Dehydration is the loss of body fluids and accompanying salts. When the body loses more fluid than it takes in, this balance is disturbed, leading to symptoms. Applesauce is a popular home remedy for stomach upset, but its effectiveness for treating fluid loss requires evaluating its contents. This article examines applesauce to determine its place in a rehydration strategy.
The Composition of Applesauce and Fluid Balance
Applesauce is predominantly water, containing 80-85% fluid per cup, which contributes positively to overall fluid intake. This high water content allows for easy consumption and absorption. It is also gentle on a sensitive or upset stomach that cannot tolerate whole foods.
The carbohydrates in applesauce, including natural fructose and glucose, provide readily available energy. However, these sugars significantly increase the applesauce’s osmolality. High osmolality means the solution has a greater concentration of dissolved particles than the body’s plasma, which can draw water into the intestine instead of allowing it to be absorbed into the body.
This effect can be counterproductive to rehydration, especially if the applesauce is sweetened or consumed in large quantities. Applesauce also contains pectin, a soluble fiber that absorbs water in the digestive tract. Pectin’s gel-forming properties help bind loose stools, which is beneficial for diarrhea but does not directly replace systemic fluid loss.
Why Applesauce Lacks Essential Electrolytes
True rehydration requires replacing water and the specific electrolytes lost during sickness, primarily sodium and potassium. These electrolytes are necessary for the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism, which efficiently draws water across the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. Without this mechanism, water absorption is slow.
Applesauce is low in both electrolytes, containing only trace amounts of sodium and a modest amount of potassium. For example, a half-cup serving of unsweetened applesauce contains negligible sodium and less than 150 milligrams of potassium. This is insufficient to meet the body’s needs during fluid loss.
In contrast, a standard Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is formulated to maximize absorption. The World Health Organization recommends an ORS containing a balanced ratio, such as 75 millimoles per liter of sodium and 75 millimoles per liter of glucose, to optimize the transport of water and salts. Relying solely on applesauce for moderate or severe dehydration is ineffective because it does not deliver the precise ratio of sodium and glucose needed for rapid fluid uptake. The combination of high sugar concentration and low salt content means applesauce fails to meet the physiological requirements for effective rehydration.
When Applesauce Is Medically Appropriate
Applesauce is most appropriate as a transitional food during recovery from gastrointestinal distress, not as a primary treatment for dehydration. It is a traditional component of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, and toast), which is recommended for its blandness and ease of digestion.
The primary benefit of applesauce comes from its ability to settle the stomach and firm up stools. The pectin content creates bulk, helping to reduce the frequency and liquidity of bowel movements associated with diarrhea. This function indirectly helps the body retain more fluid by reducing fluid loss through the gut.
Applesauce provides calories, which are important for maintaining energy during illness when the body may struggle to process complex foods. While it can help manage mild fluid loss by firming stools, it should be used alongside a dedicated electrolyte solution for actual rehydration. Patients experiencing moderate or severe dehydration should use an ORS or seek medical attention rather than depending on applesauce alone.