Oral Rehydration Solutions – Choosing the Right One Benefits Your Body

Hot weather like this increases the risk of dehydration due to sweating and makes diarrhea more common than in other seasons. Severe dehydration, whether from diarrhea or physical activity, can lead to fatigue, making it necessary to replenish lost fluids with rehydration solutions. But do you know the differences between various types of rehydration solutions and which type is suitable for different conditions? Today, Muang Thai Life Assurance has some useful information to share.

Types of Minerals the Body Needs

Each day, the body requires only a small amount of minerals, but even in small quantities, they are crucial. A deficiency can disrupt balance and bodily functions. The key types of minerals can be divided into two groups:

• Macrominerals

These are minerals that the body needs in amounts greater than 100 milligrams per day, including calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and chlorine.

• Trace Minerals

These are minerals required in amounts less than 100 milligrams per day, but they remain essential for bodily functions. Examples include iron, zinc, iodine, copper, and selenium.

ที่มา : Bumrungrad Hospital, Pharmacy Thammasat University

Can sports rehydration solution be used as a substitute for diarrhea treatment?

The answer is no! Sports rehydration solutions (electrolyte beverages) designed to relieve fatigue in athletes contain high sugar and low sodium levels. If someone with diarrhea consumes them, it may cause further intestinal contractions, worsening diarrhea. Minerals used for rehydration are divided into two types:

• Oral rehydration salts (ORS) for diarrhea patients

ORS helps restore energy, provides a high level of minerals with low sugar content, and prevents complications like dehydration or shock.

• Sports rehydration solutions (electrolyte beverages)

These are intended only for replenishing fluids lost during exercise. They are commonly found in ready-to-drink packaged beverages.

As mentioned earlier, sports rehydration beverages contain high sugar levels. If someone with diarrhea drinks them, it can worsen their condition. Therefore, choosing the right type of rehydration solutions based on the symptoms is crucial.

ที่มา : King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bumrungrad Hospital, Jones Salad

Does sugar-added sprite help with diarrhea?

Many people believe that drinking sugar-added Sprite can help compensate for mineral loss during diarrhea, similar to ORS. However, this is not recommended as a substitute for rehydration and mineral replenishment.

Soft drinks contain a higher sugar content than ORS and are also carbonated. Consuming them can lead to bloating, indigestion, or even worsen symptoms. Special caution should be taken with diabetic patients and young children, as it could pose additional health risks.

Thus, the best way to manage diarrhea, loose stools, or watery stools is to sip ORS gradually to prevent severe dehydration and mineral loss.

ที่มา : Tnews, Synphaet Hospital

Now that you understand the distinct functions of the two types of minerals, be sure to choose the right one according to your condition. Using the wrong type may have adverse effects on your body. Take care of your health and build up your confidence with lump sum health insurance from Muang Thai Life Assurance.

✔ The coverage is available from 200,000 Baht to 100,000,000 Baht.

✔ Covering minor diseases, critical diseases, heart disease, cancer, common diseases

✔ Hospitalized in any hospital

✔ The entry age is up to 90 years (1) with long-term coverage until the age of 99 years.

For more information:

☑️ Tel. 1766, 24/7

☑️ Contact life insurance agents or branches of Kasikornbank.

• Health rider must be purchased to be attached to in-force policy.
• Coverage period of the rider must not exceed the coverage period of the life insurance policy that this rider is attached to.
• Coverage conditions are as specified in the insurance policy.
• Premium is eligible for tax deduction.
• Conditions are as specified by the Revenue Department.
• Underwriting is subject to the Company’s rules.
• Conditions are as specified by Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited.
• Please study the details of coverage, conditions, and exclusions before making a decision to purchase insurance.