Pedialyte hydrates with an optimal balance of sugar and sodium
The principle underlying this balance is the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism, where one sugar molecule is absorbed from the digestive system into the bloodstream, with one sodium ion traveling with it.
What is optimal balance
When there is an optimal balance of sugar and sodium, the one-to-one absorption into the intestines also draw water into the bloodstream by osmosis, leading to rehydration.
However, when there is too much sugar in the intestines, water is pulled out of the bloodstream, which make stomach issues worse.