Beat the heat: Why your sports drink isn't cutting it this summer

Canada is experiencing a summer of record heat, which means outdoor fun-in-the-sun can potentially turn into a health risk if you’re not prepared

Whether it’s a long hot day at the beach, a camping weekend getaway, or playing some sweaty rec. sports in the park, you’ll likely need help replacing lost fluids and areas where sports drinks often fall short.

We may be familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration, but can we spot the signs and effectively help treat and prevent them?

Toronto-based family physician Dr. Jeffrey Habert breaks down what to look out for, the importance of electrolytes, and explains why Pedialyte is the go-to rehydration option families should stock up on.

What dehydration looks like

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We’re no stranger to a summer sweat, but that loss of extra fluids and electrolytes can lead to some serious health risks. 

Heat exhaustion and dehydration go hand-in-hand, and while you’re probably already familiar with the increased thirst, dehydration can also lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, and more — leaving you feeling unwell.

“When your body’s electrolytes are out of balance, it can’t absorb fluids properly — triggering a range of physical symptoms,” shares Dr. Habert. “It often starts with headaches or dizziness, but other signs to watch for include nausea, fatigue, excessive thirst, dark-coloured urine, heavy sweating, and muscle cramps.”

“If you notice these symptoms,” Habert continues, “move to a cooler place, rest, and rehydrate with an electrolyte-rich solution.”

To stay well this summer, keep an eye out for these signs of dehydration and have an effective oral electrolyte solution on hand — as water alone sometimes isn’t enough.

Pedialyte is a known go-to for fall and winter illnesses, but it’s also a must-have staple for everyone in the summertime. Scientifically formulated for fast and effective rehydration, this summer essential offers six times less sugar and nearly two times more sodium per litre than the leading sports drink, which is the optimal sugar-electrolyte balance.

Staying cool to combat the Canadian summer

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Once you start noticing the signs of dehydration, it’s important to act quickly. Getting out of the sun and into the shade, applying a cold compress, and resting can help lower your body’s temperature — but nothing beats replenishing fluids, especially if those fluids contain electrolytes.

Electrolytes are made up of key minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride that help transmit electrical signals between your nerves and muscles. Without the right balance of these minerals, your body can’t function optimally — especially in the heat.

“Electrolytes play a critical role in maintaining the body’s fluid balance,” says Habert. “They help regulate the movement of water in and around your cells, tissues, and organs (fluid balance) — ensuring your body stays properly hydrated.”

While sports drinks do contain electrolytes, they’re typically high in sugar and low in sodium — and sodium is essential for proper rehydration. Just seeing electrolytes listed on the label doesn’t mean the product is effective. The key is in the balance and concentration of ingredients.

“Whether it’s due to heat or illness, when dehydration hits, oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte restore fluid levels more effectively than water alone.”

The Pedialyte solution

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Pedialyte provides the optimal balance of sugar and sodium to help replenish fluids and electrolytes more effectively than sports drinks, with convenient formats so you can choose how to rehydrate.

The Pedialyte^® Powder Sticks are a grab-and-go essential for busy-bodies with a full schedule of summer activities. Whether you’re on the go or travelling, these packs fit easily in your bag and come in a variety of flavours.

We all know kids love a good frozen treat in the summer, Pedialyte^® Freezer Pops delivers the fun, with the added bonus of helping them rehydrate. They’re also a refreshing must-have for outdoor parties and make for a great addition to any beach cooler.

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“Dehydration often sneaks up on both kids and parents — especially when they’re active, sick, or exposed to summer heat,” says Dr. Habert. “Water alone may not be enough to prevent dehydration, and sports drinks don’t contain the optimal electrolyte balance needed for rehydration from illness, heat exhaustion, or fluid loss.

“In fact, their high sugar content can sometimes make symptoms worse. For both prevention and treatment of dehydration, I recommend keeping Pedialyte on hand for the whole family—it contains more electrolytes and less sugar than typical sports drinks.”

As the number-one brand recommended by doctors and pharmacists, Pedialyte is your secret weapon in avoiding dehydration this summer. You can find Pedialyte on Amazon, Walmart, at your local pharmacy, or grocery store.

Want to learn more? Ask your healthcare provider about Pedialyte or visit the Pedialyte website.