When you have the flu—feeling drained, feverish, zero appetite—the most helpful things are simple: rest and fluids. At LIT, we state it clearly: electrolytes don't cure the flu, but they can help you hydrate better and maintain your salt balance on days when plain water "doesn't go down."
Electrolytes and hydration with the flu: what they do help with
- Sodium, potassium, and magnesium help maintain fluid volume and ensure your muscles and nerves function normally.
- When you've had a fever for hours and haven't eaten much salty food, an electrolyte drink can alleviate that "foggy head" feeling, reduce muscle cramps, and make it easier to reach your daily fluid intake.
What they don't do (and we'll never claim they do)
- They are not antivirals: they do not shorten the infection or prevent complications.
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They do not replace oral rehydration solutions (ORS) when there is acute dehydration (e.g., repeated vomiting or diarrhea, or inability to keep fluids down).
Where LIT fits in
LIT is a clean blend: 500 mg of sodium, 150 mg of potassium, 60 mg of magnesium, and 0 g of sugar, with no artificial colors or preservatives. On flu days without persistent vomiting or diarrhea, LIT fits in as support to help you hydrate better when plain water doesn't appeal or your salt intake is "just barely" enough for the day.
Some scientific studies associate excessive sugar consumption with weakening of the immune system and even the spread of the virus. Unless medically advised, it's probably better to opt for a sugar-free alternative.
For mild cases, health authorities emphasize drinking plenty of fluids and symptomatic management.
How to use it in this context
- 1 stick of LIT in 500–750 ml of water, 1–2 times a day while you have a fever or feel unwell.
- Combine it with water, infusions, mild broths, and some carbohydrates (rice, bread, potato) to provide energy with your meal.
- Signs you're doing well: clearer urine, less headache, and "feeling better" as the day progresses.
When to talk about ORS (and why it's different)
If you experience persistent vomiting or diarrhea or cannot keep fluids down, then we're no longer looking for a maintenance drink: it's time for ORS (oral rehydration solution), because its formula contains sodium and glucose designed for rapid rehydration during gastrointestinal fluid loss. LIT is not that, and we don't want you to use it for something it's not designed for.
| Component | Amount per liter |
|---|---|
| Sodium | ~75 mmol/L |
| Potassium | ~20 mmol/L |
| Glucose | ~75 mmol/L |
| Total osmolarity | ~245 mOsm/L |
LIT 24–48 hour plan (uncomplicated flu)
- Base fluids: water on demand + broths/infusions.
- LIT as support: 1 stick (500–750 ml) 1–2 times a day if you find it hard to drink or haven't eaten much salty food.
- Light food: soups, purees, well-tolerated fruit, bread/rice.
- Monitor symptoms: if at the end of the day your urine is still very dark, you feel dizzy when standing up, or you can't tolerate liquids, change your plan (ORS) and consider consulting a doctor.
Signs to seek help according to Spanish authorities
Difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, sudden worsening, fever that doesn't subside, or any sign of acute dehydration. Official guidelines: Spanish Ministry of Health, ECDC.
LIT's straightforward message:
LIT helps you hydrate better when you have the flu and plain water doesn't appeal. It is not a treatment, nor a substitute for oral rehydration solution when there is acute dehydration. If the condition worsens or you cannot tolerate liquids, use ORS and consult a doctor.
We are here for what truly helps.
Notes and sources
- Self-care for flu (mild cases): Ministry of Health (ES).
- General summary of influenza: WHO — Influenza (seasonal).
- Questions and answers about flu: ECDC.
- Low-osmolarity ORS composition: UNICEF (245 mOsm/L specification).
- Glucose/sugar and influenza: Hulme et al., 2020; 2024 study (ScienceDirect).
