What Are You Really Drinking in the Name of ORS? Paediatrician Warns Against Misleading Health Hacks
What Are You Really Drinking in the Name of ORS? Paediatrician Warns Against Misleading Health Hacks
In the age of social media, health tips and home remedies are just a scroll away. Influencers often share “natural” or “DIY” alternatives to common medical treatments, and while some may have benefits, others can be downright dangerous—especially when it comes to children’s health. One recent example that sparked concern among medical professionals was a do-it-yourself ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) recipe that circulated online. This seemingly harmless health hack turned into a serious issue when a leading paediatrician stepped in to clear the confusion.
Paediatrician Slams Viral DIY ORS Recipe
Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, a trusted paediatrician from Chennai, took to Instagram to call out misinformation being spread through a video posted by celebrity chef and influencer Shilarna Vaze, popularly known as Chef Chinu. In the now-deleted clip, Chinu demonstrated how to make an ORS at home using monk fruit sugar, spirulina, and salt. The goal may have been good, but the method was far from safe.
“This is not ORS,” Dr. Santosh firmly stated in her video response. “ORS has a specific and scientifically proven formula. It’s life-saving because glucose helps the body absorb water and essential salts. Replace that with the wrong ingredients, and it simply won’t work. In fact, it could make things worse.”
What Makes the DIY ORS Unsafe?
Dr. Santosh broke it down clearly: monk fruit sugar is not the same as regular sugar. It lacks glucose, which is a critical component of a real ORS. Glucose plays a vital role in pulling water and sodium into the body—something especially crucial during diarrhoea or dehydration.
“Monk fruit sugar has no role in rehydration,” she emphasized. “And spirulina, while it may be popular as a health supplement, does not contain the minerals needed to correct dehydration. Adding such ingredients changes the entire chemistry of ORS.”
Chinu responded to the backlash, admitting she’s not a nutritionist and had posted the video based on her personal research, unaware that monk fruit sugar was not an appropriate substitute. Despite the clarification, Dr. Santosh stood by her warning. She stressed the importance of calling out unsafe practices—especially those that reach parents through trusted influencers.
What Is ORS and Why Is It So Important?
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a simple but powerful remedy used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, vomiting, or extreme heat. Its effectiveness lies in a precise combination of ingredients:
- 6 teaspoons of sugar
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 litre of clean drinking water
This mix is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has saved countless lives globally. But small changes in the formula—or using sugar substitutes—can make it ineffective or even harmful.
Too much sugar can worsen dehydration, and too little salt won’t replace lost electrolytes. Substituting glucose with alternatives like monk fruit sweetener or adding extra ingredients like spirulina only disrupts the delicate balance that makes ORS work.
How to Spot Fake ORS Recipes and Stay Safe
Dr. Santosh offers a few simple guidelines to avoid falling for misinformation online:
- Stick to the official formula: Only use the WHO-recommended recipe of sugar, salt, and clean water.
- Avoid sugar substitutes: Ingredients like stevia, monk fruit, or artificial sweeteners won’t work for hydration.
- Skip unnecessary add-ons: Extras like spirulina, fruit powders, or herbs are not helpful and can interfere with ORS effectiveness.
- Follow qualified experts: Trust health advice only when it comes from certified medical professionals.
- Use WHO-approved sachets: The safest option is to purchase ORS packets from a reliable pharmacy—they are pre-measured and clinically tested.
As Dr. Santosh rightly points out, always double-check before trying any health hack from social media. The right information can save lives, while the wrong one can risk them. So the next time you see a viral health tip, pause and ask: Is this backed by real science? If not, it’s best left alone.
