Fighting off dehydration the healthy way

Sports drinks, also known as electrolyte- and carbohydrate-containing beverages (ECBs), are a physiologic “first-aid” treatment to prevent dehydration.

This was the message of Dr. Lester Deniega, pediatric infectious disease specialist, in a satellite symposium sponsored by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals during the recent 44th annual convention of the Philippine Pediatric Society.

Dehydration occurs when the body loses water and electrolytes through perspiration, and it is more likely to lose more if the person is involved in strenuous physical activities or in warm climates.

The usual remedy for dehydration is to gain back the lost water and electrolytes. Active people or those involved in sports often resort to sports drinks or ECBs.

Deniega emphasized the significance of ECBs in fighting off dehydration, referring to them as a physiologic “first aid” treatment for dehydration, preventing complications of dehydration, including heat stroke. 

Aside from their nourishing effect to prevent dehydration, ECBs, Deniega added, can be a beneficial supplement for diarrhea treatment as they help replace essential electrolytes and fluids lost with the watery diarrhea.

In ECBs, taste, level of acidity, and calcium content are also important, Deniega said.

Otsuka recently launched Pocari Sweat, a new refreshing sports drink in the market. It is less acidic with more calcium content and is also a healthy and effective companion for diarrhea treatment.

Most of all, it can replace the electrolytes in the body lost due to excessive perspiration which usually happens when engaging in sports and strenuous activities.

Pocari Sweat is now available in all major supermarkets, convenience stores and drugstores nationwide.