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As soon as summer switches its gear from being warm to severely hot, one health hack remains universal – staying hydrated. But do you know that you can very well drink a gallon of water, but that may not necessarily maintain your electrolyte level? That’s because what all can just plain water do? That’s why you can also turn to ORS aka Oral Rehydration Solutions.
They not just rescue you from dehydration but also help you stay energized and upbeat.
You must know that dehydration, or the loss of excess water from the body, is becoming more common among kids and adults, owing to diarrhoea, vomiting, and rising temperatures. If left untreated, dehydration can turn into a medical emergency. ORS, also called Oral Rehydration Salts, is an oral treatment solution that can help with moderate dehydration symptoms. ORS contains a specific amount of glucose as well as electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, in addition to water.
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You see, how this oral rehydration solution can be a saviour. So, come let’s explore what makes it a must-have during summer.
Everything about ORS
ORS therapy is a popular and effective home treatment option for both kids and adults. It is commonly used to treat dehydration in children caused by diarrhoea, cholera, or a lack of water intake. In fact, over the years, ORS has helped to reduce the number of children who die from diarrhoea or cholera because of quick and easy rehydration.
“Excessive sweating causes your body to lose water and electrolytes, but glucose is not a component of sweat. Glucose is a source of energy for the body and is used by cells during exercise, jogging, and walking. Unlike solely sugar or glucose treatment for dehydration, ORS ensures the proper electrolyte balance for recovery by combining salt and glucose. As a result, taking ORS rather than drinking only glucose water is preferable,” suggests Dr Neeraj Arora, senior consultant paediatrics and neonatology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi.
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But why do we need ORS?
The purpose of the liquid solution is to rehydrate and replace excess fluid, salt, and glucose loss in the body caused by dehydration. In particular, the accurate combination of electrolytes and sugar in ORS is optimal to maximize the necessary fluid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, as opposed to water and other hydration drinks.
“Secondly, ORS is readily available in powder sachets, tablets, and drinks at local pharmacies. If market ORS is unavailable or inaccessible, the mixture can be easily made at home.
Here’s how:
For a glass, take half a teaspoon of salt, and a tablespoon of sugar. Now mix it well. Ta-da, your ORS is ready. You can add some lemon if you want.
However, the proportions of the ingredients must be monitored, as too much salt can be harmful. Importantly, ORS consumption has a significant impact and results in a short period of time. As a result, ORS can be used not only to treat diarrhoea or other illness-related dehydration, but also as a general source of hydration,” suggests Dr Arora.
The recommended ORS dosage may vary depending on age, the severity of dehydration, and pre-existing medical conditions such as kidney diseases or diabetes. In most cases, ORS can be consumed without the need for a doctor’s recommendation. However, if you are unsure about using ORS or experience any side effects such as vomiting, nausea, weakness, or excessive thirst, you should seek proper advice from a doctor.
ORS is the key to safeguarding yourself from harsh summer and heatwave
Overall, ORS is a safe and cost-effective treatment option for dehydration caused by diarrhoea and other illnesses in people of all ages. Because of its optimal water, salt, and sugar ratio, it is superior to other hydration methods such as plain water or glucose treatments. As a result, individuals must take advantage of this easily accessible and effective treatment option for timely dehydration prevention and treatment.
So ladies, keep a pouch or a tetra of ORS along with you and sip it when you feel drained out.
