How Many Times One Can Consume ORS During Summers? Can Diabetics Have It? Experts Explain

ORS, a blend of water, salts, and sugars, serves as a vital solution to replenish fluids and essential minerals lost during dehydration, a common occurrence due to excessive sweating.

During these scorching summer days, as the heat wave grips most parts of the country, the demand for Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) has surged, with Bengaluru alone witnessing a 60 per cent spike. As temperatures soar to nearly 40 degrees Celsius in many regions, people are turning to refreshing beverages and fruits to find relief from the sweltering heat and prevent dehydration. ORS, a blend of water, salts, and sugars, serves as a vital solution to replenish fluids and essential minerals lost during dehydration, a common occurrence during illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive sweating.

When Does A Person Require ORS?

You should drink ORS as soon as you start feeling dehydrated. Dr Ritesh Yadav, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram said, "Signs of dehydration include feeling very thirsty, having a dry mouth, dark urine, decreased urinary output, feeling tired, or dizzy. It's best to start ORS right away to prevent dehydration from getting worse."

Apart from the extreme heat, dehydration can also trigger as a result of diarrhoea which is a common condition that occurs when a person get affected by the heat wave. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT), established in the 1960s, stands as the primary treatment for acute diarrhoea-induced fluid loss.

Dr Veenu Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, "Comprised of glucose electrolyte solution with citrate, oral rehydration solution (ORS) treats dehydration and metabolic acidosis effectively. The utilisation of ORS has notably reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with diarrhoea."

"ORS, a mixture of glucose, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium citrate, effectively treats and prevents dehydration due to diarrhoea. It also contains zinc that decreases the severity and duration of diarrhoea episodes," Dr. Gupta added.

Powder ORS Or Readymade Tetrapack Solutions: Which Is A Better One?

ORS, nowadays, is also available in tetrapack with different flavours to make it palatable. Talking about which one is a better option, Dr Veenu Gupta said, "ORS, typically available in powder form, is packaged in hermetically sealed sachets for dilution in specified volumes of water. Dosage recommendations vary by age group, ensuring adequate fluid intake to combat dehydration. Flavouring or colouring agents may be included in ORS to enhance palatability, adhering to FDA regulations. ORSL, despite resembling WHO-recommended ORS, is not formulated nor intended for diarrhoea treatment, leading to confusion among consumers."

How Many Times In A Day Can A Person Have ORS?

With the mercury levels soaring, people are seeking respite in cold water, ORS or other cool summer drinks. But, how many times in a day should you consme ORS and is it suitable for everyone?

To answer this, Dr Ritesh Yadav said, "If you're mildly to moderately dehydrated, it's good to sip ORS slowly throughout the day. But if your dehydration is severe, you might need to drink ORS more often. One can drink ORS as tolerated, and to compensate for any obvious loss. Improvement can be observed in decreased thirst, good urinary volume, and improvement in the colour of the urine."

"Most people can drink ORS safely, especially in the summer when dehydration is more common. However, if you have certain health conditions like kidney problems or heart disease, or if you're allergic to any ingredients in ORS, it's best to talk to your doctor first. They can advise you on whether ORS is safe for you and how much you should drink," he added.

Suggesting a good natural replacement for ORS, Dr Ritesh recommended coconut water as it has most of electrolytes.

Can People With Diabetes Have ORS?

ORS contains glucose and electrolytes, which can help in replenishing fluids and balance electrolyte levels. At the same time, it's important for diabetics to monitor their blood sugar levels closely while consuming ORS. 

Dr. Sumeet Arora, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Endocrinology at Artemis Hospital Gurugram said, "During an episode of illness and reduced oral intake, it is important for people with diabetes to keep themselves hydrated as well as closely monitor their blood sugar levels. For those on insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications, to maintain their hydration status, it maybe important to have ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) especially in illnesses like diarrhoea."

"There isn't a specific limit on how many times a day someone with diabetes can have ORS because it depends on the severity of dehydration. It's advised to consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate frequency and dosage especially with severe dehydration and low blood sugars," she added.

For people with diabetes who need to replenish fluids but want to avoid the glucose content in ORS, there are various alternatives available, suggested Dr. Sumeet.

She said, "One option is to use sugar-free electrolyte drinks or packets especially made for people with diabetes or even salted home made lemon water solution. These products are formulated to provide electrolytes without added sugars, helping to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels."

Should Children Be Given ORS Amid Heat Waves? 

Dr Nihar Parekh, pediatrician and Founder of Cheers Child Care and SOCC (Second Opinion Online Consultation For Children) said, "Yes, children should be given ORS during a heatwave. This solution is particularly vital for children, as they are more prone to dehydration than adults. Even infants as young as six months old can benefit from ORS. The quantity of ORS required by a child will vary based on their age and weight. For children under two years old, it is recommended they consume 10-20 teaspoons of ORS, while children aged two to five should have 20-40 teaspoons. Those over the age of five should drink as much ORS as they can comfortably handle."

"If your child displays symptoms of severe dehydration, such as lethargy, sunken eyes, or a lack of tears, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. Remember, prevention is key in ensuring the well-being of your child during a heatwave," he added.

Why Is It Recommeded To Sip ORS Instead Of Drinking It?

Whenever s person is recommended ORS, he/she is told to sip it at regular intervals instead of drinking at one go. Explaining the reason behind this, Dr Arvind Kumar Ojha, Consultant General Medicine, ILS Hospitals Dumdum said, "The purpose of taking ORS is to rehydrate as well as to replace salts. It has to done with some regularity for better acceptance and proper replenishment. Sipping ORS means taking a cup or 15 to 20 ml at a time but at regular intervals. Drinking large quantity at a time may not harmful, but it does not give any better results compared to regular sips."

Other Summer Drinks You Can Try To Beat The Heat: