Myth: Electrolyte water can be easily made at home and does not have to be bought
Fact: This is one of the most common myths about ORS. It is possible to make electrolyte water at home by mixing salt and sugar in the water, but its effectiveness can’t be directly matched with the WHO recommend ORS formulation. The WHO recommended formulation, on the other hand, contains a tried and tested combination of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, potassium chloride, and dextrose. The quantity and type of minerals required to make a befitting solution are not possible or available at home. Further, the effectiveness of a homemade substitute cannot be matched with scientifically produced options.
Our bodies require some essential minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium and many others called electrolytes that are crucial for daily well-being. They maintain apt levels of fluids in the body, in addition to carrying out other vital functions such as muscle contractions, transmission of impulses across nerves among others. However, when the body loses water and electrolytes due to illnesses or infections, an imbalance is created. For instance, when children suffer from diarrhoea, they undergo loss of water and electrolytes, which ultimately leads to dehydration.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) is a well – formulated mixture of essential minerals used to combat such imbalances in the body. The elements are scientifically combined to maximize the efficiency of the sodium-glucose co-transport system, further arming the body with the necessary amount of electrolytes to fight dehydration. Its long proven efficacy in fuelling rehydration makes it a part of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) “List of essential medicines”.