The Correct Way to Drink Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) – Something You May Not Know!

Hello! This is BLEZ Pharmacy, located along Asakusa International Street in Nishi Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo.

Today, we will talk about the correct way to drink Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), something you might not pay much attention to in your daily life. We’ll explain in detail the situations when you should choose ORS over your usual drinks. By the end of this, you’ll be able to choose the right drink at the right time!

What is ORS?

First, let’s introduce what ORS is. ORS stands for “Oral Rehydration Solution,” a drink designed to quickly replenish the water and electrolytes your body needs. It is especially used during dehydration. ORS contains the following components in appropriate proportions:

Sodium: Essential for maintaining the body’s water balance.
Potassium: Necessary for maintaining cell function.
Glucose: Helps with sodium absorption and provides energy.
Citrate: Helps regulate the body’s pH balance. These components are crucial for promoting water absorption from the intestines and effectively restoring the body’s water balance.

The Time to Drink Water or Barley Tea is Enough

In everyday life, water or barley tea is sufficient for light exercise or routine hydration. For example:

After light walking or short-duration light exercise
As a drink during or after meals
For daily hydration situations, your body does not lose a significant amount of electrolytes, so water or barley tea will suffice.

When to Drink Sports Drinks

Sports drinks contain not only water but also electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Therefore, sports drinks are suitable for situations such as:

After long periods of exercise or intense sports
During work or exercise in hot and humid environments
When you sweat a lot, sports drinks are effective for quickly replenishing lost electrolytes. However, be mindful of the sugar content and monitor your intake.

When to Drink ORS

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are effective during dehydration. It is recommended to drink ORS in situations such as:

Rapid dehydration due to fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, and during the recovery period
Dehydration associated with excessive sweating or heatstroke
When directed by a physician ORS is optimized with the correct ratio of sodium and glucose, promoting water absorption from the intestines, and is very effective for severe dehydration.

Risks of Drinking ORS When Not Dehydrated

Drinking ORS when not dehydrated can disrupt your body’s electrolyte balance. Specifically:

Excessive sodium or potassium: May cause high blood pressure or swelling.
Strain on kidneys: Excessive sodium or potassium can burden the kidneys. Therefore, for light exercise or normal daily activities, there is no need to drink ORS. It is important to use it correctly according to the situation.

Also, those with underlying conditions related to the heart or kidneys, or those undergoing diabetes treatment, should consult a specialist before purchasing.

Correct Way to Drink ORS

To effectively consume Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), keep the following points in mind:

Do not dilute or mix: It is important to drink ORS at its original concentration. Diluting it can reduce its effectiveness.
Do not freeze: When frozen, ORS initially becomes too concentrated and then gradually dilutes, ending up almost like water. Maintaining the appropriate concentration of electrolytes and sugars is crucial, so freezing can impair its effectiveness.
Temperature: As long as it is not boiled or frozen, it is okay to drink ORS at room temperature or chilled. However, do not heat the jelly type of ORS.
Drinking when dehydrated: If you are dehydrated and not vomiting, you can drink ORS quickly. This is particularly effective for rapid rehydration.

Summary

Choosing between ORS, sports drinks, water, or barley tea depends on the situation. For daily life and light exercise, choose water or barley tea; for long periods of exercise or significant sweating, choose sports drinks; and for severe dehydration, choose ORS. By selecting the appropriate drink, you can maintain your health and manage your condition. Knowing the correct way to drink ORS will give you peace of mind in case of an emergency. Please use this knowledge to ensure proper hydration!

We will continue to provide helpful health information next time. Stay tuned!