Why Do People Drink Gatorade When They're Sick?

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Medical News Today, Gatorade's blend of electrolytes and sugar can help replenish fluids lost during illness with vomiting or diarrhea. This is precisely why many people drink Gatorade when they're sick, believing it’s an effective solution for hydration and restoring lost energy.

Quick Summary

Many turn to Gatorade for its electrolytes and sugar, which can aid rehydration and provide quick energy when ill. The drink is most effective for replacing fluids lost due to vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, but high sugar content can be a drawback.

Key Points

Electrolyte Replacement: Gatorade contains sodium and potassium, essential minerals that are lost through excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea during an illness.
Combating Dehydration: The electrolytes in Gatorade help the body absorb and retain fluid more effectively than plain water, aiding in the treatment of dehydration.
Providing Quick Energy: The simple sugars in Gatorade offer a fast energy source, which can be beneficial when low appetite or weakness makes eating difficult.
High Sugar Content Risk: The high sugar concentration in traditional Gatorade can sometimes worsen symptoms like diarrhea in people with sensitive stomachs or certain illnesses.
Low-Sugar Alternatives: For those concerned about sugar, options like Gatorade Zero, Pedialyte, or natural alternatives such as coconut water or broth can provide similar rehydration benefits.
When to Choose Gatorade: It is most helpful for significant fluid loss due to sustained vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever, but should be used with caution.

The Science of Dehydration During Sickness

Illness, particularly with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss from the body. These minerals are critical for normal body functions, including muscle contraction and maintaining a healthy fluid balance. When the body is dehydrated, it can experience side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness. The common practice of reaching for a sports drink like Gatorade stems from the need to quickly and effectively replace these lost components.

Electrolytes: The Key Components

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that play a vital role in maintaining the body's balance. The primary electrolytes found in Gatorade include sodium and potassium. Here's a quick breakdown of their importance when you're sick:

Sodium: This mineral helps the body hold onto water, which is crucial when dehydration has caused a drop in blood volume and pressure. Replacing sodium helps the body rehydrate more effectively than water alone. However, too much sodium can also be a concern for those with certain health conditions.
Potassium: Essential for regulating muscle contractions and heart function, potassium levels can become dangerously low during prolonged illness. Replenishing this electrolyte can help prevent muscle cramps and dizziness. Most adults don't consume enough potassium daily, making its replacement during illness even more important.

The Role of Sugar and Its Downsides

Gatorade also contains simple sugars, primarily glucose and dextrose, which the body can absorb quickly. This provides a fast source of energy, which can be beneficial when a person's appetite is low and they are too weak to eat solid foods. The combination of sugar, sodium, and water also aids in faster rehydration and nutrient absorption.

However, the high sugar content is also one of the primary drawbacks of drinking Gatorade while sick. When a person has an upset stomach or diarrhea, a high sugar load can pull extra water into the gastrointestinal tract, potentially worsening diarrhea. For this reason, many medical experts advise diluting Gatorade with water or choosing a lower-sugar version, like Gatorade Zero.

Comparison: Gatorade vs. Alternatives for Sickness


Feature	Gatorade	Water	Pedialyte	Broth-Based Soups
Electrolyte Content	Contains sodium and potassium.	No electrolytes.	Specifically formulated with a balanced mix of electrolytes, often including zinc.	Contains sodium and some minerals.
Sugar Content	High in sugar (except 'Zero' variants), can worsen diarrhea.	Zero sugar.	Lower in sugar than traditional Gatorade, better for children or those with diarrhea.	Minimal to no sugar.
Energy Source	Simple sugars provide quick energy.	No energy source.	Less sugar, provides some carbohydrates.	Can provide some calories and protein if it includes solid ingredients.
Best For...	Mild to moderate dehydration, especially when some quick energy is also needed.	General hydration needs, mild illness.	Treating significant fluid and electrolyte loss from severe diarrhea or vomiting.	Soothing comfort, hydration, and gentle nutrients when solids are hard to stomach.

Alternatives to Consider

If the high sugar content of regular Gatorade is a concern, or if you prefer more natural alternatives, several other options are available. These can provide similar benefits without the excess sugar and artificial ingredients:

Broth-Based Soups: Clear chicken or vegetable broths are excellent for hydration and provide sodium and other nutrients without the high sugar content. They are also soothing for a sore throat.
Coconut Water: Naturally rich in potassium and magnesium, coconut water is a natural electrolyte replacement with less sugar than standard sports drinks.
Pedialyte: This commercial rehydration solution is specifically designed to restore fluids and electrolytes lost during illness. It has a more balanced ratio of electrolytes and less sugar than Gatorade, making it a better option for severe cases of vomiting or diarrhea, especially in children and the elderly.
DIY Oral Rehydration Solution: For a low-cost, natural alternative, you can create your own solution with ingredients like water, a pinch of salt, and a bit of honey or juice. This allows you to control the exact amount of sugar and sodium.
Gatorade Zero: As mentioned, opting for a sugar-free version of Gatorade is a straightforward way to get the electrolytes without the added sugar.

When is Gatorade the Right Choice?

While water is the best choice for everyday hydration, there are specific scenarios where an electrolyte drink like Gatorade can be beneficial when sick:

Prolonged Vomiting or Diarrhea: When fluid loss is significant and sustained, Gatorade can help replace the electrolytes that plain water lacks. However, if diarrhea is severe, the high sugar may be counterproductive.
High Fever: Fevers can cause excess sweating, leading to the loss of both water and sodium. Sipping Gatorade can help replace these lost salts and fluids.
Weakness and Low Appetite: The simple sugars in Gatorade can provide a much-needed energy boost for those who are too ill to eat.

How to Drink Gatorade When Sick

To minimize potential downsides and maximize benefits, follow these tips when using Gatorade for illness:

Dilute it: If you're concerned about the sugar content, particularly with stomach bugs, dilute your Gatorade with water. This can make it easier on your digestive system.
Sip Slowly: Don't chug large amounts at once, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. Sip small amounts throughout the day.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts. If your symptoms worsen, switch to plain water or a lower-sugar alternative like Pedialyte.

Conclusion

People drink Gatorade when they're sick primarily to combat the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance that often accompany illness. The combination of water, electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and simple sugars can effectively replenish what the body loses through vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. However, the high sugar content of traditional Gatorade can sometimes aggravate gastrointestinal issues. For those with severe symptoms or concerns about sugar, alternatives like Pedialyte, coconut water, or broths are often better choices. Ultimately, staying hydrated is the most crucial step in recovery, and the best beverage depends on the specific illness and individual needs. Always consider diluting sugary sports drinks and consulting a doctor for persistent or severe symptoms.

Medical News Today: Is Gatorade good or bad for you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Gatorade can be better than water when you're sick with a high fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, as it contains electrolytes that water lacks. However, for general hydration during a minor illness, plain water is often sufficient and preferable due to Gatorade's high sugar content.

For some people, especially those with diarrhea or an upset stomach, the high sugar content in traditional Gatorade can potentially worsen symptoms. The sugar can draw excess water into the gut, which can increase diarrhea. It is best to use a lower-sugar option, dilute it, or choose another alternative if this occurs.

For children with vomiting and diarrhea, it's often recommended to use a lower-sugar solution like Pedialyte. Pedialyte has a more balanced electrolyte-to-sugar ratio. For milder illness, diluted Gatorade may be an option, but it's best to consult a pediatrician.

Good alternatives include coconut water (naturally high in potassium), broth-based soups (provide sodium), Pedialyte (specifically formulated for illness), and electrolyte powders you can mix with water. Herbal teas can also be soothing and hydrating.

A fever causes the body to sweat more, leading to fluid and electrolyte loss. Gatorade can help replace the sodium and potassium lost through sweat, which aids the body in staying properly hydrated.

Yes, Gatorade Zero is often a better option when sick because it provides electrolytes without the high sugar load. This reduces the risk of aggravating diarrhea, making it a safer choice for sensitive stomachs.

Yes, drinking too much regular Gatorade when you're not intensely exercising can lead to excessive intake of sugar and sodium. When ill, this can worsen digestive issues and contributes to unhealthy daily sugar levels.