Oralit Ingestion Unnecessary
Recently, there is the rumor that consuming Oralit, the brand name of the powder used for oral rehydration therapy, during sahur time will help you stay strong when fasting. Is this true?
“It is true that sahur meal is meant to maintain the body’s hydration. However, it does not mean Oralit consumption during sahur. It is a type of electrolyte that is freely sold everywhere. It is meant to mitigate dehydration caused by vomiting, diarrhea, or any other condition that causes the body to lose much fluid and electrolyte. Oralit is an oral rehydration solution, an important therapy when treating dehydration,” Dr. Rita said.
Is it true that a fasting person would be dehydrated, so they must consume Oralit before imsak time?
“Each sachet of Oralit contains 580 mg of trisodium citric dihydrate, 520 mg of natrium chloride, 300 mg of kalium chloride, and 2.7 g corn sugar. Consuming Oralit not according to indication will cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weakness. Other, more serious side effects that may occur include extreme thirst, blanking out, paresthesia, muscular pains, and respiratory problems,” Dr. Rita added.
“It is important to know that we will not suffer from dehydration if we consume sufficient fluids when breaking our fast, after dinner, after tarawih prayer, when you wake up for sahur, after the sahur meal, and nearing imsak. The body will be able to retain fluids or electrolytes well if we implement the principles of balanced nutrition during these six mealtimes.”
Similarly, Prof. Zubairi Djoerban, Sp.PD, KHOM, internal disease specialist sub-specializing in hematology-oncology practicing at Kramat 128 Hospital, Jakarta, declares that there is no need to “dope up” with Oralit when fasting, as it will increase the risk of hyponatremia because of excess natrium, or hyperkalemia because of excess potassium in the body.
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“It is dangerous when natrium levels in the body is too high. First of all you become thirsty, tired, suffer from muscular problems, even spasming. When potassium level in the blood is too high, it is even more dangerous. Worst case scenario is hemolysis (destroyed red blood cells) or rhabdomyolysis (muscular damage). It also causes kidney illness and worsens lupus. We recommend not to take it if you are fasting. Feeling listless and sleepy are the usual order of the day when you’re fasting. Let’s take an example of the Muslim soccer players now playing in Europe – they remain energetic and continue to play, even though they don’t consume Oralit while fasting,” he declared. (est)