Demystifying Common Myths About Dehydration - Dr Priti Thakor

Dehydration is often misunderstood as a concern only during diarrhoea or intense physical exertion. However, it may silently affect us during vigorous daily activities, with the potential to undermine our health even through common non-diarrheal illnesses like fever.

Let's explore the misconceptions surrounding dehydration and understand how electrolyte drinks help to address fluid electrolytes (Dehydration) and energy deficits.

Myth 1: Only Diarrhoea Can Lead to Dehydration

Fact: While diarrhoea is a well-known cause of dehydration, it is not the only one. Dehydration can also occur silently during vigorous routine activities and certain non-diarrheal illnesses such as fever.

Published scientific data suggests that fever can increase insensible fluid losses by 25% for every degree Celsius rise above 39°C, coupled with a 10-11% increase in energy expenditure. These conditions highlight the need to manage both hydration and energy deficits to ensure faster recovery.

Myth 2: Water Alone is Enough to Beat Dehydration

Fact: Although water is crucial for hydration, it may not be sufficient to combat dehydration & energy deficits during non-diarrheal conditions since it lacks defined electrolytes and energy. Proper/Suitable hydration requires fluids that contain known quantity of essential electrolytes along with glucose for more efficient absorption.

Indian Panel of Multidisciplinary experts recommended consumption of oral fluids, electrolytes & energy as adjuvants from Day 1 of non-diarrheal conditions for faster recovery and suggested preferring ready to serve electrolyte drinks as they contain known concentrations of electrolytes and energy, come with hygienic packaging and help avoid taste fatigue. May match taste requirements.

Myth 3: Only WHO ORS Can Address Dehydration

Fact: WHO ORS is effective in replenishing essential electrolytes and addressing dehydration during diarrhoea. However, in conditions like fever and heat exhaustion, where the body experiences silent dehydration along with increased energy demands, electrolyte drinks with energy play a vital role in recovery.

A panel of India’s leading medical experts has validated that WHO ORS may not be enough to match energy requirements in non-diarrheal conditions. They recommend ready-to-serve electrolyte drinks due to known quality, convenience, accuracy, and taste.

Myth 4: Sugar in Electrolyte Drinks is Harmful to Health

Fact: While it is important to monitor sugar intake, the appropriate amount of glucose in electrolyte drinks facilitates the optimal absorption of sodium and water, which is crucial for rehydration. Options to stay hydrated include drinking adequate water or caffeine-free beverages with optimal sugar content and sufficient electrolytes, etc. Energy primarily from glucose helps in addressing the energy deficits in non-diarrheal conditions.

Importance of Electrolyte Drinks

Electrolyte drinks are scientifically formulated as an adjuvant to help replenish fluids, electrolytes, and energy in mild to moderate dehydration during non-diarrheal conditions and depletion scenarios.

These drinks are backed by science and are favoured by consumers for their taste and benefits. With a wide range of specialized product offerings, electrolyte drinks provide hydration solutions tailored to meet specific consumer needs. They are available in convenient, ready-to-drink formats, helping restore fluids, electrolytes, and energy efficiently.