Gatorade Lyte as Temporary Rehydration for Diarrhea
Gatorade Lyte is not recommended for rehydration in diarrhea, even temporarily, as it lacks the appropriate electrolyte composition needed for effective oral rehydration therapy. 1
Why Gatorade Lyte Is Inadequate
The Infectious Diseases Society of America explicitly states that popular beverages including Gatorade should not be used for rehydration during diarrheal illness. 1 This recommendation applies to all Gatorade products, including Gatorade Lyte, because:
Insufficient sodium content: Gatorade Lyte contains approximately 20 mEq/L of sodium, which is far below the 75-90 mEq/L recommended for active rehydration in diarrhea. 2, 3, 4
Inappropriate osmolarity: Sports drinks have excessive osmolality and lack the proper glucose-to-sodium ratio needed to activate the coupled sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism that drives water absorption during diarrhea. 4, 5
Risk of electrolyte imbalances: One study showed that Gatorade use was associated with persistent hypokalemia during viral gastroenteritis treatment, unlike proper oral rehydration solutions. 6
What You Should Do Instead
Immediate Alternatives (If Nothing Else Available)
If you have absolutely no access to proper ORS and stores are closed, you can make a homemade oral rehydration solution using common household ingredients: 3
- Mix 4 tablespoons of sugar with ½ level teaspoon of salt in 1 liter (about 4 cups) of clean water
- This provides approximately the correct electrolyte balance for rehydration
Proper Oral Rehydration Solutions to Obtain
As soon as stores open, obtain a proper ORS product such as: 1, 4
- Pedialyte (45 mEq/L sodium)
- CeraLyte (higher sodium formulation)
- Any WHO-standard ORS packets
Dosing Guidelines Once You Have Proper ORS
- For mild to moderate dehydration: Drink 50-100 mL/kg over 3-4 hours for rehydration phase 1
- For ongoing losses: Replace each diarrheal stool with approximately 120-240 mL of ORS 1
- Adults: Can drink up to 2 liters per day as needed 1, 4
Critical Warning Signs
Seek immediate medical care if you develop: 1
- Severe dehydration (dizziness when standing, decreased urination, altered mental status)
- Inability to keep fluids down due to persistent vomiting
- Signs of shock (rapid pulse, poor perfusion, confusion)
- Bloody diarrhea with fever
These situations require intravenous rehydration, not oral solutions. 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not try to "improve" the taste of homemade ORS by adding juice, as this significantly alters the electrolyte composition and increases osmolality, making rehydration less effective. 7 If palatability is an issue, commercially flavored ORS products are formulated to maintain proper composition while improving taste. 7