The science of rehydration solutions
Rehydration solutions are drinks used to prevent dehydration but also in cases of mild dehydration.
In this article we will see how dehydration can occur in daily life as well as the benefits of rehydration solutions.
In your opinion, what are the causes of dehydration?
Dehydration is characterized by a lack of water and minerals in the body, which are essential for its proper functioning. It can have multiple causes, such as digestive system disorders. Vomiting , which is the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, can be a contributing factor. If vomiting is recurrent and occurs after a meal or drink, the body does not have enough time to absorb water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.
Gastroenteritis can also cause dehydration. During an outbreak of gastroenteritis, an imbalance in the gut flora occurs, generally leading to diarrhea. Diarrhea is defined as an increase in the frequency of bowel movements (more than three in 24 hours) accompanied by a change in stool consistency, ranging from loose to liquid. As a result, a large amount of water is eliminated with the stool.
Therefore, in cases of diarrhea, there are foods to avoid and others that are recommended to prevent worsening the condition. It's best to avoid foods that promote intestinal transit, such as the fiber found in fruits (except in the form of compote) and vegetables. However, some fruits and vegetables are recommended during diarrhea, such as bananas and carrots. It's also important to avoid, or even eliminate, fatty and spicy foods, and instead favor vegetable fats and lean meats like poultry. Starchy foods (rice, pasta, potatoes) are beneficial because they have a constipating effect.
During periods of intense heat and heat waves , body temperature rises. However, our bodies must maintain a constant temperature, and to achieve this, the human body activates the sweating mechanism, which helps to cool it down. This sweating corresponds to the excretion of water and electrolytes on the skin's surface, which, through evaporation, lowers body temperature. Thus, during periods of intense heat and heat waves, sweating is greater than normal, leading to significant water loss that can result in dehydration. The same is true during moderate to intense physical activity.
Dehydration can also occur the day after a night of heavy drinking, as the elimination of alcohol by the body leads to a significant loss of water.
All these phenomena lead to the loss of water and electrolytes essential for the proper functioning of the human body, potentially resulting in dehydration. It is therefore crucial to stay well-hydrated and not wait until you feel thirsty, as this is already a sign of dehydration. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of dehydration, which include intense thirst, decreased urine output, a dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, fever, headaches, and dizziness. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
How to properly rehydrate?
To prevent dehydration, there are a few rules, including drinking about 2 liters of water per day and adjusting according to the heat and/or physical activity.
However, there are drinks that allow for better water absorption and replenish lost minerals. Among these are oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which are composed of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, etc.) and sugar (such as glucose) and are used to prepare a solution to treat dehydration by optimizing water absorption by our body.
Oral rehydration solutions ( ORS) are among the WHO's essential medicines and are used, in particular, in infants and young children to prevent severe dehydration during diarrhea. According to the WHO, ORS " save millions of lives worldwide " and reduce " by 33% the need for intravenous solutions, " which are the first-line treatment in hospitals for rehydration.
The WHO has therefore given recommendations in terms of hydration and rehydration, particularly during diarrhea .
“ Main measures for treatment:
● Rehydration : using oral rehydration salts (ORS) in cases of moderate dehydration or in the absence of signs of dehydration. ORS is a solution of pure water, salt, and sugar. Each treatment costs only a few cents. ORS is absorbed in the small intestine and compensates for fluid and electrolyte losses in the stool.
● Rehydration: intravenously in cases of severe dehydration or shock.
● Zinc supplements: they reduce the duration of the diarrheal episode by 25% and the volume of stools by 30%.
● Nutrient-rich foods: The vicious cycle of malnutrition and diarrhea can be broken by continuing to provide nutrient-rich foods, including breast milk, during a diarrheal episode and by offering a nutritious diet, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, to children when they are healthy.
● Consult a health worker, particularly for the management of persistent diarrhea, when there is blood in the stool, or in case of signs of dehydration .”
Your opinion on Hydratis ORS
Hydratis lozenges are based on the principle of ORS (Oral Rehydration Solutions). Indeed, they are composed of electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, chloride, zinc, manganese, sodium chloride) and dextrose, which is a sugar, and thus allow better water absorption by the body by providing an important supply of electrolytes.
Since older people are among those most at risk of dehydration, there is a specific "senior" range available in sachet form. These tablets and sachets can be used to prevent dehydration in everyday life.
In conclusion, dehydration can affect anyone if fluid intake doesn't meet their needs. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are therefore your allies in preventing dehydration on a daily basis, or even at the first sign of symptoms, because they improve water absorption and provide a significant source of minerals, helping to prevent deficiencies.
