Oral Rehydration Salts: A Safe and Effective Way to Treat Dehydration

Oral rehydration salts (ORS) are a mixture of salts and sugar that can be used to treat dehydration. Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. This can happen due to diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, excessive urination, or even due to certain chronic illnesses.

Dehydration can be serious, especially in young children and the elderly.

ORS works by replacing the fluids and electrolytes that are lost during dehydration. The salts in ORS help to draw water into the bloodstream, and  sugar is essential in proper absorption.  It takes a 1:1 ratio.  One molecule of glucose to one molecule of sodium go together in your small intestine to hydrate you through the cotransport system.  Read more about that here.

ORS is safe and effective for all ages. It is also much cheaper than intravenous (IV) fluids, which are sometimes used to treat dehydration.

NormaLyte is a doctor preferred brand of ORS that is safe and effective against dehydration.  Using the World Health Organization's perfect new formula for oral rehydration, you can expect rapid results when you use NormaLyte.

Benefits of using ORS:

• Safe and effective for all ages
• Cheaper than IV fluids
• Easy to use
• Feel better quicker 

Risks of not treating dehydration:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Difference between ORS and sports drinks

• ORS is designed to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during diarrhea or vomiting. It contains a specific balance of sodium, potassium, chloride, and glucose that helps to draw water into the bloodstream. ORS is often used to treat dehydration in young children and the elderly, who are at an increased risk of developing serious complications from dehydration.  ORS is the preferred way to manage symptoms of dehydration in many chronic illness conditions; POTS, IBS, Crohn's Disease, MCAS, general dysautonomia, and more.
• Sports drinks are designed to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise. They contain a higher concentration of carbohydrates than ORS, which provides energy for the body. Sports drinks also typically contain flavorings and other additives that make them more appealing to drink, but can trigger sensitivities in people with MCAS and other chronic conditions.  The preservatives used in sports drinks are not meant to be consumed daily.

In general, ORS, like NormaLyte, is a better choice for treating dehydration. Sports drinks are a better choice for replacing fluids lost during exercise. However, there are some situations where either ORS or sports drinks may be appropriate. 

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between ORS and sports drinks:

If you think you or someone you know is dehydrated, please seek medical attention immediately.

If you are considering using an ORS for your chronic illness, such as POTS, check out the free samples NormaLyte has here.