Knowing how to make an oral rehydration solution could be one of the most important pieces of knowledge you can possess. Ok, maybe it’s not THAT important but knowing how to make it really could save a life one day. Perhaps yours or a loved one.
Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to make but let’s consider WHY it’s important to know. After all, isn’t water all that one needs when dehydrated? Not really…
Why Make an Oral Rehydration Solution?
Simply put, if you ONLY drink water when dehydrated you will throw your body’s electrolytes out of balance which could cause more problems than what you’re trying to fix!
In fact, I’m reminded of a story where a woman died from drinking too much water during a radio show contest! I wasn’t aware that was possible until then. The point is that your body has a natural balance that it needs to maintain and because of that it needs more than just plain water. It’s also needs salt and sugar.
Does Oral Rehydration Therapy Really Help?
According to the WHO it’s quite useful for treating infant deaths due to diarrhea:
“Prior to the introduction of ORT, death from diarrhea was the leading cause of infant mortality in developing nations. Between 1980 and 2006, the introduction of ORT is estimated to have decreased the number of infant deaths, worldwide, from 5 to 3 million per year.”
This solution is also useful for preventing deaths due to vomiting as well. Essentially, the problem is severe fluid loss (from both ends) more so than is typically replaced from normal drinking routines.
How to Make and Use an Oral Rehydration Solution
There are different recipes but the most common–and most basic–one is this:
- 1 quart water
- 6 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Start drinking at the first signs of diarrhea.
To use, the WHO recommends:
- Adults and older children: Take sips from a cup. For diarrhea, give one-half cup to one cup after each loose bowel movement.
- Infants under two: One teaspoon of fluid every one to two minutes. For diarrhea, give one-quarter to one-half cup after each loose bowel movement.
- Babies: Fluid from a dropper or syringe.
If vomiting, pause every five to ten minutes.
When NOT to Continue Use
According to the Wikipedia page:
“ORT is contraindicated in the case of protracted vomiting despite proper administration of ORT, worsening diarrhea in excess of fluid intake, onset of stupor or coma, or intestinal blockage (ileus). Short-term vomiting is not a contraindication to receiving oral rehydration therapy. In persons who are vomiting, drinking oral rehydration solution at a slow and continuous pace will help the person not vomit.”
Alternatives to Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution
Although I can’t see why you wouldn’t want to make your own since it’s incredibly easy and inexpensive, you could certainly use Pedialyte or Gatorade or other similar sports drinks. They also make small Oral Rehydration Salts that would be perfect for a bug out bag or hiking backpack.
That’s all there is to making the simplest oral rehydration solution.
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