electrolytes for flu recovery: what to drink and why it matters
how the proper mix of electrolytes is key to helping your body recover more effectively from illness
published aug 25, 2026
3 minute read
3 minute read
when we're sick, choosing the right fluids can help our recovery and get us closer to that feel-better moment. supplied
this story is advertised by
pedialyte canada
this story was provided by a client for commercial purposes.
stay up to date on this topic
fall is a busy season. it’s often when many of us feel stretched thin as we head back to school or our usual daily routines. it is also when we get exposed to more germs, and seemingly everyone is coming down with a cold, flu-like illness or a stomach bug.
with that in mind, family physician dr. jeffrey habert is on hand to explore the science behind the benefits of rehydration when we’re sick and how choosing the right fluids can help support recovery to get us closer to that feel‑better moment.
q: why does flu-like illness increase the risk of dehydration?
dr. habert: flu-like illness can increase the risk of dehydration because symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweating and reduced water intake can cause your body to lose fluids and electrolytes more quickly than usual. even mild dehydration can make you feel worse by causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache and thirst. as a result, dehydration is one of the more common obstacles we face when recovering from illness.
q: why does rehydration matter when you’re sick?
dr. habert: whether you’re dealing with flu-like illness, gastroenteritis or a stomach bug, it’s important to rehydrate (replace fluids) by replacing key electrolytes — especially sodium and potassium to help maintain normal body fluid balance and support normal nerve and muscle function.
when electrolytes are imbalanced, your body can’t absorb fluids properly, triggering symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, excessive thirst, sweating and muscle cramps.
proper rehydration helps restore fluid and electrolyte balance, supporting the body as it recovers.
q: what makes an oral rehydration solution different?
dr. habert: choosing the right oral rehydration solution when you’re sick matters because water alone may not replace electrolytes lost through vomiting, diarrhea, fever or sweating. sports drinks are not formulated to meet your body’s rehydration needs in the same way as oral rehydration solutions.
advertisement
effective rehydration depends on replacing fluids, electrolytes and a small amount of sugar in the right proportions so your body can absorb them efficiently. that’s why i recommend that my patients keep pedialyte on hand for times when flu-like illness or stomach bugs make dehydration more likely. pedialyte has two times the sodium electrolytes and 50 per cent less sugar per litre than leading sports drinks. its formulation supports more efficient fluid absorption and helps the body rehydrate and recover more effectively during illness.
flu and stomach bugs can drain your body of key electrolytes. that’s why proper rehydration is so important. supplied
q: if i’m drinking fluids, does the amount of sugar in a beverage really make a difference?
dr. habert: yes, the amount of sugar in a beverage can impact how effectively your body rehydrates and recovers when you’re sick. reaching for high-sugar drinks like flat pop or sports drinks when you’re battling flu-like illness or a stomach bug can make symptoms worse. that could include prolonging fatigue, weakness, diarrhea and, ultimately, your recovery.
it’s not about avoiding sugar altogether. in an oral rehydration solution, sugar works with sodium in the small intestine to help bring water into the bloodstream more efficiently. the key is balance. too much sugar can slow the rehydration process, while too little may not support fluid absorption as effectively. ineffective rehydration will leave you feeling unwell.
when you’re sick, pedialyte can be a helpful go-to for both kids and adults because it’s scientifically formulated with the right balance of sugar and electrolytes to help prevent or treat mild to moderate dehydration and support a faster recovery.
takeaways
we all want to feel better fast, and one key takeaway from dr. habert is that oral rehydration can play an important role in recovery. having options like pedialyte 1l bottles, powder sticks or freezer pops on hand can help make recovery feel more manageable when illness strikes.
advertisement
as adults, it can feel like second nature to push through illness to meet deadlines or keep up with daily demands. in the process, we may ignore the signals our bodies are sending, even while we’re still recovering. whether you’re curled up feeling unwell or starting to turn a corner, keeping rehydration solutions stocked means you’re prepared when illness strikes, and dehydration becomes a concern.
you can find pedialyte on amazon, or at walmart, your local pharmacy or grocery store.
want to learn more? ask your health-care provider or visit pedialyte.ca.
this story was provided by pedialyte canada for commercial purposes.
share story
