Drinking water alone is not enough to stay hydrated! Our body depends on the correct balance of water and other fluids such as electrolytes to maintain normal bodily functions.
Replacing lost water and electrolytes with an oral rehydration solution (ORS) is the most important aspect of managing dehydration. Hydralyte is a scientifically formulated oral rehydration solution based on the World Health Organisation criteria for oral rehydration therapy. Hydralyte is a Hypotonic solution, which means it is effective at driving more absorption of fluids into the body and rehydrating quickly, while also being long lasting. It contains the correct balance of glucose and electrolytes to allow for rapid and effective rehydration.
Tonicity refers to the ability of a solution to alter the internal water volume of the cell and is an important factor to consider when choosing an oral rehydration solution.
An ORS formula must meet two criteria – the correct balance of sodium and glucose, and the solution must be hypotonic.
Hypotonic solutions are used when the cell is dehydrated and fluids need to be put back intracellularly. A hypotonic solution is a solution that helps water move into the cell, rapidly absorbing and retaining fluids from longer periods of time, thus hydrating it.
A Hypertonic solution is one where the osmotic pressure outside the cell is higher than inside the cell, causing water to be pulled from the cell and thus dehydrating it.
An Isotonic solution is one where the osmotic pressure outside and inside the cells is the same, thus resulting in no net movement of water into or out of the cell (no absorption). Fluids are neither absorbed into a cell or pulled out from a cell. Bloating is a regular occurence from drinking too much Isotonic drinks.
[It is important to note that water alone or sugary drinks (i.e. soda or sports drinks) do not contain the correct balance of sodium or glucose to allow for rapid hydration.]
To avoid dehydration, it helps to understand the role that water and electrolytes play in your body, how your body loses fluids and electrolytes and what you can do to keep your body well-hydrated.
Both water and electrolytes play a vital role in keeping you hydrated. Water helps to maintain body temperature, digest food as well as lubricate tissues and joints. Electrolytes help to retain fluid and maintain good nerve and muscle function.
To function correctly and remain healthy, our body requires the correct internal balance of water and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride. These components are derived from foods and fluids we consume and are lost via urine, sweat, saliva and other bodily fluids.
Causes of dehydration include vomiting and diarrhoea, heavy sweating, travel, excessive alcohol consumption, clinical conditions.
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
- Decreased urine output (or darker in colour that usual)
- Migraines/headaches
- Loss of skin elasticity (white marks will appear if pinched)
- Sunken eyes and fontanelle in babies
Dehydration may not always be evident and can be overlooked whilst dealing with the causative agents. For this reason, young children and the elderly are more at risk of dehydration
For more information, visit hydralyte.com.au
Q: Is Hydralyte more effective than rehydrating with water?
A: Water is the best hydration fluid for daily consumption. However if you experience dehydration, oral rehydration solutions are clinically formulated to contain the correct balance of fluid and electrolytes to allow for faster and more effective absorption of fluid and electrolytes by the body for rapid rehydration to cure dehydration quickly.
Q: How long do I take Hydralyte for?
A: Drink Hydralyte when thirsty or exhibiting signs of dehydration, or while symptoms persist. However, seek medical advise if vomiting or diarrhoea persists for more than:
- 6 hours in infants under 6 months
- 12 hours in children under 3 years
- 24 hours in children aged between 3 – 6 years
- 48 hours in children over 6 years and adults