Beating Dehydration: Is ORS or Coconut Water More Effective?
When it comes to tackling dehydration, both Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and coconut water have their place — but they serve different needs. ORS, a precise mix of salts and sugar, is medically formulated to treat moderate to severe dehydration caused by diarrhea, heatstroke, or illness. It quickly restores lost fluids and essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
Coconut water, on the other hand, is a natural and refreshing option rich in potassium, magnesium, and small amounts of sodium. It’s ideal for light hydration after exercise, heat exposure, or mild fluid loss. However, it lacks the balanced sodium-glucose ratio that ORS offers for rapid rehydration during illness.
For everyday hydration, water combined with a diet rich in bananas, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and curd is sufficient. But for medical or acute dehydration, ORS remains the gold standard.
