Question 1

are sport drinks a good electrolyte supplementation for my child with gastroenteritis?

Accepted Answer

Not ideal: For small children, the electrolytes are too few and sugar too much in most sport drinks to us alone for gastro- compare with eg pedialyte, which can be used for a day or so. For older kids, most clear fluids are ok for a day or two, especially if eating a little. Infants who cannot take their usual milk or formula should see their doctor.

Question 2

stomach flu w/watery diarrhoea 7 times a day &fever of 38.2c, drinking water and porridge. how likely is electrolyte imbalance from this? not pregnant

Accepted Answer

Fluids and salts: The problem with diarrhea (and vomiting) is the loss of fluids and electrolytes (salts).  Trying to 'keep up' with these losses is essential. "Chicken soup" or the equivalent should help keep the balance. I don't know what is in your porridge but that is the general idea. For symptoms like weakness etc. good to get checked out by a doctor. Make sure urine is light yellow to ensure good hydration.

Question 3

how to maintain electrolyte balance during colonoscopy preparation? should i drink mineral water and sport drinks?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes: Colon prep is not likely to affect the electrolyte balance of normal adults significantly. Drinking these sport drinks will not hurt you and perhaps help the economy.

Question 4

during my workout when is it necessary to switch from water to a sports drink that has sodium, potassium & carbs? are these electrolytes? value?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes: When you sweat you loose salt and water. Sports drinks with electrolytes try to replace both. Carbs are added for quick energy. Unless you are doing competitive sports, either drinks ar ok.

Question 5

as one who exercises regularly, is it good to drink "electrolyte" drinks to replenish one's electrolyte balance?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The replenishment fluids should contain sodium, postassium supplemtation as well as water.

Question 6

should i be drinking gatorade for electrolytes while on 50mg of prednisone? the side effects are driving me nuts. i cannot remember how long its been since ive had a good night sleep without my brain being awake all night. ill still ask my doctor.

Accepted Answer

Steroids and sleep: Corticosteroid drugs like prednisone commonly cause sleep disturbance, especially with high doses. Electrolye and fluid intake (Gatorade or any other drink) has no effect on this, assuming you otherwise have a balanced diet. Good plan to ask your doctor, but don't worry about Gatorade.

Question 7

can i drink lucozade for gastroenteritis?

Accepted Answer

Not advised: Lucozade contains mostly sugar as it is an energy drink. With gastroenteritis, you need to replace electrolytes. Try isotonic.

Question 8

could drinking alcohol cause an electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you are a heavy drinker, you could see low magnesium and low sodium levels among other things.

Question 9

will drinking excessive amounts of alcohol cause an electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Dehydration...: ...Is most common problem with excessive alcohol intake. Chronic drinkers are often magnesium depleted, and occasionally have low potassium as well.

Question 10

i drink about 85-100 oz of water a day plus 32 oz of dr pepper. will this cause electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

No: No, it wont. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day with a healthy balanced diet and you are fine.

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Doctor answers about:

Sport drinks good electrolyte supplementation gastroenteritis

A member asked:

Are sport drinks a good electrolyte supplementation for my child with gastroenteritis?

A member asked:

Stomach flu w/watery diarrhoea 7 times a day &fever of 38.2c, drinking water and porridge. how likely is electrolyte imbalance from this? not pregnant

A member asked:

How to maintain electrolyte balance during colonoscopy preparation? should i drink mineral water and sport drinks?

A member asked:

During my workout when is it necessary to switch from water to a sports drink that has sodium, potassium & carbs? are these electrolytes? value?

A member asked:

As one who exercises regularly, is it good to drink "electrolyte" drinks to replenish one's electrolyte balance?

A member asked:

Should i be drinking gatorade for electrolytes while on 50mg of prednisone? the side effects are driving me nuts. i cannot remember how long its been since ive had a good night sleep without my brain being awake all night. ill still ask my doctor.

A member asked:

Can i drink lucozade for gastroenteritis?

A member asked:

Could drinking alcohol cause an electrolyte imbalance?

A member asked:

Will drinking excessive amounts of alcohol cause an electrolyte imbalance?

A member asked:

I drink about 85-100 oz of water a day plus 32 oz of dr pepper. will this cause electrolyte imbalance?

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