We always get questions on this matter from readers and have asked ourselves: “How can you rehydrate your sick child without resorting to the artificial additives in pedialyte alternative?”
Ask every pediatrician in the world, and they’ll tell you that this is the beverage of preference for your child suffering from stomach aches… And in case you’re unfamiliar with Pedialyte, it’s a hydration treatment used to counteract the symptoms of diseases like the flu (such as vomiting or diarrhea).
I am not suggesting that this drink would not supply your sick child with vital nutrients (we have used it in the past a lot), so what about the excessive additives such as artificial flavors, sweeteners, and color?
We’ve already covered some concerning details regarding the chemical dyes that need an alert label in many countries outside the United States. Still, as far as I’m aware, there aren’t many suitable rehydration substitutes that don’t include them (Gatorade or other sports beverages sometimes come up as another electrolyte remedy, but they’re still loaded with artificial sweeteners and dyes).
And when I approached a pediatrician’s office for a recommendation, they had no clue what we were talking about because we tried to eliminate the dubiously added additives in Pedialyte. So we’re not sure why we were taken aback. As this is a matter of serious health endangerment
As a result, we wanted to contact a local board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine. Thus, we can get more information about quick rehydration options. Dr. Alex Davis informed me that an option exists, and it is a well-known formula given by the World Health Organization (WHO) called Oral Rehydration Salts/Solution (N-ORS). In so many terms, he said that he developed this approach for those living in developing nations who cannot sprint down the street to the closest store or pharmacy and pick up some Pedialyte.
And after he described it to us in this manner, it made more sense that an appropriate, simple substitute for Pedialyte might exist. Thus, we returned to our daily pediatrician’s office and directly inquired if ORS will properly replenish our children after a period of dehydration, to which they responded “yes.” It’s crazy to us how much influence drug companies have on our physicians these days, given that Pedialyte is manufactured by Abbott, one of the world’s largest ten pharmaceutical corporations.
We want to share this N-ORS edition of “Homemade Pedialyte” with you today, just with one caution…
This recipe is recommended for children over the age of normally stable, have normal kidney function, and are not having extreme dehydration or a high fever (which would probably require direct medical attention anyhow). Additionally, as always, take your own physician’s recommendation over something you read online about pedialyte alternative!
Note: you may be concerned that your child will find this drink too bland; try incorporating a splash of orange juice, coconut water, or other natural flavors. Additionally, if you boil the water first, the sugar and salt will dissolve more easily. Additionally, it would be best to dump this formula into freezer pop molds to create your own Pedialyte popsicles.
We have asked Dr. Davis concerning the possibility of rehydrating with coconut water, as it does produce certain natural electrolytes, but the problem there is a deficiency of sodium. Your body needs sodium to assist in retaining the liquid; otherwise, it would simply pass through you. You might apply 1/4 teaspoon table salt and some orange juice to the coconut water to ensure that all sodium and sugar are met, but the formula above is sure.