Should I drink Body Armor if I'm sick? A guide to hydration and electrolytes

Over 2 million Americans visit the emergency room for dehydration each year, often related to illness. When battling a cold or stomach bug, proper hydration is key to recovery, and many people wonder: should I drink Body Armor if I'm sick?

Quick Summary

This article discusses if Body Armor is a suitable hydration choice during illness, comparing its electrolyte and sugar content to other rehydration options like Pedialyte and water. It highlights the importance of rehydrating while sick and considers factors for making the best choice.

Key Points

• Moderate Use: Body Armor is acceptable for mild sickness, but only in moderation to avoid excessive sugar intake.

• Choose Low-Sugar Versions: Opt for Body Armor Lyte or Zero Sugar to rehydrate without the high sugar load that can worsen illness.

• Pedialyte is Better for Stomach Bugs: For severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, a medically formulated oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte is more effective.

• Contains Valuable Vitamins: Body Armor is fortified with immune-supporting vitamins like C and B, which can be beneficial when you're feeling under the weather.

• Consult a Doctor for GI Issues: If you have kidney or heart issues, or experience stomach discomfort from sweeteners, consult a healthcare provider before using Body Armor.

• Mix with Water to Dilute: If you only have regular Body Armor, mixing it with water can help reduce the sugar concentration.

The Role of Hydration and Electrolytes When You're Sick

When you are sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, your body loses fluids and vital minerals called electrolytes at a rapid pace. Electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium, are crucial for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle control. Dehydration can lead to symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, all of which prolong a recovery. Replacing lost fluids is important, but replenishing electrolytes is what truly accelerates the rehydration process, especially during intense fluid loss.

Body Armor: Nutritional Profile and Hydration Benefits

Body Armor is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks like Gatorade. It typically contains a base of coconut water, which is naturally high in potassium and is a source of other electrolytes. Body Armor drinks are also fortified with a blend of B and C vitamins, which support immune function and energy metabolism. The standard formula is sweetened with pure cane sugar, while the Lyte and Flash I.V. versions use stevia and other natural sweeteners to offer lower-sugar or zero-sugar options.

The Sugar Dilemma: Regular vs. Lyte Versions

For a regular Body Armor sports drink, the sugar content can be quite high. Some experts suggest that consuming too much sugar when sick can work against your body’s natural infection-fighting process. For adults and especially children who are sick, high-sugar drinks are not ideal. They can worsen diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. This is where the lower-sugar Body Armor Lyte or Zero Sugar and the higher-electrolyte Body Armor Flash I.V. come in. These versions are much more suitable for rehydration during illness as they provide electrolytes without the high sugar load.

Comparing Body Armor to Other Rehydration Options

When comparing Body Armor to other rehydration options, it's helpful to consider the specific needs of someone who is sick. For example, Pedialyte is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) specifically formulated for illness. It has a precise balance of sodium and glucose to optimize fluid and electrolyte absorption in the gut, making it highly effective for rehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea.

While Body Armor contains electrolytes, the ratio and total amount may not be perfectly optimized for illness-related dehydration compared to a medical-grade ORS like Pedialyte. The Flash I.V. line is more comparable to an ORS, with a higher electrolyte count, but standard Body Armor focuses more on potassium than sodium, and a healthy balance of both is needed for rehydration. Plain water is also an option but lacks the electrolytes needed to counteract significant losses from vomiting or diarrhea. A doctor might recommend mixing a sports drink with water to dilute the sugar and balance the electrolytes.

Who is Body Armor Best For When You're Sick?

Body Armor can be a good choice for someone who is mildly ill, such as with a common cold, and not experiencing significant fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea. The added vitamins may also offer a small immune boost. The Lyte or Flash I.V. versions are recommended to avoid excessive sugar intake. For more severe dehydration caused by stomach bugs, a medical oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte is a more targeted and often more effective option. It’s always best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially for vulnerable populations like children or people with chronic conditions.

Hydration Drink Comparison for Sickness

Feature	Body Armor (Regular)	Body Armor Lyte/Zero	Pedialyte (ORS)	Plain Water
Primary Purpose	Athletic Hydration	Low-Calorie Hydration	Medical Rehydration	Basic Hydration
Electrolyte Content	Contains potassium and some sodium; good for exercise but not an optimized ORS ratio.	Provides electrolytes with a lower sugar load; better for illness than regular formula.	Specifically formulated for illness-related fluid loss; ideal electrolyte/sugar ratio.	No electrolytes; can dilute existing levels during heavy fluid loss.
Sugar Content	High in sugar from pure cane sugar, may be unsuitable during illness.	Low or zero sugar (using stevia), a much better choice for illness.	Balanced amount of glucose to aid electrolyte absorption.	No sugar.
Vitamins	Fortified with vitamins C and B.	Also includes vitamins C and B.	Can contain zinc and other minerals to support immune function.	Contains no vitamins or minerals.
Drawbacks for Illness	High sugar content can aggravate a sick stomach.	Some users report GI issues from sweeteners like erythritol.	May not be as tasty as a sports drink.	Cannot replace lost electrolytes effectively on its own.

How to Stay Hydrated When You're Sick

• Start with water: If your illness is mild, water is the best first step. Drink small, frequent sips to avoid upsetting your stomach.
• Consider electrolyte solutions: If you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, switch to an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte or a low-sugar Body Armor (Lyte or Zero Sugar).
• Try ice chips or popsicles: If you have trouble keeping liquids down, sucking on ice chips or frozen fruit pops can help rehydrate you gradually.
• Dilute sugary drinks: For regular sports drinks, including standard Body Armor, consider mixing it with water (e.g., 3/4 water to 1/4 drink) to reduce the sugar concentration.
• Avoid diuretics: Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol can further dehydrate you and should be avoided.
• Monitor your urine: Pale yellow urine indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow urine suggests dehydration.

Conclusion

While Body Armor can offer hydration and electrolytes, particularly the lower-sugar Lyte and higher-electrolyte Flash I.V. versions, it is not always the optimal choice when you are sick. For mild illnesses, the Lyte version is a decent option, and the added vitamins can be beneficial. However, for significant fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea, a medical oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte is more effectively balanced to restore electrolytes. The high sugar content of regular Body Armor may make it unsuitable for someone with a stomach bug. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional for the best course of action, especially if you have an underlying health condition. For an overview of electrolyte benefits during illness, you can read more at the Cleveland Clinic website on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Body Armor better than Gatorade when I'm sick?

Body Armor is often considered a healthier option than Gatorade due to its use of natural sweeteners and coconut water, especially the low-sugar 'Lyte' version. However, a medical oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte is typically better for illness-related dehydration than either sports drink.

Can Body Armor upset a sick stomach?

Yes, some people may experience digestive issues. The high sugar content in regular Body Armor can worsen an upset stomach or diarrhea. The artificial sweeteners used in some 'Lyte' versions, like erythritol, have also been reported to cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some users.

Is Body Armor Lyte good for sickness?

Body Armor Lyte, with its lower sugar content, is a better choice for hydration during illness than the regular version. It provides electrolytes and vitamins without the high sugar load, but for severe dehydration, an ORS like Pedialyte is still more effective.

What is the best drink for sickness and dehydration?

The best drink for severe illness and dehydration is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte, as it has a balanced electrolyte-to-sugar ratio specifically designed for rapid fluid absorption. For milder illness, water or a diluted low-sugar sports drink is often sufficient.

What are the risks of drinking too much Body Armor when sick?

Drinking too much standard Body Armor can lead to excessive sugar intake, which may worsen diarrhea. Over-consumption of any electrolyte drink, especially if you have kidney problems, can also cause an electrolyte imbalance with symptoms like nausea and irregular heartbeats.

Does Body Armor have ingredients that boost my immune system?

Body Armor drinks are often fortified with vitamins C and B, as well as zinc in the 'Flash I.V.' line, which can contribute to supporting your immune system. However, they are not a cure for illness.

How can I tell if I'm dehydrated while sick?

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dark yellow urine. If you experience these symptoms, it's a clear signal to focus on rehydration with an appropriate beverage.