How to Use ORS Correctly: Lack of water in the body is a common problem during the summer season. Most people become victims of dehydration at some point or the other. To compensate for the lack of water, many people drink a lot of water, but still the hydration is not good. In fact, along with sweat, along with water, essential salts also come out from the body, due to which the electrolyte balance gets disturbed. In such conditions, Oral Rehydration Solution i.e. ORS works like a life-saving medicine. ORS is the cheapest and easiest way to balance the electrolytes of the body in case of weakness due to heatstroke, diarrhea and vomiting. This solution certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) regenerates the body cells.

Dr. Anil Bansal, former president of Delhi Medical Association and senior physician, told News18. That ORS mainly contains a precise mixture of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium citrate and glucose. The science of ORS lies in the sodium-glucose co-transport process. Under normal circumstances it is difficult for the intestines to absorb sodium, but when glucose is present, it pulls the sodium with it into the bloodstream. Along with sodium, water is also rapidly absorbed by the intestinal walls, due to which the dehydrated body becomes hydrated again in a very short time. This gives relief to people and hydration is restored.

Dr. Bansal said that potassium present in ORS is necessary to maintain normal functioning of muscles and heart, which often gets lost from the body due to diarrhea or sweating. Sodium citrate balances acid levels in the body, which can increase during dehydration. It is this scientific balance that makes ORS much more powerful and effective than ordinary salt-sugar water. It accurately restores the electrolyte balance of the body.

According to experts, consumption of ORS becomes necessary when symptoms of dehydration are seen in the body. If you are having frequent diarrhea, continuous vomiting or are sweating profusely due to heat and feeling dizzy, then start taking ORS. Apart from this, if there is less urination, dry mouth and feeling lethargic, then it is a sign that your body urgently needs electrolytes. If the child seems less active or tears do not come in the eyes while crying, then he should be given ORS on the advice of the doctor.

According to the doctor, to avail maximum benefits of ORS, it is necessary to prepare it in the right way. Always dissolve one packet of ORS available in the market in 1 liter of boiled and cooled drinking water. Due to more or less amount of water, its electrolyte balance can get disturbed. Once this solution is prepared, it should be used only for 24 hours. After that the remaining solution should be thrown away. Drink it slowly, sip by sip, so that the intestines get enough time to absorb it. Keep in mind that do not add sugar, honey or fruit juice to ORS, as it can reduce its effectiveness.