What is ORS & How Does it Work?

It's summer, the sun's blazing, and you're sweating a lot. Now, when you sweat a lot, you're not just losing water; you're also losing electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and play vital roles in maintaining hydration, regulating nerve impulses, and supporting muscle function. Now, here's where ORS, or Oral Rehydration Solution, helps save the day. It's basically a superhero drink that packs the right amount of salts and sugars your body needs to maintain hydration. It consists of a precise composition of salts and glucose, mixed with water in specific proportions for optimal rehydration, typically at a ratio of one packet dissolved in one litre of clean water. When you drink ORS, it's like giving your body a refreshing boost of the essential electrolytes it has lost.

ORS is super fast-acting! ORS starts working as soon as you take it, replenishing the electrolytes you've lost through all that sweating. It's like a quick fix that helps you bounce back from dehydration in no time.

Understanding Fake ORS

While there are myriad Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) options available in shops and medical outlets, it's important to discern between genuine WHO-approved products and potentially fake alternatives. Despite the many ORS brands on the market, not all are WHO-approved.

Because of the essential role that ORS plays in replenishing the body's fluids during times of dehydration—especially in cases like heatstroke and diarrhoea—avoiding fake ORS is more critical. To effectively replenish lost fluids and restore electrolyte balance, genuine ORS formulations contain the right balance of electrolytes and sugars. Contrarily, fake ORS might be devoid of these necessary elements or contain dangerous materials, endangering customers' health greatly. Additionally, depending on fake ORS can postpone receiving the appropriate care for dehydration, which could exacerbate existing medical conditions and negatively impact overall health results. Thus, ensuring that ORS products are authentic is crucial to protecting health and well-being when dehydrated.

How to Ensure ORS is Safe?

Ensuring Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is safe requires careful quality checks and strict production standards. From getting the right ingredients to thorough testing, ensuring ORS is of the right quality is crucial. Here are factors to take into consideration before buying an ORS solution:

• Look for the "Based on WHO Recommendation" Label: Authentic ORS products proudly display this statement on the front of their packaging, indicating compliance with World Health Organization standards for effective hydration solutions.
• FSSAI Sign: Counterfeit ORS is often misclassified as food rather than a pharmaceutical product. Therefore, fake ORS packages typically feature the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sign. On the other hand, genuine ORS, recognized as a medical product, does not bear the FSSAI sign, serving as a critical indicator of its authenticity.
• Verify Sources: Obtain ORS from established shops or pharmacies, avoiding unusually low-priced options or brands lacking credibility.

Dos & Don'ts of ORS

Selecting the right ORS is just the beginning. Equally crucial is understanding the best practices for its use to safeguard against complications and prioritise your well-being. Below, we've outlined key dos and don'ts to help you use ORS effectively while minimising the chances of complications.

Dos:

• Use ORS as directed by healthcare professionals or according to the instructions on the package.
• Mix ORS with the recommended amount of clean or boiled water to ensure proper dilution.
• Consume ORS immediately after mixing to maximise its effectiveness in rehydrating the body.
• Store ORS packets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their efficacy.
• Continue breastfeeding infants and young children while administering ORS to prevent dehydration.
• Seek medical attention if dehydration symptoms persist or worsen despite ORS usage.

Don'ts:

• Don’t Dilute ORS with untreated or contaminated water, as this can exacerbate dehydration or introduce harmful pathogens.
• Don’t replace ORS with sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages, as they can worsen dehydration.
• Don’t consume ORS past its expiration date, as it may no longer be effective in replenishing electrolytes.
• Don't administer ORS to individuals with severe diarrhoea or vomiting without consulting a healthcare professional.
• Don't rely solely on ORS to treat severe dehydration. You must seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.
• Don’t assume all ORS products are equal and choose WHO-approved ORS solutions to ensure safety and effectiveness.