In more severe cases of dehydration, medicinal electrolyte drinks are still advised. They’re also relatively expensive.ĭiluted apple juice is a practical and pleasant alternative for kids, as well as adults ( 4).īe sure to drink diluted juice to rehydrate, as the high sugar content of full-strength juice can draw excess water into your gut and worsen diarrhea - particularly during recovery from illness ( 5, 6). Though electrolyte drinks are specially formulated to rehydrate, some children don’t like the taste and won’t drink them.
In a study of mildly dehydrated children with diarrhea and vomiting, those offered diluted apple juice were 6.5% less likely to need fluids delivered via their veins than those given a medicinal electrolyte drink ( 4). In fact, some pediatricians recommend half-strength apple juice - a mix of half juice, half water - for sick kids who are mildly dehydrated and at least one year old ( 2, 3). This makes it easy to consume - especially for those who are sick and at an increased risk of dehydration ( 1). Apple juice is 88% water and tastes good.
