Do you often feel sluggish or dehydrated more often than you’d prefer? Dehydration can be a significant problem among elderly people. In America, the mortality rate among the elderly diagnosed with dehydration is very high, up to 50%.[1]
When we reach old age, our bodies can’t hold and conserve as much fluids as they once did. We also may become less aware of our thirst.
As a result, older folks are more prone to losing body fluids, and excess loss can result in dehydration. Dehydration can be accompanied by a whole host of unpleasant symptoms like feeling extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
The body’s fluid levels can be maintained with the help of electrolyte drinks. These drinks are enriched with different minerals that our bodies need especially as they age.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best electrolyte drinks for seniors. The table below gives a quick snapshot of the top ones, and we go into detailed reviews below.
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Top Choice
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Best Flavor
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Runner Up
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Best Value
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What's good?:
No sugar, maltodextrin or fattening carbs. Non GMO. Balanced Sodium-Potassium ratio.
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What's good?:
Natural hydration , replete with vitamins. Fat-free, Gluten-free, and Non-GMO. Lower calorie and sugar alternative
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What's good?:
33% more electrolytes. PreActiv Prebiotics, replenishes fluids, zinc and electrolytes
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What's good?:
110% more hydrating than water. Provides instant hydration, absorbed directly in to blood. Packed with Sodium and Potassium
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What could be better?:
Nothing really.
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What could be better?:
A few users found the drink to be slightly sour
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What could be better?:
Nothing much!
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What could be better?:
Some people did not like the taste
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Contents
What are electrolytes and why do we want to drink them?
Electrolytes are chemicals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride that conduct electricity in the water. In the body, these chemicals are involved in the regulation of nerve and muscle function, the balance of blood acidity and pressure, and the retention of water.
We don’t always need to be purposefully consuming an , especially if we are not being physically active, if we’re younger in age, or are just feeling fine, but if we need , we can call on electrolyte drinks because they are enhanced with these important chemicals.
Sweating from physical activities, diarrhea, liver or kidney problems, and the effects of older age can lead to a loss of electrolytes, water imbalance, and the potential for dehydration. drinks that are lost to help the body return to form.
Best Recommended Electrolyte Drinks for Seniors
We tested some of the most liked electrolyte drinks on Amazon and found that not all of them are created equal.
Of all the electrolytes we tested the winner is Dr. Berg’s. But if you like the flavor coconut water, as we do, a close second is Vita Coco Electrolyte Drink.
Read on to find out more.
#1 – Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder
As our bodies age, we need electrolytes that are designed for seniors. After reviewing Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder we find it is the #1 solution for seniors for a number of reasons.
It is not loaded with sugar like a lot of other electrolytes.
It is loaded with over 1,000 mg of potassium to help prevent fatigue, weakness, and leg cramps. The correct intake of potassium is also known to help one sleep better at night.
And it tastes great! What else can one ask for…
Features and Benefits
- Safe and healthy: Clean non-GMO ingredients to keep your body functioning at its peak performance. ZERO sugar, maltodextrin, or fattening carbs.
- Potassium: This drink is packed with potassium. The recommended guideline is 4,700 mg a day: that’s what our bodies require to function at optimal levels. Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder includes 1,000 mg of potassium per serving. This beats every electrolyte drink on the market.
- Minerals: One scoop of Electrolyte Powder provides you with the trace minerals your body needs to function at its best. These handy minerals help energize your body, boost your immune system, and encourage graceful aging.
- Balance: In just one scoop Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder provides the perfect sodium-potassium ratio. And the magnesium and calcium balance in this product helps alleviate muscle cramps while supporting optimal nerve and muscle function.
Why you should buy it:
If you want to get the electrolyte drink that will help you feel younger, grab Dr. Berg’s Electrolyte Powder drink today.
#2 – Vita Coco Electrolyte Drink
The Vita Coco energy drink is one of the best electrolyte drinks for seniors and is a great option for hydrating your body. This drink contains natural coconut water, and coconut water is rich in minerals and nutrients. It has all the five significant electrolytes that our body requires after any physical activity or workout.
Features and Benefits
- Recharge: This coconut water energy drink is excellent for the elderly. It will provide essential nutrients and minerals to allow one to work throughout the day without any fatigue or stress. This electrolyte drink has 100% natural coconut water originating from small family farms.
- Vitamins: This drink contains vitamin C in a significant amount. This vitamin, along with other nutrients, ensures proper muscle function. You can also have this drink post-workout or after a night out so that your body feels less fatigue and strain.
- Safe: This coconut energy drink is safe and natural. You get a fat-free, GMO-free, gluten-free diet with 60 calories per bottle. You get less sugar in this drink as it is filled with electrolytes. This electrolyte drink is a much healthier alternative to other sports drinks.
- Vegan: This coconut water drink is vegan. It contains entirely natural ingredients.
Why should you buy it?
This electrolyte drink is for you if you regularly engage in intense and physical activities as it does well to replenish minerals and nutrients lost during activities.
Why it’s our top choice
The Vita Coco Coconut Water, Pure Organic | Refreshing Coconut Taste | Natural Electrolytes | Vital Nutrients | 11.1 Oz (Pack Of 12) is our top choice for Best Electrolyte Drink For Seniors, because of the following reasons:
- Natural coconut water drink rich in minerals and nutrients.
- Replenishes the loss of minerals and vitamins in your body with electrolytes.
- Contains vitamin C in abundance.
- Fat-free and non-GMO energy drink suitable for seniors.
- Vegan energy drink.
You might like to read about our article on some common nutritional deficiencies among the elderly
#3 – Pedialyte Electrolyte Drink
The Pedialyte electrolyte drink is a delicious drink for proper, rapid hydration of your body. This drink contains 33% more electrolytes per liter than other electrolyte energy drinks. The higher concentration of these electrolytes is suitable for the elderly as they can commonly suffer from dehydration.
Features and Benefits
- Digestion: Regular consumption of this electrolyte energy drink can improve digestive health. The unique formula of this drink contains a decent amount of prebiotics that can aid your digestive capabilities.
- Ergonomic: This drink is better than fizzy or soda sports drinks. Athletes and sports personnel may enjoy this drink as it provides fast hydration.
- Zinc: The formula for this drink contains a healthy amount of zinc and electrolytes, helping you to feel energized and less fatigued.
- Healthy: You can also have this drink if you suffer from diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, as it can help recover and cope with such problems.
Why should you buy it?
All the members of your family can drink this formula irrespective of their age. Kids, adults, as well as seniors, can reap the benefits of this unique formula.
#4 – Nooma Electrolyte Drink
The Nooma Electrolyte drink contains all the key ingredients that you require to replenish or hydrate your body. It has farm fresh 100% natural coconut water that maintains potassium and zinc levels in your body.
Features and Benefits
- Sodium: Your body gets a healthy dose of replenishing sodium in the form of Himalayan pink salt through this electrolyte drink. It also has a good level of magnesium and calcium.
- Organic: This energy drink is entirely organic. All the ingredients used in this electrolyte drink are derived from plant-based oils or vitamins. The formula for this drink contains plant extracts and essences for a delicious taste.
- No Sugar: Unlike your traditional sports or energy drinks, this electrolyte formula does not have a large amount of artificial sweetener or sugar. It has an organic natural plant sweetener that is safe and natural.
- Non–GMO: This drink is free from GMOs. It is completely vegan and keto-friendly. You can recommend this energy drink to your friend and family if they follow a keto or vegan diet.
Why should you buy it?
This drink is very low in calories. An entire pack of this electrolyte or energy drink contains only about 30 calories, so you can freely consume this drink without worrying about the calorie intake. This is also a great substitute for your sports drinks.
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#5 – Electrolit Hydration Drink
The Electrolit Hydration drink is one of the best electrolyte drinks for seniors as it has a lot of recovery benefits. You can give this drink to your seniors and elderly, it can help them to recover from muscle spasms and cramps.
Features and Benefits
- Formula: This drink contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and zinc. These minerals are together essential for the proper functioning of the body.
- Healthy: You can even have this hydration drink whenever you are feeling sick or nauseous. Its quick-acting formula can instantly start to improve your physical condition.
- Taste: This hydration drink has a great and unique taste. It also uses glucose as a natural sweetener, and it does not contain any artificial or harmful chemicals to enhance its taste.
- Approved: The Electrolit hydration drink follows the guidelines of the World Health Organization. The formula for this energy drink contains an ample amount of electrolytes that enrich your body’s vitamins and nutrients.
Why should you buy it?
This hydration drink can relieve you of muscle spasms and cramps that can occur more frequently during old age. Regular along with proper minerals and nutrients is crucial.
#6 – AmazonBasics Electrolyte Solution
The AmazonBasics electrolyte solution has a great mixed berry taste. The majority of the people who have this drink will love its taste as it doesn’t have a very strong or weak taste. The flavors are perfectly balanced.
Features and Benefits
- Hydrates: Your body will hydrate after having this drink, and you will regain your lost electrolytes and minerals. It is excellent choice for regaining your strength after intense physical activity.
- Reduces Fatigue: Your body will experience less fatigue and strain after having this energy drink. This energy drink has an ideal composition of minerals and vitamins, and it also contains zinc in its formula.
- Healthy: This energy drink is better than many traditional sports or soft drinks. These traditional drinks have a very high amount of sugar or sweeteners in comparison to this electrolyte drink. The AmazonBasics electrolyte solution can aid in overcoming common health issues such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and so on.
- Trusted: This electrolyte drink is approved by pharmacists and physicians. The fast and quick-acting natural formula of this energy drink is free from harmful chemicals or substances.
Why should you buy it?
You should buy this energy drink if you are an avid traveler. Our bodies tend to get sick while we are travelling due to the change in surroundings. You can maintain your general health and mineral levels in your body with this drink.
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#7 – Hoist Premium Electrolyte Drink
The Hoist premium energy drink is one of the best electrolyte drinks available in the market for seniors. This drink provides you with an IV level of hydration. IV hydration claims to be more effective and long-lasting than water hydration. This formula is clinically safe for better hydration.
Features and Benefits
- Ergonomic: Your body may be relieved of sluggishness or muscle cramps after consuming this drink. The formula contains carbohydrates, electrolytes, and fluids that absorb well into our system.
- Safe: It has no added artificial chemicals or preservatives. The entire formula of this energy drink is natural and organic.
- Retaining: You also get the goodness of sodium and potassium in this drink. Sodium and potassium are the two minerals that help our body to retain water and minerals. As a result, you can experience relief from to .
- Trusted: The United States military trusts this energy or electrolyte drink. It uses and recommends this drink as a good source for fighting dehydration and sickness.
Why should you buy it?
You should buy this energy drink formula if you want a good tasting electrolyte beverage approved by the United States military.
Buyer’s Guide: Best Electrolyte Drink For Seniors
Here are a few simple points to understand and keep in mind when shopping around for some good electrolyte drinks to try.
Electrolyte content
Commercial electrolyte drinks will contain a balance of electrolytes that is suitable for consumption and favorable for the body. Hoist for instance consists of sodium and potassium in the right amounts to help your body maintain its fluid and .
Healthy
A common issue with commercially-available electrolyte drinks is that many are filled with a significant amount of sugar for boosting flavor. These sweetened options are intended for active and not sedentary individuals.
The sugar in electrolyte drinks do not have a function beyond providing flavor, so they can be avoided if possible to maximize the healthiness of your electrolyte drink. Mainstream electrolyte drinks typically come with sugar-free or sugar alternative options.
Safe
If your product has proper certifications or are made by a mainstream beverage brand, chances are it is safe to consume. Organic drinks tend to have simpler and less trivial ingredients, requiring less scrutiny potentially.
You may also like to read our article about increasing energy levels among seniors
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are electrolytes good for the elderly?
Like for all people, electrolytes are not only beneficial but necessary for the elderly. They may be more important for elderly folks to consume, because elderly people are more likely to become dehydrated.
Older adults generally have a smaller water content in their body. As we age, the body’s fluid reserve diminishes. Our ability to conserve water as well as our ability to detect need for hydration and physical ability to obtain fluids may also diminish. Chronic illnesses and diabetes and dementia and the potential use of certain medications can further compound with these issues.
Drinking an electrolyte solution can compensate for the loss of these fluids in older adults.
Q. What are good ingredients to have in an electrolyte drink?
Commercial electrolyte drinks are often either artificially flavored or mixed with fruit juice. Coconut water is an example of a good base for an electrolyte drink, as it is filled with good nutrients and minerals.
The issue with commercial electrolyte drinks is that many may contain excess sugar and additives for the purpose of flavoring the drinks. These flavoring ingredients can counteract the healthiness of an electrolyte drink. Opt for a brand that either uses sugar alternatives, natural fruit juice, or another more beneficial base.
A can be made manually, but requires the mixture of water, sugar, and salt in precise proportions. For those new to electrolytes and looking for a quick fix, we recommend buying bottled electrolytes to begin with.
Q. Why is plain water not always sufficient to rehydrate?
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride are needed for the body to function optimally. Electrolyte drinks are not necessary all the time, but excess fluids without electrolytes can dilute the minerals in the body, leading to imbalance and potential for symptoms like irregular heartbeat, weakness, changes in blood pressure, and confusion, among others.
Q. Can I have too much electrolytes?
Certainly. Like insufficient consumption of electrolytes, it’s possible to consume too much. High amounts of any electrolyte mineral in the body can lead to a range of symptoms and conditions. For instance, excess sodium in the blood is known as hypernatremia, and is associated with symptoms like excessive thirst, twitching, fatigue, and potentially confusion.
Q. What can be done if I have consumed too much electrolytes?
For mild cases of electrolyte imbalance, treatment normally involves rebalancing electrolytes along with more fluids to counteract high amounts of electrolytes flowing in the body. More severe cases in a hospital may be treated via intravenous drip, where the blood can be directly supplied with fluids and a doctor can monitor blood levels.
You may also like our article on increasing elderly appetite.
Parting Words – Dehydration Begone
As we get older, new health conditions that pop up for us may lead us to adopt new practices and routines for the sake of our health that are only reserved for seniors a lot of the time. Luckily, this is not the case with dehydration. This can be taken care of with electrolyte drinks, which are widely available and used by people of all ages, from those looking to maintain their fluid balance to the highest-performing athletes.
There are several brands producing electrolyte drinks today. In this article, we introduced some of the best to help you on your way.
In our opinion, the Vita Coco Coconut Water, Pure Organic | Refreshing Coconut Taste | Natural Electrolytes | Vital Nutrients | 11.1 Oz (Pack Of 12) is the best choice among the various options that we have considered. This electrolyte drink has 100% natural coconut water, coming from small family farms.
The Pedialyte Advancedcare Plus Electrolyte Drink, 1 Liter, 4 Count, with 33% More electrolytes & Has Preactiv Prebiotics, Berry Frost, 33.8 Fl Oz (Pack of 4) is our next best choice because it contains a healthy formula of zinc and electrolytes. You will feel energized and less fatigued with this drink.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the HOIST Premium Military Hydration Electrolyte Drink, Powerful IV-Level Hydration, Clinically Proven Performance Drink, Strawberry Lemonade, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12), which is an excellent branded drink at a very reasonable price point.
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