Honey for Rehydration

You've probably heard the well-worn advice that when you get dehydrated, you need electrolytes in addition to water. The makers of Gatorade have made hundreds of millions on the basis of that fact.

What you may not know is that when you get dehydrated, you need a little glucose, too.

It's not just that your "insides" need electrolytes and glucose. Your large intestine can absorb water more easily if it contains at least a little "salt" and sugar.

You don't need a whole lot of either electrolytes or glucose. Half a teaspoon of honey (more is OK) in half a liter (a large glass) of water is enough sugar. A squeeze of lemon or orange juice for potassium is very helpful, as is half a teaspoon (but no more) of salt, also per half-liter glass.

Oral rehydration salts mixed in clean water are ideal, but bouillon, clear soups, soft drinks (if sweetened, don't add sugar, if all you have is diet, be sure to add sugar despite how it tastes), Bovril, and tea are all fine.