What Drinks Are Good to Help Stop Passing Out?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

Dehydration is a leading cause of fainting, accounting for a significant number of fainting-related hospital visits. Understanding what to drink when you feel lightheaded can be a crucial preventative step. Certain beverages can help stabilize blood pressure and increase blood volume, addressing common triggers for syncope.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines effective drinks for preventing fainting, explaining the role of hydration and electrolytes in maintaining blood pressure. It covers water, electrolyte solutions, fruit juice, and offers practical advice on when and how to consume them to counteract symptoms of lightheadedness and prevent passing out.

Key Points

Hydration is key: Dehydration is a primary cause of fainting; increasing fluid intake is essential.
Electrolytes help: Drinks containing electrolytes like sports drinks or salted water help restore mineral balance and increase blood volume.
Juice for low blood sugar: Fruit juice can quickly raise blood sugar levels to combat hypoglycemia-related fainting.
Positioning is critical: If feeling faint, lie down and elevate your legs to increase blood flow to the brain.
Moderation with caffeine: While a little can help, too much caffeine can be dehydrating and should be avoided.
Salt for low blood pressure: Increasing salt intake can aid those with orthostatic hypotension, but a doctor should be consulted.
Avoid triggers: Prevention also involves avoiding prolonged standing, overheating, and getting up too quickly.
Seek medical advice for frequent episodes: Persistent fainting may indicate an underlying condition that requires a professional diagnosis.

Understanding Why You Might Feel Faint

Fainting, or syncope, occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. This can be triggered by a variety of factors, including dehydration, a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), low blood sugar, or prolonged standing. The right beverages, when consumed at the right time, can be a simple and effective strategy to address these underlying issues.

The Power of Proper Hydration

Drinking adequate fluids is one of the most critical factors in preventing fainting, especially for individuals prone to low blood pressure or those in hot environments. Staying well-hydrated increases blood volume, which helps maintain blood pressure and ensures consistent blood flow to the brain. Water is the fundamental choice, but other drinks can offer specific benefits. For those with orthostatic hypotension, for instance, a fluid intake of 2 to 2.5 liters per day is recommended.

The Go-To Drinks for Immediate and Long-Term Prevention

Plain Water: The most straightforward and accessible option. Drinking a glass of water, especially a cold one, can quickly help raise blood pressure in cases of orthostatic hypotension. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day is the best preventative measure.
Electrolyte-Enhanced Drinks: For those who are dehydrated due to sweating or illness, simple water may not be enough. Electrolyte solutions like oral rehydration salts, sports drinks, or homemade versions with added salt and sugar are effective. These replace lost sodium, potassium, and other minerals essential for maintaining proper fluid balance.
Fruit Juice: If low blood sugar is the cause of your dizziness, a quick sip of fruit juice can provide a rapid glucose boost to bring levels back up. This is especially helpful for people with diabetes or those who have skipped meals.
Salted Beverages: Increasing your salt intake can be beneficial if your fainting episodes are related to low blood pressure. This can be done by adding a pinch of salt to a glass of water or consuming salted broth. Always consult with a doctor before significantly increasing your salt intake, especially if you have other health conditions.
Caffeinated Drinks (in moderation): A cup of coffee or tea can temporarily raise blood pressure. However, excessive caffeine can have a diuretic effect and potentially contribute to dehydration, so it should be used cautiously and in moderation.

Comparison of Fainting Prevention Drinks


Drink Type	Primary Benefit	Who It Helps	Key Consideration
Plain Water	Increases blood volume; general hydration.	Everyone, especially those dehydrated or in hot weather.	Simple, effective, and calorie-free.
Electrolyte Solution	Replaces lost minerals; restores fluid balance.	Athletes, people with illness, or those with significant sweating.	Can be store-bought or homemade; check sugar content.
Fruit Juice	Rapidly increases blood sugar.	Those with hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.	Quick-acting but temporary fix; should be balanced with a meal.
Salted Broth	Provides sodium to increase blood volume.	People with low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).	Consult a doctor before adding significant salt to your diet.
Caffeinated Coffee/Tea	Temporarily raises blood pressure.	Some individuals with low blood pressure.	Use in moderation; can be dehydrating in large quantities.

Immediate Actions When Feeling Faint

If you start to feel lightheaded, nauseous, or see your vision begin to blur, it is important to act quickly. Lie down with your legs elevated to increase blood flow to your brain. If you cannot lie down, sit down and put your head between your knees. This is when having a preventative drink ready can be most beneficial.

A Broader Perspective on Preventing Syncope

While specific drinks can help in the moment, a holistic approach is best for long-term prevention. This includes a consistent diet that prevents low blood sugar, regular hydration throughout the day, and avoiding triggers like prolonged standing, hot environments, and excessive alcohol. For some individuals, adopting lifestyle changes like wearing compression stockings or being mindful of body position can also make a significant difference. For example, getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position can prevent orthostatic hypotension.

For those with frequent fainting episodes, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to diagnose and address any underlying conditions. This could involve investigating heart conditions, nervous system issues, or other medical problems. An informed approach combining smart hydration choices and lifestyle adjustments can dramatically reduce the frequency of fainting spells. For more detailed information on specific medical conditions that cause fainting, consult trusted medical resources.

Conclusion

Preventing fainting often starts with addressing the body's fluid balance and blood pressure. A glass of water can be a simple, quick solution for dehydration, while electrolyte drinks or a salty broth might be necessary for more specific blood volume or mineral issues. For low blood sugar, a sweet drink like fruit juice is effective. Consistent hydration and balanced nutrition are key preventative measures, but immediate action like lying down with elevated legs is crucial if you feel faint. By understanding the causes and having the right drink on hand, you can effectively manage and prevent episodes of passing out. Always seek professional medical advice for persistent or unexplained fainting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drinking water increases your blood volume, which helps maintain stable blood pressure and ensures adequate blood flow to your brain. Dehydration reduces blood volume and is a common cause of fainting.

Yes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause fainting because the brain needs a steady supply of glucose to function. A sudden drop in blood sugar can lead to dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Sports drinks can be beneficial because they contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which help to restore fluid balance, especially if dehydration is due to sweating or illness.

The most important immediate action is to lie down and elevate your legs. If you can't lie down, sit with your head between your knees. This helps redirect blood flow to your brain.

Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, which may help if fainting is due to low pressure. However, it can also have a diuretic effect, so it's not a long-term solution and should be consumed in moderation.

For individuals with low blood pressure, increasing salt intake helps the body retain water, which in turn increases blood volume and raises blood pressure. This is a strategy often used for orthostatic hypotension.

You should see a doctor if you faint frequently, without a clear cause, or if you experience other symptoms like chest pain. Persistent or unexplained fainting could be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition.