Can I drink Gatorade instead of water to rehydrate?

1. 49

   jaybbyposted 14 years ago

   Can I drink Gatorade instead of water to rehydrate?
   
   I am pretty sure that I am dehydrated, but I can not stand to drink water. And I have read that drinking water provides electrolytes that your body needs. Well so does Gatorade. And I would much rather drink that instead of plain water. But if water is better to rehydrate, I will drink it. I just need some advice!

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2. 61

   joshuanoerrposted 14 years ago

   Water is better, bottom line. My first question would be, How do you know you are dehydrated?
   
   Second, get a gallon water jug and carry it with you all day. By the end of the day, it should be empty.
   
   Last, if you are going to drink Gatorade, get the low calorie low carb version. Drinking classic Gatorade all day will do nothing but add unneccessary calories to your day.
   
   If you are not very active, there is no reason to drink Gatorade. If you are highly active, it can be a good choice during your activity, but not all day. Proper hydration is an all day thing.

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3. 60

   Dr Ken Romeoposted 14 years ago

   I have to disclose that I am not diagnosing or attempting to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease in this response.
   My first question would be "Why are you dehydrated?"
   Second, "Can you deal metabolically with the sugar that is in Gatorade?"
   Third, "Is this a chronic condition, or did you try and "train" without FIRST properly hydrating?"
   Fourth, "Why are you 'pretty sure' that you are dehydrated?" In other words, what symptoms lead you to believe this?
   There are more questions but, the reality is that you will need to make a choice based on the cause of the dehydration. Either one for the short term should work.
   
   Good Luck.

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4. 60

   fucsiaposted 14 years ago

   Water is better!! You can drink Gatorade only a few times, after sports or in a warm day ... but in any case water is better! Water is the only natural drink for us.

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5. 83

   wychicposted 14 years ago

   Water is always better, though the electrolytes you need come from fruits and, yes, sport drinks. Generally the most important time to actively introduce electrolytes (i.e. through Gatorade) is when you've been sweating excessively, have diarrhea, or have been vomiting. Other than that, you should be able to get enough through your normal diet. Excessive exercise or extreme heat without electrolyte replenishment can be very dangerous, especially in the case of potassium and sodium depletion (the electrolytes needed to keep your heart pumping), and other electrolytes regulate the amount of fluid in your cells. That said, you MUST have plenty of water at all times...if you have difficulty drinking it, then try diluted amounts of gatorade, tea, or other drinks that will add a little flavor to the water and may make it easier to drink.
   
   Also be aware that drinks that have sugar substitutes can be dangerous over time, as they are known to cause neuropathy through damage and depletion of the myelin sheath. If you keep to a moderate amount of exercise and don't have any of the electrolyte-depleting conditions mentioned above, then fruits are by far the healthiest and safest way to get necessary electrolytes.

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6. 60

   kblogsposted 14 years ago

   Water is definitely better. My brother has the same problem - he can't stand water! I turned him on to coconut water, which he actually likes. It's not as sugary as a soft drink but it's got a mild flavor and it comes in flavors, too! Mostly tropical-type flavors. It has a TON of electrolytes, more than water, and also has a lot of vitamin C. My brand of choice is Vita Coco.

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7. 61

   wildorangeflowerposted 14 years ago

   Yes, you can for the first time that you feel dehydrated, then drink water after two hours. Water is still the best.

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8. 74

   PaulStaley1posted 14 years ago

   Mix the Gato, 5o% with water.  Plain water does not have electrolytes---electrolytes are found in salt like substances---

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9. 68

   NathanielZhuposted 14 years ago

   Too much of a good thing can hurt.
   Many electrolites are dangerous if taken in excess.

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