The Science of Oral Rehydration Solutions: Hydratis Review

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 mineral salts in the body that are essential for its proper functioning. It can be of multifactorial origin such as the presence of disorders in the digestive system. Indeed, vomiting, which corresponds to the expulsion of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. If vomiting is recurrent and if it occurs after a meal or drinking, the water and electrolytes have not had time to be absorbed by the body and therefore this can lead to a state of dehydration.

Gastroenteritis can also cause dehydration. During gastroenteritis, there is an imbalance in the intestinal flora, generally causing diarrhea. Diarrhea is when there is an increase in the frequency of stools (more than 3 stools in 24 hours) accompanied by a change in their consistency, from soft to liquid. As a result, a large amount of water is eliminated with the stools.

So, in case of diarrhea, there are foods to avoid and others that are recommended to avoid making the diarrhea worse. It is therefore necessary to avoid all foods that promote intestinal transit such as fibers contained in fruits (except in the form of compote) and vegetables. However, certain fruits and vegetables are recommended during diarrhea such as bananas or carrots. It is also necessary to avoid, or even ban, fatty and spicy foods and instead favor vegetable fats and lean meats such as poultry. Starchy foods (rice, pasta, potatoes) are beneficial because they have a constipating effect.

During high heat and heat waves, there is an increase in body temperature. However, our body must remain at a constant temperature, for this the human body activates the sweating mechanism which allows it to cool down. This sweating corresponds to the excretion of water and electrolytes on the surface of the skin, which during evaporation allows the body temperature to decrease. Thus, during high heat and heat waves, sweating is stronger than normal and this causes a significant loss of water which can lead to dehydration. The same is true when practicing a moderate to intense sporting activity.

Dehydration can also occur the day after a night of heavy drinking because the elimination of alcohol by the body causes a significant loss of water.

All these phenomena are therefore at the origin of the loss of water and electrolytes essential to the proper functioning of the human body, which can lead to a state of dehydration. It is therefore necessary to hydrate well and not to wait until you are thirsty because this is already a sign of dehydration. It is essential to know how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration which are intense thirst, a decrease in the quantity of urine, a dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, fever, headaches or even dizziness. If the symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor.

How to rehydrate properly?

To prevent dehydration, there are a few rules, including drinking around 2 litres of water per day and adjusting to the heat and/or sports practice.

However, there are drinks that allow better absorption of water and that allow to provide the lost mineral salts. Among these, there are oral rehydration solutions (ORS) which are composed of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, ...) and sugar (such as glucose) and are used to prepare a solution to treat dehydration by optimizing the absorption of water by our body.

ORS are among the WHO's essential medicines and are used in particular in infants and young children to prevent severe dehydration during diarrhea. Thus, ORS " helps save millions of lives worldwide " according to the WHO and helps reduce " by 33% the need for intravenous solutions " which are used as first-line rehydration in hospitals.

The WHO has therefore given recommendations in terms of hydration and rehydration, particularly during diarrhoea .

“ Main measures for treatment:

● Rehydration : Using oral rehydration salts (ORS) for moderate dehydration or no signs of dehydration. ORS is a solution of pure water, salt and sugar. Each treatment costs just a few cents. ORS is absorbed in the small intestine and replaces 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 providing nutritious diets, including exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, to healthy children.

● Consult a health worker, especially for management of persistent diarrhea, when there is blood in the stool, or if there are signs of dehydration.”

Your Hydratis opinion on SRO

Hydratis lozenges are based on the principle of ORS. In fact, they are composed of electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, chloride, zinc, manganese, sodium chloride) and dextrose which is a sugar and thus allow better absorption of water by the body by constituting a significant supply of electrolytes.

As the elderly are among those most at risk of dehydration, there is a specific “senior” range that comes in sachet form. These tablets and sachets can therefore be used to prevent dehydration in everyday life.

In conclusion, dehydration can be suffered by everyone if water intake is not consistent with needs. Thus, ORS are your allies to prevent dehydration daily or even when the first symptoms appear because they allow better absorption of water and they constitute a significant intake of mineral salts to prevent the appearance of a deficiency.