The fastest method for rehydrating patients is the medical technique of intravenous (IV) fluid replacement. This sends electrolyte-balanced fluids directly into the blood stream so it gets distributed by your blood cells throughout the body almost immediately.
Scientists say milk is the most hydrating drink
While the team found water — both still and sparkling — does a great job of hydrating people, they also found that it's missing a few key ingredients to really make it work efficiently in the human body. Namely, plain water is missing just a touch of fat, salt, and sugar.
Gatorade, because of its electrolyte content, helps to restore the lost electrolytes and keep a person hydrated, during intense activity. It can also replace electrolytes, during times of illness, such as stomach viruses.
It hydrates you
This myth comes from a study funded by Gatorade that found people who drank their product were better hydrated than if they drank water—but only because they drank more fluids. If you drank the same volume of water versus Gatorade, you'd be equally hydrated.
If you are dehydrated, it's important to rehydrate as quickly as you can. With beginning symptoms of dehydration, you can rehydrate by consuming fluids that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions.
Best Overall: Gatorade
The levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) are moderate and sensible with 160 mg of sodium and 45mg of potassium per 12 fluid ounce serving. You can also find Gatorade varieties with higher sodium, zero sugar or no calories depending on your needs.
Bottom line: Gatorade = more sugar, Pedialyte = more electrolytes. Both drinks offer sugar-free versions, but generally Gatorade has a lot more sugar than Pedialyte, which can be good if you're engaging in intense exercise. Many Pedialyte drinks offer more electrolytes than their Gatorade counterparts.
Milk is more hydrating than water
For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
According to a recent study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, your body can alleviate mild dehydration in 45 minutes with 20.3 oz (600ml) of water.
Mild, moderate, and severe dehydration have similar treatments and warning signs but at varying levels. For more mild or moderate cases of dehydration, expect your body to feel better after just a few hours, but full rehydration won't happen until about three days later.
Staying hydrated is so important on a daily basis, but even more so when it's hot and kids are so active! I've written a post about hydration here before because it's just so important. Anyway, moving on, Hydralyte have released a whole bunch of Electrolyte products for rehydration that you can use everyday.
In addition, Coke offers little in the way of electrolytes, and its carbonation is thought to increase the risk of gastric upsets during exercise. Finally, Coke's acidic content and artificial colours make the beverage in the red-and-white can an improbable choice for serious athletes.
Skim milk came in first followed by "oral rehydration" drinks like Pedialyte. Next came full-fat milk, orange juice, soda, diet soda, cold tea, tea, sports drinks, still water, sparkling water, lager, and finally, coffee.
Drink an ORS Before Bed
Instead of drinking a glass of water, drink an oral rehydration solution like DripDrop ORS, which also contains electrolytes that are essential for hydration. Try to drink the ORS an hour or two before bed so you don't wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom.
When your body becomes low on electrolytes, it can impair your body's functions, such as blood clotting, muscle contractions, acid balance, and fluid regulation. Your heart is a muscle, so that means electrolytes help regulate your heartbeat.