A wise person once told me, “you should always keep your focus on the journey, not your destination.” But, alas, when it comes to keeping myself well-hydrated, I felt like I had to do both. And, it’s pretty difficult, especially if you’re going somewhere with tropical climes.
But, this is where having a packet of ORS can come handy. If you’re feeling a little dizzy while traveling, just dilute it in the water, drink it, and you’ll be fine.
But, here’s a question.
Does having electrolyte in your backpack solve this problem only? Or, will it be able to help you out with something else? Let’s find out.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are, in essence, a type of minerals – like potassium, sodium, calcium, etc. – which are vital to our health. For example, it can help you maintain your balance, allow your body to regulate chemical reactions, and much more.
Therefore, if you end up losing a little bit of it, due to sweating or diarrhea, you may end up losing your balance. Or, you might feel a little dizzy as well. In extreme cases, you might lose your consciousness too. But, it’s pretty rare and, thus, may happen when you’re dehydrated.
Why Are Electrolytes Important?
I have already told you how electrolytes help in improving our health in the previous section. But, now, I’ll elaborate on the same and add a point or two here as well.
- Electrolytes help in maintaining a balance between the mass and liquid in your body. This, in turn, can lower the risk of confusion, weakened reflexes, and irritability.
- Magnesium, a form of electrolyte, can also improve the health of your heart muscles, and lower the risk of arrhythmia.
- Finally, electrolytes can also regulate muscle contractions. So, even if you exercise for a prolonged period, it won’t lead to muscle spasms at all.
And, electrolytes also control our nervous system. Hence, if the amount of the same reduces even a little, it’ll lead to muscle weakness, inability to talk, and confusion.
Why Should You Keep Electrolytes In Your Travel Bag?
Most people use an electrolyte supplement whenever they’re having trouble with hydration. All you need to do is to open up the packet, mix it in the water, and drink it. It’ll taste a little salty. However, you’ll feel much better than before and it’ll reduce your dehydration too.
But, here’s the catch.
If you are feeling dehydrated, try to drink electrolytes only once. And, from then onwards, be sure to focus only on getting normal water and nothing else. If you consume too much ORS at once, it may cause – nausea, weakness, vomiting, severe thirst, etc.
And, in severe cases, it might also lead to kidney damage. But, that’ll only happen if you keep drinking ORS for a week or so. Thus, there’s no need to worry about it.
Should You Avoid ORS?
No, not really. If you are an otherwise healthy human being, there’s no need to avoid getting ORS at all. But, if you have the following ailments, you should be cautious about the usage –
- Are suffering from diabetes (unless you opt for a sugar-free option).
- Are going through a heart failure.
- Have been suffering from kidney disorder.
- Are taking blood pressure or heart disease-related medications.
Yes, I know. It’s a little complicated, right? Don’t worry. Just make sure to talk to your doctor before getting an oral rehydration therapy, and they’ll suggest what you should do.
When Should You Use An ORS?
Well, you should only use an ORS after your doctor has prescribed the same to you. You may also consume it if you’re feeling a little dehydrated. But, you should use it more than once or twice a day, if you’re otherwise a healthy person.
Also, don’t mix the ORS in any type of alcoholic drink at all. Instead, go for something clear like – water, diluted juices, clear broth, etc. You may also try it with sports drinks, but we’ll ask you not to do it without talking to the doctor first.
What’s The Verdict?
Keeping an electrolyte with you all the time is definitely important, especially when you’re traveling somewhere. But, don’t misuse it or drink it more than once, even if you’re feeling a little weak or dizzy. Or else, it leads to salt toxicity.
