Five beverages that are essential for oral rehydration during food poisoning

If you’re dealing with food poisoning, staying hydrated is just as important as resting. Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly drain your body of fluids and essential minerals, leaving you weak and dehydrated. But not all drinks are created equal. Some help you bounce back, while others can make things worse. Dr. Alexander Shapsis of Brooklyn, New York, has compiled a list of the best fluids for rehydration and to prevent dehydration during episodes of food poisoning. Below are several solutions he may recommend to his patients at Atlantic Gastroenterology:

1. Low-Osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) – The Gold Standard

Low-osmolarity ORS replaces the water, salt, and sugar your body loses during diarrhea and vomiting.

Why it’s best: It’s backed by medical guidelines and works for all ages.

What to look for: Products like Pedialyte, CeraLyte, or Enfalac Lytren.

How it helps: These solutions reduce vomiting, stool output, and the need for IV fluids.

2. Diluted Apple Juice – A Kid-Friendly Alternative

For children with mild dehydration, dilute apple juice followed by the child’s favorite clear fluids can be just as effective as ORS.

Why it works: It’s easier to get kids to drink and still provides some sugars and fluids.

How to do it: Mix apple juice with water at a 1:1 ratio.

3. Salty Broths and Soups

Clear broths (like chicken or vegetable broth) can be comforting and hydrating.

Benefits: They contain salt and fluids, which are important during recovery.

Tip: Sip slowly and warm it up for easier digestion.

4. Carbohydrate-Rich Fluids

Liquids that contain natural sugars (like diluted fruit juices or rice water) can help your body absorb more sodium and water.

Good choices: Diluted fruit juice or rice porridge water in small amounts.

Avoid: Full-strength sugary drinks (more on that below).

5. Water – Helpful, But Not Enough Alone

Plain water is essential, but doesn’t replace lost salts and sugars.

Pair it with: Small bites of salty crackers or broth to help restore electrolytes.

Additionally, Dr. Shapsis may encourage patients to avoid certain fluids, such as sodas, energy drinks, and undiluted juices, that can worsen diarrhea.

Who can I contact to find out more about oral rehydration solutions?

If you are a resident of the Brooklyn, NY area and want to learn more about ways to protect your health and hydration during food poisoning episodes, or ways to prevent certain digestive issues, we invite you to contact the office at Atlantic Gastroenterology by calling 718 521-2840 to request an upcoming visit to one of our two clinic locations at Court Street and Ocean Parkway. We also have another office in 12462 W Atlantic Blvd, Coral Springs, FL, 3307. 

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