Fake health products abound in today's market, and social media is only making the situation worse. False information spreads quickly online, from viral health tips to deceptive home remedies. Furthermore, such advice can be harmful to children's health. When a well-known influencer posted a do-it-yourself recipe for an ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), a medication that can save lives during dehydration episodes, doctors recently took notice. However, experts said the internet version was far from secure.
Doctor Slams Risky ORS Hack Shared by Influencer
Recently, renowned chennai pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh released a video on instagram criticizing misleading health advice on social media. She discussed a now-deleted video that Shilarna Vaze, better known as Chef Chinu, a celebrity chef and influencer, posted. In the video, Chinu demonstrated how to produce ORS at home with salt, spirulina, and monk fruit sugar. Dr. Santosh, however, asserts that this composition is not only inaccurate but also potentially dangerous. When she stated in her video that "ORS is life-saving," It follows a fairly precise formula. It functions because glucose facilitates the body's absorption of salts and water. It won't work if you alter that formula. Misinformation of this nature must end.
What's Wrong with This DIY ORS?
Dr. Santosh clarified that the primary problem is that monk fruit sugar is glucose-free. A crucial component of ORS, glucose aids the body in absorbing water and sodium from the intestines, particularly in cases of dehydration or diarrhea. "Monk fruit sugar can't do anything for dehydration," she stated. "And while spirulina might be good as a health supplement, it doesn't give the right minerals the body needs to rehydrate," she stated.
Later, in response to the criticism, Chinu stated that she posted the video after conducting her own research and that she was not a nutritionist. She added that she was unaware that ordinary sugar in ORS could not be substituted with monk fruit sugar. In support of her post, Dr. Santosh stated that it was critical to speak up, particularly since many parents look to influencers for guidance. "There are so many misleading health posts online," she stated. "Parents need to know what's safe and what's not."
What is ORS?
Oral Rehydration Solution, or ORS, is a straightforward yet effective concoction of sugar, salt, and purified water. It is used to alleviate dehydration brought on by vomiting, heat, or diarrhea. It aids in rapidly replenishing lost minerals and fluids. The following formula is advised by the World health Organization (WHO):
Six tablespoons of sugar
Half a teaspoon of salt
Added to one liter of pure water
When created properly, this little mixture can save lives. Excessive use of salt or sugar can exacerbate the situation. The solution may not function correctly if sugar substitutes are used or if additional components (such as spirulina or fruit powders) are added.
How to tell ORS is Original or Fake?
To avoid falling for phony ORS recipes, be aware of the following warning signs:
Make sure to always verify the formula: Follow the WHO-recommended proportions of water, salt, and sugar.
Steer clear of sugar substitutes: Since they don't contain glucose, products like stevia or monk fruit sweeteners can't aid in rehydration.
Don't use excess ingredients: Herbal mixtures, fruit powders, and spirulina are not ORS and can interfere with their effectiveness.
Avoid following arbitrary reels: Don't trust the advice unless it comes from a licensed physician or other medical professional.
Make use of ORS sachets: Purchasing WHO-approved ORS sachets from a pharmacy is the safest course of action. They are safe and pre-measured.
A little movie or reel is simple to believe, particularly if it comes from a well-known person. However, it's always preferable to double-check when it comes to your child's health. "Do your research," is Dr. Santosh's straightforward message. Consult a physician. Avoid mindlessly adhering to online health advice. Therefore, the next time you come across a do-it-yourself health hack, especially one that involves kids, take a moment to make sure it's safe. Although false information can spread quickly, you can safeguard your family by being informed.
Doctor Slams Risky ORS Hack Shared by Influencer
Recently, renowned chennai pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh released a video on instagram criticizing misleading health advice on social media. She discussed a now-deleted video that Shilarna Vaze, better known as Chef Chinu, a celebrity chef and influencer, posted. In the video, Chinu demonstrated how to produce ORS at home with salt, spirulina, and monk fruit sugar. Dr. Santosh, however, asserts that this composition is not only inaccurate but also potentially dangerous. When she stated in her video that "ORS is life-saving," It follows a fairly precise formula. It functions because glucose facilitates the body's absorption of salts and water. It won't work if you alter that formula. Misinformation of this nature must end.
What's Wrong with This DIY ORS?
Dr. Santosh clarified that the primary problem is that monk fruit sugar is glucose-free. A crucial component of ORS, glucose aids the body in absorbing water and sodium from the intestines, particularly in cases of dehydration or diarrhea. "Monk fruit sugar can't do anything for dehydration," she stated. "And while spirulina might be good as a health supplement, it doesn't give the right minerals the body needs to rehydrate," she stated.
Later, in response to the criticism, Chinu stated that she posted the video after conducting her own research and that she was not a nutritionist. She added that she was unaware that ordinary sugar in ORS could not be substituted with monk fruit sugar. In support of her post, Dr. Santosh stated that it was critical to speak up, particularly since many parents look to influencers for guidance. "There are so many misleading health posts online," she stated. "Parents need to know what's safe and what's not."
What is ORS?
Oral Rehydration Solution, or ORS, is a straightforward yet effective concoction of sugar, salt, and purified water. It is used to alleviate dehydration brought on by vomiting, heat, or diarrhea. It aids in rapidly replenishing lost minerals and fluids. The following formula is advised by the World health Organization (WHO):
Six tablespoons of sugar
Half a teaspoon of salt
Added to one liter of pure water
When created properly, this little mixture can save lives. Excessive use of salt or sugar can exacerbate the situation. The solution may not function correctly if sugar substitutes are used or if additional components (such as spirulina or fruit powders) are added.
How to tell ORS is Original or Fake?
To avoid falling for phony ORS recipes, be aware of the following warning signs:
Make sure to always verify the formula: Follow the WHO-recommended proportions of water, salt, and sugar.
Steer clear of sugar substitutes: Since they don't contain glucose, products like stevia or monk fruit sweeteners can't aid in rehydration.
Don't use excess ingredients: Herbal mixtures, fruit powders, and spirulina are not ORS and can interfere with their effectiveness.
Avoid following arbitrary reels: Don't trust the advice unless it comes from a licensed physician or other medical professional.
Make use of ORS sachets: Purchasing WHO-approved ORS sachets from a pharmacy is the safest course of action. They are safe and pre-measured.
A little movie or reel is simple to believe, particularly if it comes from a well-known person. However, it's always preferable to double-check when it comes to your child's health. "Do your research," is Dr. Santosh's straightforward message. Consult a physician. Avoid mindlessly adhering to online health advice. Therefore, the next time you come across a do-it-yourself health hack, especially one that involves kids, take a moment to make sure it's safe. Although false information can spread quickly, you can safeguard your family by being informed.
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