Evidence supporting the use of: Rice
For the health condition: Dehydration
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Rice is scientifically validated as a supportive ingredient in the management of dehydration, particularly in the form of rice-based oral rehydration solutions (ORS). The use of rice in treating dehydration, especially from diarrhea, is rooted in both traditional practices and modern medicine. Scientific studies have shown that rice-based ORS can be as effective, or in some cases more effective, than standard glucose-based ORS, particularly in patients with cholera or severe diarrhea. The mechanism relies on the fact that the starch in rice is broken down into glucose more slowly than pure glucose, resulting in a more sustained absorption of water and electrolytes in the intestine. This reduces stool volume and duration of diarrhea. Furthermore, rice-based ORS is less likely to cause high osmolarity, which can worsen diarrhea. A meta-analysis of clinical trials, including those published by the World Health Organization (WHO), supports the efficacy of rice-based solutions, especially in low-resource settings where rice is a staple and easily available. While standard glucose-based ORS remains the default, rice-based formulas are officially recommended as an alternative, particularly for cholera-related dehydration. Thus, the practice is strongly supported by modern clinical research, earning it a high evidence rating.
