Coconut Water vs ORS: For each one of us, staying hydrates is essential for survival. However, the choice of what you drink could make a big and life-saving difference during severe dehydration caused by excessive fluid loss, heat or illness. Many people count on the benefits of coconut water and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). Let us find out which one of them is best for treating severe dehydration.
What Happens During Severe Dehydration?
For most of us, dehydration is all about losing water. However, dehydration is more than just losing water, it is also about losing electrolytes – important minerals such as potassium, chloride and sodium as these minerals help you:
- Regulate blood pressure
- Maintain fluid balance
- Help cells absorb water properly
- Support nerve and muscle function
The levels of both electrolytes and water drop down to dangerous levels when dehydration becomes severe (such as extreme heat, vomiting or diarrhoea). In such cases, simply drinking plain coconut water may not restore the levels of electrolytes and water effectively.
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What is ORS and Why is it Special?
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) could be described as a scientifically designed mixture of clean water, electrolytes and glucose. Based on medical research, ORS is routinely recommended as the first-line treatment for dehydration by global health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
On the other hand, coconut water is also a good choice for treating daily or mild hydration or facilitating recovery after mild exercise. However, it lacks good sodium content. It is important to remember here that Sodium is the most important electrolyte lost during severe dehydration, especially in conditions like diarrhoea or heavy sweating.
Coconut Water vs ORS–Why ORS is Better Than Coconut Water for Severe Dehydration?
ORS is scientifically designed with the exact ratio of sugar and salts required by the body. Although natural, coconut water doesn’t facilitate this precise balance. This imbalance makes coconut water less effective in serious cases.
Secondly, the glucose content in ORS plays a big role in hydration as it actives a special mechanism in the intestine, allowing water and sodium to be absorbed together resulting in rapid rehydration. Coconut water lacks this optimized mechanism, so hydration is slower and less efficient.
Coconut Water may be a supportive drink but surely not a treatment.
ORS, on the other hand, is a proven medical therapy that is used in hospitals and recommended by doctors worldwide.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
