Does your family turn to sports drinks as first aid for diarrhea? Here’s why you should use oral rehydration salts instead.
Dehydration that stems from acute diarrhea is more than a mere inconvenience. Yet families are not equipped with relevant information to deal with this condition.
Many of us are familiar with the vividly-colored sports drinks that are marketed to keep athletes hydrated and ready to continue their rigorous physical activities. However, while these sports drinks may seem similar to oral rehydration salts at a glance, they serve fundamentally different purposes.
Sports drinks are commonly used as an accessible option for replenishing fluids, but they are far from the best option for treating dehydration as a result of diarrhea. Oral rehydration salts on the other hand offer a proven effective approach for restoring the body's fluid and electrolyte balance.
Diarrhea is an increased frequency or wateriness of bowel movements. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the condition is “usually a symptom of an infection in the intestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms.”
When diarrhea strikes, our bodies lose significant amounts of water and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.
In severe cases, diarrhea can be accompanied by vomiting, excessive sweating, and other forms of fluid loss. This fluid imbalance can lead to dehydration, where one loses more water and electrolytes than they take in.
Though diarrhea can be troubling, there are ways to avoid and treat the condition before it gets worse. Luckily, your Nurturemed family has compiled some tips on how to avoid dehydration and diarrhea so that your family stays healthy and safe.
Prevention is key. Drinking clean, uncontaminated water and eating properly prepared food is crucial to avoid any digestive issues. For infants, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is recommended for nourishment and protection against diarrhea.
Making a habit of regular hand washing with soap is essential, particularly before meals and after using the toilet. Good hand hygiene also extends to preparing meals and caring for sick loved ones, especially if they are experiencing diarrhea.
Oral rehydration salts are specially formulated mixtures designed to treat and prevent dehydration. They are commonly used to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost from dehydration due to diarrhea or other causes of fluid loss.
Make Glucost R your over-the-counter partner to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost from diarrhea. It’s formula follows the WHO recommendation, and its pleasant taste makes it palatable to drink for everyone in the family, even your little ones.
To prepare one serving of Glucost R, dissolve two sachets into 200mL of distilled or boiled water. For higher volumes, use the proportionate number of sachets and amount of water.
Knowing that you have the knowledge and tools to avoid diarrhea and any other unwanted discomfort, confidently embrace the joy of sharing meals with your family and friends and make lasting memories.
As you begin forming better lifestyle wellness habits, you are building a strong foundation for a happier and healthier life. So whether you are raising kids or looking out for your parents, remember that each step you take together towards better health matters. —(Nurturemed)