceutical companies, many lives have been saved from their research and medications. You need to remember that you are starting a movement. Very few people ask for alternatives to pedialyte. I think you could have made your point without taking a jab a physicians. If you are unhappy with your pediatrician find another one that shares your philosophy.
Ann - So you are turning my statement "It’s amazing to me the amount of pull drug companies have on our doctors these days" into me accusing doctors of being "bribed" by pharmaceutical companies and not being dedicated to doing their jobs? Wow, that is taking things pretty far if you ask me. Nowhere have I ever said that I am warding off all pharmaceuticals because I do agree they can save lives, when appropriate.
Do not worry about what the people say, I love the information and have shared with my children so they can do this for the grandkids. And just for the record. I am a nurse and have worked in hospitals, MD offices, LTC, acute care, you name it for 27 years, I agree with what you said,. Ann, what do you do for a living? Do you have children? I only ask because if you think drug companies do not have a "pull" in the Doctor's office you need to do some research. And if you happen to be a Doctor or married to one, shame on you.
Jennysays
There is no reason for you to be nasty about doctors. If you want to avoid the artificial ingredients, that's sufficient. People in the developed world are living healthily into their 80's and 90's, due in no small part to modern medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Unfortunately, modern doctors have to keep the word "malpractice" in the back of their minds at all times. What if the doctor gives a recipe, and the person messes up? Maybe they add 1/2 tablespoon of salt instead of 1/2 teaspoon. Frankly, I think accidentally switching the amounts of sugar and salt would be an easy mistake, especially for someone who is probably sleep-deprived caring for a sick child. What if the kid gets really sick?! You yourself included a caveat that it is only for generally healthy kids--what if this sort of simple mixing mistake pushes their little kidneys over the edge? Another reality is that people ignore and tweak doctors' advice all the time. How can you fault the doctor for recommending the easiest solution? As someone else said, if you don't like or trust your own doctor, find a new one, don't mock the entire profession.
Of course pharmaceutical companies push their products. They go out of business if the products don't sell! It doesn't mean the products are bad or the doctors using them are bad. They spend millions of dollars and years of testing to get products to market--products that save people's lives.
This is a natural health and food website. You risk alienating a lot of people when you get political.
Ann and Jenny,
Myself, and I imagine Lisa, are not against modern western medicine. (as she stated above) However it is disturbing to me how biased most physicians are towards the drugs that are pushed on them instead of them being informed about what is available. The extent that American physicians are largely uninformed about World Health Organization recommendations, I feel, is problematic. The assumption that these things only apply to developing nations is insulting. Pedialyte is expensive, what if a parent can't afford it? A simple alternative, almost universally available, should not be outside of a pediatrician's pool of knowledge. We are urged by government PSAs to be active in our own care, to take responsibility for our health, but we are often then belittled when we ask for alternatives. So which is it? Are doctors and patients a team, that uses communication and mutual respect to get best outcomes? Or are physicians all knowing, objects of perfection? I do not expect my doctor to know everything, that is preposterous. Nor do expect her to never make a mistake. I do however expect her to admit when she does not know something and to help me find the answer. Unfortunately both with my own care and my son's this has not been my experience. Too often I find that my questions are belittled or ignored until I am able to back them up with proof (often from the practitioner's own professional standards.)
Lisa is not attacking physicians, she is being a smart consumer.
Lisasays
Thank you for that Megan...well said.
esays
wow, you're a sheltered woman. do you not realize that manufactured meds are nothing but a guess at what 'might' work for people? i was prescribed an anti-depressant for my chronic pain condition because it had 'side effects' of pain relief. a year later it was being marketed to sufferers of my condition. don't you see that it's all about the money? pharmaceutical companies don't give a crap if what they manufacture works for you or not, they don't even know what they're making it for! so long as they get paid they could care less about YOU. and doctors DO get kick backs for prescribing certain meds from certain companies, it doesn't take years of study to know what will get you more money, does it?
Wow Ann. This is Lisa's blog and she can write about her experiences and her opinion about those experiences in anyway she sees fit. If you don't like it or are offended maybe you are reading the wrong blog. Thank you Lisa for all your work and what you do.
We do this for *everyone* who is sick, not just the kids. :) I'll admit, we sometimes drink Gatorade, but in the summertime when it's hot out, I make my own. I add a bit of ginger (powdered) and a bit of lemon juice to it. This makes it taste kind of nice. Added to sparkling water it is almost like soda. :) And it rehydrates, tastes nice, and doesn't contain a bunch of stuff. AND it doesn't cost a bunch, either.
There is also a product on the market by RW Knudsen called Recharge. It is basically juice with salt but we have used it for rehydrating our son and it works well and avoids all that junk!
I love your site. I had to laugh when you said "I don't know why I was surprised the Doctor didn't know an alternative". I will be taking this to my doctor, for sugar substitutes, as we are apparently the only ones in the world who can not have cane sugar, so far 8 doctors have tried to put my Oppositional Deffiant child on the newest ADHD drugs. I use agave nectar, or natural fruits to sweeten smoothies and such. As a recovered drug addict I can not understand why more people are not into taking away chemicals before adding more. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND ENCOURAGEMENT LOVE IT!
thank you. I have not tried it yet...just letting the taste buds get use to nothing for the time being. realy don't like fake stuff, but agave seems to be different. It just not fun with kids and nothing already pre-made like alllll their friends eat.
Melissa @ My Whole Food Lifesays
I just read the previous comments. Wow it's great to see other people in the medical industry looking at alternatives. We use coconut water for our kids. It is a natural electrolyte replacer and it has no added sugars. This recipe is a great alternative as well. Thanks for doing some research and finding some answers.
thanks for the great post!! a friend and i were just chatting today about hydrating during long runs and what are the options!!! and look what popped up in our inbox!! thanks soooo much!! it was like you were listening to our comment!!
This recipe has the necessary salts and the salt substitute has the needed potassium.
MAKE YOUR OWN ELECTROLYTE DRINK:
1 qt water
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp table salt
3-4 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt substitute
Mix well. Can be flavored with juice.
If a family member is having trouble keeping down any fluids, this can be spoon fed. Some will prefer it cold...others just room temperature. KEEP SPOONING. This is the mix that is used in crisis situations world-wide, when IVs are not available. It can save lives. NOTE: Check with your pediatrician or other MD re: their opinion on the situation. In normal circumstances...an MD will want to SEE a child who is dehydrated.
This mix is for when things go bad in society or when there is an epidemic...and a doctor visit may not be possible.
If you use plain salt int the water, this will throw off the sodium and potassium ratio which is already compromised when a child is sick. At least consider using hymalian pink salt or celtic sea salt which are high in minerals. The best thing you can give your child when dehydrated is a good quality bone broth which is cooked with the proper salt and full of minerals. I drink the broth three times a day, with each meal.
Oh man, I could've used this 2 weeks ago when my kids both had the stomach bug. I used Pedialyte because I had no idea there was any alternative. I will definitely be using this next time! I may try it with the coconut water and add the potassium salt that a commenter recommended. Thanks for this!
Just returned from living overseas for 7 1/2 years. We had no access to so many products that I was used to using here so we learned to make almost everything from scratch, even something similar to pedialyte. The result was a healthy family who now still makes most things from scratch while people wonder why ;) Whole food living by necessity taught us a lot and even my kids don't want most pre-packaged things from the store. It's amazing how you can train your palate-we all find most things too sweet here, which was not the case before we left! In addition, every time we came back to visit we'd have stomach issues. I finally discovered that organic milk helped alleviate most of them...Where we lived (Europe), there weren't any hormones in our regular milk. Thanks for your site-very helpful!
Thank you! Wish you had posted just a few days earlier! We have been suffering from stomach bug here. Also, what kinds of foods do you start to re-introduce? My doc said to avoid high-fiber foods, so that leaves us with crackers and white bread?
Hi Kate. My doctor has always suggested the BRAT diet. Bananas, Rice, Apples/Applesauce and Toast. You could use brown rice and whole wheat toast. Jill
Hi Shelly. There are many other ingredients that, to be honest, I don't know what they are or where I would buy them, so, that usually tells me it's not a product I want to be consuming. Jill
Great info for parents. We use a rehydration drink from Shaklee called Performance. Clinically proven to hydrate better than water & "sport" type drinks. It really does the job. This is what many Olympians drink snd thete is a vetsion of this that was specifically dedigned for NASA (for reentry into atmosphere during space missions!)
Best of all it tastes great! My entire family drinks this stuff on hot days, working out, during ice hockey and when ever we feel run down (we rarely get sick or the tummy bug).
Nothing from Shaklee ever contains gluten, artificial colors, dyes or sweeteners, what a relief :)
If you would like more info let me know :)
Thanks for all your great info & ideas.
Jen says
This is awesome to have on hand!!! My daughter is severely allergic to corn and coconut (among 22 other foods), and I noticed that the pedialyte label is almost exclusively corn ingredients. Thank you sooo much!!!
Tracy says
I LOVE this! My younger daughter has gotten the flu and various viruses where she is vomiting for days and we've had to give her the Pedialyte. I hate reading that label and seeing all of the food dyes in there! I need to keep this on hand. Thanks so much for this great post!
Critical Reader says
Is it possible that parents are overreacting when somebody in their family has caught a stomach bug? My thinking was, that a healthy child (and adult) is easily going to recover from a stomach bug without any special measures, and Pedialyte & Co only come into action when the illness is so persistent that dehydration might become a real issue.
BTW, why are so many posters recommending coconut water? That thing, that needs to be imported over thousand of miles from tropical regions? It’s amazing to me the amount of pull real-food-preachers have on our people these days...
itchbay says
This is pretty similar to our homemade sports drink recipe (which is the same thing as pedalyte):
1 gallon water
1 packet Kool-aid
3/4 cup sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons of Morton's Lite Salt
I'm not a fan of Kool-aid and have been making it using diluted juice and skipping the sugar.
What's great about the Morton's Lite Salt is that it has the potassium citrate, which is better for re-hydrating than plain table salt.
Cathy says
This is a case where for dehydrated, ill kids (not as general sports drink) you want as processed (or simple) as possible. For this to make a difference between keeping and hydrating a kid at home and needing a hospital stay you wouldn't want to use honey, mollasses or juice. If you child will drink the homemade solution (and really you only want a teaspoon or two at a time initially) then great, otherwise you may need chemicals that still keep the solution as easy as possible to absorb, but more palatable. This is processed foods at it's best (though color is unneeded). I personally throw sugar and salt in with plain tea and it works fine for me, but I don't have a young child's gut. Medication are generally chemicals, which is why if needed I'm fine with pedialyte whe needed. Cathy
Carlee says
I read all these comments and I think that not one person has hit the nail on the head. While I don't think that you were bashing doctors, I also don't think that situations like this are the sole fault of pharmaceutical companies. The problem is that most consumers of healthcare are not interested in alternatives to prescription medications. People often just want a pill to fix them. If this were a question of blood pressure medication, in many instances changes in diet and increased exercise can be a natural remedy to lower it, but who wants to take responsibility for that (sarcasm), most just want to take a pill to lower it. I think that there is nothing wrong with wanting to find alternatives to the "easy fix" especially when it is usually cheaper in the long run. By the way, thanks for the recipe, it seems that my kids never finish the bottle of pedialyte when we need it and this will help eliminate the waste along with the cost, and the added benefit of not having all the junk in it.
Carmen says
Ailments that cause diarrhea are a leading cause of death in children in countries that are not industrialized. Healthcare workers there teach mothers to rehydrate their children by boiling a liter of water, dissolving six teaspoons of sugar in it, and adding one pinch of salt. One liter bottles are a common size that prepackaged water comes in making this even easier to make. The only thing missing is some potassium - another electrolyte lost w/diarrhea. But if you don't have a Walmart/Walgreens/Whatever nearby this is a handy recipe to get you going. http://rehydrate.org/solutions/homemade.htm
Judy says
I'm wondering if this would work with a colonoscopy prep. I just did one and had to find an alternative for Gatorade. I ended up with apple juice (not horrible, even after 64 oz.!), but I'm doing my homework now for next time. Thanks!
Lisa O. says
Thanks for this recipe! I didn't realize it was so easy to rehydrate with common ingredients! I wonder if the raw honey raises blood sugar the way sugar cane does (since that's the point right??) because I only have coconut crystals and raw honey for sweeteners...I'll have to check ;o) Thanks again!
Dr. Ned says
Lisa:
As a practicing pediatrician, I don't think you were disrespecting your pediatrician for not giving you an alternative ORS. A simple google search will get you similar, WHO-approved homemade recipes. You seem pretty discerning - I bet you like your pediatrician very much! We typically recommend Pedialyte because it's convenient, nothing needs to be measured, it's clean, and it works. We really don't care who makes it. One important point is that mothers who are breastfeeding should try to continue breastfeeding through acute gastrointestinal illnesses. And, most vomiting and diarrhea infections are viral and not severe in healthy, well-nourished children, so most don't need to take any oral rehydration solutions to recover.
Great blog! Best wishes!
b says
When our children become ill and the need for using Pedialyte is established it is NOT just the sodium and carbohydrates that needs to be replaced in their system. Also, sugar substitutes are not recommended for children especially for those under the age of 3. Along with the sodium & carbohydrates, there is also a need to replace other electrolytes. Those minerals include potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate, and hydrogen carbonate. It is true that children do not need the added dye/coloring, however, adding certain juices may be hard on the gut, and may worsen symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting. Have your child's pediatrician advise you as to which liquids would help to rehydrate your child when the need for Pedialyte or other oral electrolytes arises.
In the Real World of Healthcare... says
In the real world of healthcare in America...medical schools spend very little time and depth, comparatively, focusing on nutrition. Of course new physicians are adequately prepared to handle basic patient care with the knowledge that they have, and I don't mean to suggest otherwise. However, they cannot ever and will not ever know it all - nor is it fair to expect them to. This is reality.
In the real world of healthcare in America...big pharma has TONS of money and time to advertise everywhere one can imagine, AND to send their drug reps out for more than 40 hours a week courting prescribing physicians, providing luncheons, dropping off samples, hosting luxurious conferences and meetings, and meeting their sales quotas. Do they have a tremendous influence? Absolutely. Does this mean doctors are selfish villains? Of course not. While big pharma has provided some amazing advances in modern medicine...they don't always get it right, either. Nor should we expect them to. The truth is that big pharmaceutical companies, while they have saved many, many lives, mess up sometimes, or simply don't provide the best option for care; and they have money and power that the average citizen or group cannot compete with when it comes to advertising, harm done, alternative medications or treatments, etc. At the end of the day...big pharma is in business to profit AND to change the world...but profit is a part of their business model. This is reality.
In the real world of healthcare in America...grass roots efforts to challenge big pharma in cases where big pharma IS wrong are met with a defense team, power, and money that grass roots efforts cannot afford to fight. This is reality.
In the real world of healthcare in America...as patients (and parents and children of patients,) we have a right and a responsibility to question AND to listen to our physicians' recommendations. It is our job as patients to try and understand why we are choosing a course of action. Healthcare is a team approach - the patient being the most important member of that team. This is my reality because I choose it.
I have the utmost respect for the dedication of most physicians I know. The amount of knowledge that they must maintain and constantly improve is just staggering. My personal experience, however, is that it's simply "easier" to just go with what is convenient and that works "well enough" in cases such as the example of using Pedialyte. Does Pedialyte cause harm for most kids who use it? No. Not really. Is it the healthiest and safest alternative? Clearly not. Available research regarding dyes and additives and preservatives supports this statement.
I believe that efforts like Lisa's are VITAL to changing our world. One relationship at a time...one gentle and respectful question to our physicians at a time...we CAN change healthcare in this country for the better.
It's not a black and white or an "us" versus "them" issue. Our world is mostly different shades of gray. It's an issue that requires all of us to be a bit flexible and open to change, with an attitude that NONE of us know it all, and perhaps we should pull together the best of BOTH modern medicine AND natural alternatives...with the end goal of optimal health care with the BEST outcomes for ALL of us. :)
Anitra says
This was timely for me! My daughter was up all night and getting dehydrated. I hate buying Pedialyte because of the non-food ingredients but also because my kids hate it and I always feel like I'm wasting my money.
So, this time, I'm just wasting a few cents on sugar and salt. :)
Valarie says
When I was involved with the SCA, I used to make "Sekanjabin" which we nicknamed "Medieval Gatorade". A brief explanation is below, but feel free to google it.
Beyond the Well
Sekanjabin
Sekanjabin has long been one of my favorite drinks. It is essentially a vinegar simple syrup that can be stored unrefrigerated and then diluted to taste when a refreshing beverage is desired. It is often referred to as "medieval Gatorade" because of its hydrating properties. The most simple recipe is to dissolve four cups of sugar in two and a half cups of water over medium heat. Then add one cup of vinegar and simmer for 30 minutes to reduce the volume. Then mint leaves are added and the syrup allowed to cool. When cool, the mint leaves are removed and the syrup can be bottled for later use. The key to making a successful sekanjabin is to use a quality vinegar. If you like strong vinegar flavors, consider a balsamic vinegar, if you are not a fan of a vinegar flavor, use a good quality apple cider vinegar. (Never, never use a cheap white vinegar!) Mint is optional and can also be replaced with other flavorings, as your taste dictates. I particularly like to replace some of the water with a fruit juice - pomegranate, for instance. However, have a care that your chosen vinegar and chosen are an appealing combination. Balsamic works well with spices, apple cider works best with fruits. Experiment and have fun with it, the classic recipe is just the beginning!
Ann says
I just want to be clear. At no point did I knock Lisa for her quest for a healthy alternative to pedialyte. I think it is great that people have another alternative to pedialyte. I have always given my children an alternative to pedialyte which was shared with me by my doctor. My issue is solely with the fact that she accused doctors of being under the influence of pharmaceutical companies. Yes, I did use the word bribe because that is what it implied. I also took issue with the fact that she vilified all physicians. No, I am not a sheltered woman, I think there is no reason for name calling. I also know for a fact, that doctors do not receive kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies. I stand by my opinion that it is Lisa's job to provide alternatives to the unhealthy options that are plaguing our market.
Rachel says
I follow a recipe that calls for raw honey instead of the sugar (if you have it) to take advantage of all anti-bacterial properties in the raw honey. My recipe also calls for fresh lemon juice (for vitamin C) and I add some grated raw ginger for more anti-bacterial properties.
But I thank you for posting this for times when I may not have raw honey and lemons lying around! So simple, cheap and easy for anyone! I love coming across things like this!
Kristen says
I like this idea...plus, can I just mention that it would be CHEAPER? We bought pedialyte last time our son was sick, and he wouldn't even drink it, so we wasted a good $5. He doesn't drink anything but water and milk so I think the taste was unappealing to him.
Anna in Atlanta says
I take a small bag of the sugar/salt powder (and maybe there's baking soda in my recipe, don't remember) when travelling overseas, in case 'montezuma's revenge' strikes. Mix the right amount with purified water to combat dehydration while the bugs pass through. It can totally save a vacation!
Kathryn Arnold says
Somebody might already have said this, but I wish you'd said, "sea salt."
Jeff says
Or... and this might be a stretch for conspiracy theorists to understand... maybe doctors aren't under the spell of big pharma, maybe... just maybe, most people they deal with don't want to make their own pedialyte and would rather just buy it from the store.
I just wish this article didn't have to have the tinge of conspiracy.
Stacey says
Amen, amen, amen.
I am a pediatrician and couldn't have said this better myself.
hayley says
The timing of this post could not have been more perfect. We're snowed in today, and wouldn't you know it -- my toddler started vomiting first thing this morning and now has diarrhea. And on a day when we'd be risking life and limb to leave the house to make it to a pharmacy. They say things happen for a reason. . . Thank you, Lisa!!!
Maggie says
Thank you so much for posting this! My daughter (15 months) threw up a couple of times this morning. I was going to get her some pedialyte from the store, but was concerned because I knew it would be full of artificial dyes and other processed junk. I had a thought to look on this website and low and behold what would you have posted about, but pedialyte. It almost seems like a miracle. Thank you so much!
Jenny says
I sincerely apologize... I do not know what brought on that rant...
Sara says
At our local pharmacy there is an off brand pedialyte type drink for kids with no color or flavor. It's simply clear. Wish I knew the brand off the top of my head.....
PediaONE says
Another great option is PediaONE. PediaONE is a natural oral rehydration solution that is new to the market. PediaONE has no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners and contains Zinc and a Vitamin Blend. Plus it tastes great! Check the website for distribution - http://www.pediaone.com or you can purchase from Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pediaone
Lisa says
Wow, good to know! Thank you :)
Kristin says
No dyes, cool. What are the ingredients? I couldn't seem to find that on their website.
I wish I had had Lisa's recipe yesterday. I put my 3 year old in the tub to clean her up after vomiting, then went down to start laundry. When I came back to check on her, I caught her drinking bath water (because she was thirsty). Which of course she threw up a little later, sigh.
It makes me so frustrated that companies feel the need to put artificial dyes in things, especially kid products. It's even hard to find dye free Ibuprofen. When I have a vomiting child that last thing I want is dyes that might stain clothing, bedding and carpet if they come back up. I spent the afternoon cleaning up blackberries and it was not pretty. Plus, of course the obvious health risks of ingesting artificial dyes.
Ashton says
From their website:
Reverse Osmosis Water, Dextrose, Crystalline Fructose, Natural
Flavors, Fruit and Vegetable Juice (For Color), Citric Acid, Stevia,
Sea Salt, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium
Lactate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacinamide, D-Calcium Pantothenate,
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, And Cyanocobalamin.
http://www.pediaone.com/1-liter-bottles
PediaONE says
Kristin, you can find the ingredients list here: http://pediaone.com/1-liter-bottles
The 8oz bottles are clear - no fruit or vegetable juice for color.
Ann says
It's your job to give alternatives to processed foods not to accuse doctors of being bribed by pharmaceutical companies. The training, hours and dedication that they put into their jobs is equal if not more than what you do for yours. Perhaps you should rewrite the line "It’s amazing to me the amount of pull drug companies have on our doctors these days because Pedialyte is of course made by Abbott, one of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies on the planet." Despite the evils of pharmaceutical companies, many lives have been saved from their research and medications. You need to remember that you are starting a movement. Very few people ask for alternatives to pedialyte. I think you could have made your point without taking a jab a physicians. If you are unhappy with your pediatrician find another one that shares your philosophy.
Lisa says
Ann - So you are turning my statement "It’s amazing to me the amount of pull drug companies have on our doctors these days" into me accusing doctors of being "bribed" by pharmaceutical companies and not being dedicated to doing their jobs? Wow, that is taking things pretty far if you ask me. Nowhere have I ever said that I am warding off all pharmaceuticals because I do agree they can save lives, when appropriate.
Dee says
Do not worry about what the people say, I love the information and have shared with my children so they can do this for the grandkids. And just for the record. I am a nurse and have worked in hospitals, MD offices, LTC, acute care, you name it for 27 years, I agree with what you said,. Ann, what do you do for a living? Do you have children? I only ask because if you think drug companies do not have a "pull" in the Doctor's office you need to do some research. And if you happen to be a Doctor or married to one, shame on you.
Jenny says
There is no reason for you to be nasty about doctors. If you want to avoid the artificial ingredients, that's sufficient. People in the developed world are living healthily into their 80's and 90's, due in no small part to modern medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Unfortunately, modern doctors have to keep the word "malpractice" in the back of their minds at all times. What if the doctor gives a recipe, and the person messes up? Maybe they add 1/2 tablespoon of salt instead of 1/2 teaspoon. Frankly, I think accidentally switching the amounts of sugar and salt would be an easy mistake, especially for someone who is probably sleep-deprived caring for a sick child. What if the kid gets really sick?! You yourself included a caveat that it is only for generally healthy kids--what if this sort of simple mixing mistake pushes their little kidneys over the edge? Another reality is that people ignore and tweak doctors' advice all the time. How can you fault the doctor for recommending the easiest solution? As someone else said, if you don't like or trust your own doctor, find a new one, don't mock the entire profession.
Of course pharmaceutical companies push their products. They go out of business if the products don't sell! It doesn't mean the products are bad or the doctors using them are bad. They spend millions of dollars and years of testing to get products to market--products that save people's lives.
This is a natural health and food website. You risk alienating a lot of people when you get political.
Megan says
Ann and Jenny,
Myself, and I imagine Lisa, are not against modern western medicine. (as she stated above) However it is disturbing to me how biased most physicians are towards the drugs that are pushed on them instead of them being informed about what is available. The extent that American physicians are largely uninformed about World Health Organization recommendations, I feel, is problematic. The assumption that these things only apply to developing nations is insulting. Pedialyte is expensive, what if a parent can't afford it? A simple alternative, almost universally available, should not be outside of a pediatrician's pool of knowledge. We are urged by government PSAs to be active in our own care, to take responsibility for our health, but we are often then belittled when we ask for alternatives. So which is it? Are doctors and patients a team, that uses communication and mutual respect to get best outcomes? Or are physicians all knowing, objects of perfection? I do not expect my doctor to know everything, that is preposterous. Nor do expect her to never make a mistake. I do however expect her to admit when she does not know something and to help me find the answer. Unfortunately both with my own care and my son's this has not been my experience. Too often I find that my questions are belittled or ignored until I am able to back them up with proof (often from the practitioner's own professional standards.)
Lisa is not attacking physicians, she is being a smart consumer.
Lisa says
Thank you for that Megan...well said.
e says
wow, you're a sheltered woman. do you not realize that manufactured meds are nothing but a guess at what 'might' work for people? i was prescribed an anti-depressant for my chronic pain condition because it had 'side effects' of pain relief. a year later it was being marketed to sufferers of my condition. don't you see that it's all about the money? pharmaceutical companies don't give a crap if what they manufacture works for you or not, they don't even know what they're making it for! so long as they get paid they could care less about YOU. and doctors DO get kick backs for prescribing certain meds from certain companies, it doesn't take years of study to know what will get you more money, does it?
Brooke says
Wow Ann. This is Lisa's blog and she can write about her experiences and her opinion about those experiences in anyway she sees fit. If you don't like it or are offended maybe you are reading the wrong blog. Thank you Lisa for all your work and what you do.
RevAllyson says
We do this for *everyone* who is sick, not just the kids. :) I'll admit, we sometimes drink Gatorade, but in the summertime when it's hot out, I make my own. I add a bit of ginger (powdered) and a bit of lemon juice to it. This makes it taste kind of nice. Added to sparkling water it is almost like soda. :) And it rehydrates, tastes nice, and doesn't contain a bunch of stuff. AND it doesn't cost a bunch, either.
Dana Y says
There is also a product on the market by RW Knudsen called Recharge. It is basically juice with salt but we have used it for rehydrating our son and it works well and avoids all that junk!
Laura s says
Or you can just give them Coconut water!! That is an even better option!
Jackie Minix says
Another option that works for me is Ginger Ale with salt in it - the ginger helps settle that queasy feeling. I like it room temp, not too cold...
Kelly W says
I use to go Ginger Ale but the store brands all have high frut. corn syrup and carmel coloring...yuck!
Sheila says
I love your site. I had to laugh when you said "I don't know why I was surprised the Doctor didn't know an alternative". I will be taking this to my doctor, for sugar substitutes, as we are apparently the only ones in the world who can not have cane sugar, so far 8 doctors have tried to put my Oppositional Deffiant child on the newest ADHD drugs. I use agave nectar, or natural fruits to sweeten smoothies and such. As a recovered drug addict I can not understand why more people are not into taking away chemicals before adding more. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND ENCOURAGEMENT LOVE IT!
eva says
have you tried beet sugar? sometimes it can be used even when cane sugar causes a reaction. just a thought...
Sheila says
thank you. I have not tried it yet...just letting the taste buds get use to nothing for the time being. realy don't like fake stuff, but agave seems to be different. It just not fun with kids and nothing already pre-made like alllll their friends eat.
Melissa @ My Whole Food Life says
I just read the previous comments. Wow it's great to see other people in the medical industry looking at alternatives. We use coconut water for our kids. It is a natural electrolyte replacer and it has no added sugars. This recipe is a great alternative as well. Thanks for doing some research and finding some answers.
tracey says
thanks for the great post!! a friend and i were just chatting today about hydrating during long runs and what are the options!!! and look what popped up in our inbox!! thanks soooo much!! it was like you were listening to our comment!!
BluegrassJill says
This recipe has the necessary salts and the salt substitute has the needed potassium.
MAKE YOUR OWN ELECTROLYTE DRINK:
1 qt water
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp table salt
3-4 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt substitute
Mix well. Can be flavored with juice.
If a family member is having trouble keeping down any fluids, this can be spoon fed. Some will prefer it cold...others just room temperature. KEEP SPOONING. This is the mix that is used in crisis situations world-wide, when IVs are not available. It can save lives. NOTE: Check with your pediatrician or other MD re: their opinion on the situation. In normal circumstances...an MD will want to SEE a child who is dehydrated.
This mix is for when things go bad in society or when there is an epidemic...and a doctor visit may not be possible.
Renata says
If you use plain salt int the water, this will throw off the sodium and potassium ratio which is already compromised when a child is sick. At least consider using hymalian pink salt or celtic sea salt which are high in minerals. The best thing you can give your child when dehydrated is a good quality bone broth which is cooked with the proper salt and full of minerals. I drink the broth three times a day, with each meal.
Christina D says
Oh man, I could've used this 2 weeks ago when my kids both had the stomach bug. I used Pedialyte because I had no idea there was any alternative. I will definitely be using this next time! I may try it with the coconut water and add the potassium salt that a commenter recommended. Thanks for this!
Laura says
Just returned from living overseas for 7 1/2 years. We had no access to so many products that I was used to using here so we learned to make almost everything from scratch, even something similar to pedialyte. The result was a healthy family who now still makes most things from scratch while people wonder why ;) Whole food living by necessity taught us a lot and even my kids don't want most pre-packaged things from the store. It's amazing how you can train your palate-we all find most things too sweet here, which was not the case before we left! In addition, every time we came back to visit we'd have stomach issues. I finally discovered that organic milk helped alleviate most of them...Where we lived (Europe), there weren't any hormones in our regular milk. Thanks for your site-very helpful!
Kate says
Thank you! Wish you had posted just a few days earlier! We have been suffering from stomach bug here. Also, what kinds of foods do you start to re-introduce? My doc said to avoid high-fiber foods, so that leaves us with crackers and white bread?
Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kate. My doctor has always suggested the BRAT diet. Bananas, Rice, Apples/Applesauce and Toast. You could use brown rice and whole wheat toast. Jill
Shelly says
You can buy Pedialyte without coloring. Does that take care of the problem or are there other ingredients to be aware of?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Shelly. There are many other ingredients that, to be honest, I don't know what they are or where I would buy them, so, that usually tells me it's not a product I want to be consuming. Jill
Stacey says
Great info for parents. We use a rehydration drink from Shaklee called Performance. Clinically proven to hydrate better than water & "sport" type drinks. It really does the job. This is what many Olympians drink snd thete is a vetsion of this that was specifically dedigned for NASA (for reentry into atmosphere during space missions!)
Best of all it tastes great! My entire family drinks this stuff on hot days, working out, during ice hockey and when ever we feel run down (we rarely get sick or the tummy bug).
Nothing from Shaklee ever contains gluten, artificial colors, dyes or sweeteners, what a relief :)
If you would like more info let me know :)
Thanks for all your great info & ideas.