Originally Posted By: hikermor
If the issue is maintaining adequate hydration, while working or exercising, simple measures are adequate:

1) drink adequate amounts of water. Do not depend upon thirst as an indication of need for water. Drink before you are thirsty.

You need electrolytes as well as water. They cam come from a normal diet, as well as dishes like soups or drinks. Coffee and tea have a mild diuretic effect.

There are lots of concoctions that can be added to water to supply electrolytes. My personal favorite is Nunn tablets - handy and easy.

Just drinking plain water to excess without electrolytes leads to hyponatremia, a serious condition to be avoided.


This ^ for healthy adults.

For the sick, especially children and the infirm or severe situations like cholera, IV fluids, or if the person can drink, you use WHO Rehydration fluid (similar to Pedialyte or Ricelyte).

It has less sugar than Gatorade. Still need some sugar for fastest digestion and to get patients to drink enough.