When your child is not feeling well and does not seem interested in consuming any food or drinks, thus, this is the time to turn to a combination of fluids and electrolytes. The latter is a kind of mineral with electric charges, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, sodium, and bicarbonate.
Basically, this type of mineral is primarily responsible for maintaining a considerable amount of normal bodily functions, which entails the proper functioning of nerves, chemicals, and muscles, as well as the process of building and breaking down molecules in the body. The mechanisms that allow one to speak, move and even digest food are all impossible without an appropriate balance of electrolytes.
On the other hand, the body does a great job of maintaining such balance. Hence, an individual still needs to support it with proper diet and lifestyle choices.
It is imperative to prioritize maintaining the electrolyte and fluid balance above all else, especially when the child is sick, which comes with fluid loss, lack of thirst, and poor appetite. To maintain such, the data published on Very Well Family suggests electrolyte supplements in combination with fluids.
Electrolytes are replaced anytime they have lost excessive fluids
Pierrette Mimi Poinsett, M.D., a medical consultant at Mom Loves Best, told the outlet that young ones get such minerals naturally from the foods they consume. The familiar sources of electrolytes include vegetables and fruits such as oranges, bananas, strawberries, watermelon, avocados, and melon. Under such natural circumstances, a healthy diet with adequate water is all it takes to achieve the daily electrolyte quota.
Dr Poinsett explains that the child may need additional electrolytes, especially if they have vomiting and diarrhea. Kids may also require such minerals if they are profusely sweating, as some are unfortunately lost during extreme exercise.
Amy Reed, a registered dietician at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), suggests electrolyte supplementation if the child has been doing some exercises under the heat for an hour or more. Nonetheless, doing lighter tasks or activities under the heat takes time to mean you need to give the child electrolytes, per Very Well Family.
How this supplement is not only beneficial but recommended
Jan Bonhoeffer, M.D., a pediatrician and global expert on infectious disease vaccine safety, added that every individual needs electrolytes to survive, and juveniles are no exception. Moreover, when choosing drinks that contain electrolytes, you must consider and watch for indications of dehydration in children, as this will serve as the main reason that the minerals are essential.
Electrolyte consumption excludes children with a metabolic illness that prevents them from consuming certain electrolytes. Moreover, kids should be supplemented with this mineral and adequate fluid, especially if they are experiencing sickness and their appetite is mainly affected, or they have diarrhea or vomiting.
Morgyn Clair, a registered dietitian and nutritionist for Sprint Kitchen, added that although it is unlikely that too many electrolytes can harm the child. It is still important to always consult your child's pediatrician before deciding to give your child such supplements, especially if they are showing symptoms of severe dehydration.
Importantly, electrolytes serve as the child's safeguard against dehydration, per Llama Naturals.
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