How to Make Oral Rehydration Solution: This Knowledge Could Save a Life!

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.

Oral Rehydration Solution


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Comments

10 responses to “How to Make Oral Rehydration Solution: This Knowledge Could Save a Life!”

  1. “1/2 teaspoon salt” … and you should use sea salt instead of mined salt (which is pure NaCl or sodium only. Your body needs potassium as well and a lot of trace elements. And since salt is really no cost factor, store lots. And then store more … it might be an easy item to use in barter scenarios. A box of salt against two eggs etc.

  2. Night_Fury_77

    You should also mention… If you have a child that just will not drink the solution because of the taste or because of the tummy ache associated with those symptoms, you can dip a toothpick in peppermint oil and stir the oil into the mixture. The solution tastes better and the peppermint oil will help with an upset tummy. I use the oil that you can buy for rock candy making around the holidays, and a little bottle lasts forever.

    1. I wonder if essential oils would work too or not? We have quite a few of those and I figure if peppermint doesn’t taste good then perhaps something else will. Thanks for the addition.

      1. night_fury_77

        You should NOT use essential oils for children. There are so many that can’t be taken orally, it would not be worth the risk with children. Dosage is also an issue with that. Rock candy oil does come in peppermint, cinnamon, strawberry, butter rum, and many more flavors. It is extremely potent, strong oil. Those are the only oils that I would use though, and only use a toothpick dipped once in oil then dipped into mixture. Do not use even a whole drop, because then they will have a worse tummy ache. I have been doing the oil thing for a long time and it works for us. Ginger powder doesn’t taste good, but for adults that can stand the taste, it is really good for nausea. One thing else. When you are sick and lacking proper caloric intake, it is better to drink your beverages at room or body temperature. You burn more calories when your body has to warm you back up after a cold drink.

  3. Ron Davis

    You can also purchase hydration tablets very reasonably. Easy to store and easy to take. I tend to get severe leg cramps when I get to dehydrated. I have found that if I take a couple of these tablets every 4-5 hours, along with adequate water, I can go along just fine.

    1. Sounds similar to oral rehydration salts. Whatever you choose they good to have for bug out bags and more. Thanks.

  4. Jav Lineer

    This formula is worth all the ammo you have when a child is sick.

    Diarrhea still kills in remote places.

    1. Diarrhea is still a major killer worldwide. I just looked it up here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_causes_of_death_by_rate and was surprised that it wasn’t even in the top 10. I’d say that’s good. In undeveloped countries death from diarrhea diseases is in the top 5 which is precisely where we could be headed in a SHTF situation… no pun intended. 😉

  5. junipers

    While many of us know how important it is to keep hydrated, I didn’t know about this. We have been storing Gatorade & Vitamin water, but this is certainly a very good tip! Hey, when you’re at your favorite fast food joint, grab some packets of sugar salt, pepper, catsup, mustard, mayo, napkins, straws & stir sticks & moist towelettes.(which do dry out over time)

    1. Glad to share something you didn’t know. Sometimes I have to remember that we (as a group) are all over the map when it comes to what we know.

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