The Right Way to REHYDRATE
Due to the equinox phenomenon, when the sun crosses equator, the already hot weather in Malaysia becomes sizzling. Certain schools were closed for a couple of days to prevent heat damage to health, many fell sick with similar symptoms such as fever, migraine, sore throat and dry eyes.
Is drinking tonnes of water or Isotonic drink sufficient?
The answer is, definitely NOT!
Dehydration is not just about losing water. Chronic dehydration can affect kidney function and increase the risk of kidney stones. It can also lead to muscle damage and constipation. Western countries like the United Kingdom outlined clear “heat wave plan” to prevent or minimize heat stroke. In 2003, heat wave cost 15,000 lives in United Kingdom. Hence, proper rehydration is essential.
How to know if you are having dehydration?
Early signs of dehydration are thirst and dark-coloured urine; it is the body’s way of trying to increase water intake. Other symptoms may include:
Dizziness or light-headedness
Headache
Tiredness
Dry mouth, lips and eyes
Passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than four times a day)
Palpitation
Confusion
Babies and little ones could not express their health condition fully. So, these are some important signs to observe.
Very sunken eyes with no tears
Mouth and Tongue very dry with little saliva
Soft spots on head
Weak or inactive
Below is a chart indicating different stages of dehydration from observation of urine colour. This is a good indicator to self-monitor water uptake.
What food / beverage will cause excessive dehydration?
Alcohol
Alcohol is a natural diuretic and multiple trips to the washroom depletes body’s natural water and electrolytes reservoir. Dehydration is the main cause of terrible migraine or headache post big night out.
Protein
People on higher-protein diets get dehydrated easier in the process of metabolizing naturally-occurring nitrogen in protein. Hence more water and electrolyte replacement is needed especially after work out.
Herbal Supplements
Certain herbs and plants like parsley, celery seed, dandelion and watercress excretes a greater volume of urine due to natural diuretic effects. General consumption of herbs and plants into food will not cause major problem unless taking as supplements.
Coffee & Sweetened Beverages
Drinking more than 2 to 3 cups of coffee each day or sweetened beverages reduces the chances for one to take adequate water. In addition, caffeine in soft drinks or coffee can trigger natural diuretic effect inducing further loss of water and electrolytes.
A substitute for ordinary ORS
Some refuse taking ORS even knowing its importance due to the unpleasant taste. Waterlyte is unique with its soft jelly texture that can be stored in both room temperature and cooled. Came in refreshing orange flavor, this ORS jelly does not require dilution or any special preparation. Mind that for normal ORS powder, dilution with contaminated water can worsen an upset tummy.
Scientifically made in accordance to the Who guideline for quick solution
Pure consumption of plain water would not be able to replace the adequate electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that are lost during perspiration. It is also not recommended to consume large amount of icy cold soft drinks or Isotonic drinks for rehydration because the amount of sugar in such beverages is extremely high. The best thing about ORS Jelly is that is is safe on the little ones as young as 1 year old, senior citizens and pregnant ladies! It is the rehydration solution for EVERYONE!!!
When and who is the appropriate time to take ORS Jelly?
When having fever or sore throat or mouth ulcers
When having upset tummy or diarrhea
When trying to bring down “heat” from dehydration and high temperature
During migraine / headache
During morning sickness in pregnancy
Sports person
Persons who travel frequently
Children who does not like consuming plain water
