What Are You Drinking In The Name of ORS? Paediatrician Calls Out Brands For Misleading People
In today’s world, the market is full of fake health products, and now, social media is making things worse. From misleading home remedies to viral health hacks, fake information spreads fast online. And when it comes to children’s health, such advice can be dangerous. One such example recently caught the attention of doctors when a popular influencer shared a DIY recipe for a home-made ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)—a treatment that can save lives during dehydration episodes. But according to experts, the version shown online was far from safe.
Doctor Slams Risky ORS Hack Shared by Influencer
Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a well-known paediatrician from Chennai, recently posted a video on Instagram calling out false health advice on social media. She spoke about a now-deleted video posted by celebrity chef and influencer Shilarna Vaze, also known as Chef Chinu. In the video, Chinu showed how to make a DIY version of ORS using monk fruit sugar, spirulina, and salt.
However, according to Dr Santosh, this mixture is not only incorrect—it could be harmful. “ORS is life-saving,” she said in her video. “It has a very specific formula. It works because of how glucose helps the body absorb water and salts. If you change that formula, it won’t work. This kind of misinformation needs to stop.”
What’s Wrong with This DIY ORS?
The main issue, Dr Santosh explained, is that monk fruit sugar does not contain glucose. Glucose is a key part of ORS—it helps the body pull in sodium and water from the intestines, especially during diarrhoea or dehydration.
“Monk fruit sugar can’t do anything for dehydration,” she said. “And while spirulina might be good as a health supplement, it doesn’t give the right minerals the body needs to rehydrate,” she added.
Chinu later responded to the criticism, saying she wasn’t a nutritionist and had shared the video after doing her own research. She also said she had no idea monk fruit sugar couldn’t replace regular sugar in ORS.
Dr Santosh stood by her post and said it was important to speak up, especially because many parents follow influencers for advice.
“There are so many misleading health posts online,” she said. “Parents need to know what’s safe and what’s not.”
What Is ORS?
ORS or Oral Rehydration Solution, is a simple but powerful mix of sugar, salt, and clean water. It’s used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, heat, or vomiting. It helps replace lost fluids and minerals quickly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a specific formula:
- 6 teaspoons of sugar
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- Mixed in 1 litre of clean water
This simple mix can save lives—but only when made the right way.
Using too much sugar or salt can make things worse. Using sugar substitutes or adding extra ingredients (like fruit powders or spirulina) can stop the solution from working properly.
How to Tell If an ORS Is Original Or Fake
Here’s what to look out for so you don’t fall for fake ORS recipes:
- Always check the formula: Stick to the WHO-recommended mix of sugar, salt, and water.
- Avoid sugar substitutes: Products like monk fruit sweetener or stevia don’t have glucose and can’t help with rehydration.
- Skip extra ingredients: Spirulina, fruit powders, or herbal mixes are not part of ORS and can mess up its effect.
- Don’t follow random reels: Unless the advice is coming from a certified doctor or medical expert, don’t rely on it.
- Use ORS sachets: The safest option is to buy WHO-approved ORS sachets from a pharmacy. They are pre-measured and safe.
It’s easy to believe a quick video or reel, especially when it comes from someone popular. But when it comes to your child’s health, it’s always better to double-check. Dr Santosh’s message is clear: “Do your research. Ask a doctor. Don’t blindly follow health advice on the internet.”
So the next time you see a DIY health hack—especially one involving children—take a moment to check if it’s safe. Misinformation can spread fast, but the right knowledge can protect your family.
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