Can a Sugar and Salt Solution Treat Dehydration? The Essential Guide

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral rehydration therapy has been a simple, yet life-saving medical advancement that has saved millions of lives, particularly among children in developing nations. This method, centered around a sugar and salt solution, is a powerful tool against dehydration caused by diarrhea and other illnesses.

Quick Summary

A homemade sugar and salt solution can be an effective stopgap for mild to moderate dehydration, working on the principle of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). Its success depends critically on proper proportions of salt and sugar, which facilitate water absorption in the intestines. For severe cases or prolonged illness, commercial ORS or medical consultation is safer.

Key Points

Correct Proportions are Crucial: An imbalanced sugar and salt solution can worsen dehydration; always follow a precise recipe, like the WHO's recommended formulation.
For Mild to Moderate Dehydration Only: Homemade ORS is an effective first-aid measure but is not a substitute for professional medical care in cases of severe dehydration.
How It Works: The solution relies on a sodium-glucose co-transport system in the intestines to enhance water absorption, making it more effective than plain water alone.
Use Clean Water: The safety of any homemade solution depends on using clean, safe drinking water to prevent infection.
Commercial vs. Homemade: Commercial ORS packets are more reliable and contain a complete blend of electrolytes, while homemade solutions are a readily available and inexpensive alternative for temporary use.
Discard After 24 Hours: A homemade solution should be used or discarded within 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth and ensure safety.

The Science Behind Oral Rehydration Therapy

To understand if a sugar and salt solution can treat dehydration, it's crucial to understand the mechanism of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have developed and promoted this therapy for decades. The key lies in a precise combination of glucose (sugar), sodium (salt), and water. The sugar and salt work together in a 'co-transport system' in the small intestine. This process uses the presence of glucose to help the body absorb sodium, and as sodium is absorbed, water follows, allowing for rapid rehydration. Without this specific ratio, the body's ability to absorb water is much less efficient, and too much sugar or salt can have adverse effects.

The Critical Importance of Correct Proportions

The most significant risk of a homemade sugar and salt solution is an incorrect ratio. Too much salt can cause hypernatremia, which can worsen dehydration and be particularly dangerous for children and individuals with kidney issues. Too much sugar can also exacerbate diarrhea and make dehydration worse, as it draws water into the intestine. For this reason, following a proven recipe is essential. The WHO provides a standard formula which is designed to ensure the solution's osmolarity is balanced for effective absorption.

When is a Homemade Solution Appropriate?

A homemade oral rehydration solution (ORS) is best used for mild to moderate dehydration, especially when commercial packets are not immediately available. It serves as an effective first-aid measure for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating from heat exposure. The solution helps replace lost fluids and essential electrolytes. However, it is not a substitute for professional medical care, and severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention.

List of Common Dehydration Causes

Diarrhea and vomiting: These are the most common causes, leading to significant fluid and electrolyte loss.
Excessive sweating: Strenuous exercise or high temperatures can lead to rapid fluid loss.
Fever: High body temperature can increase fluid loss through sweat.
Certain illnesses and medical conditions: Chronic diseases, such as those affecting the kidneys or digestive system, can impact hydration.
Insufficient fluid intake: Not drinking enough fluids throughout the day is a primary factor.

Homemade ORS vs. Commercial ORS


Feature	Homemade Sugar and Salt Solution	Commercial Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
Effectiveness	Highly effective for mild-moderate dehydration if prepared correctly.	Often more effective and safer due to precise, balanced electrolytes and low osmolarity formulation.
Ingredients	Requires common household items: water, sugar, salt.	Comes in pre-measured packets with a complete blend of glucose and electrolytes like potassium and citrate.
Preparation Risk	High risk of improper mixing leading to an imbalanced solution.	Minimal risk of error; simply mix the packet with the specified amount of clean water.
Best for	Immediate, first-aid rehydration when commercial options are unavailable.	All cases of dehydration, especially severe ones or for vulnerable individuals like children.
Cost	Very inexpensive.	Inexpensive, though more costly than homemade ingredients.

How to Prepare a Homemade ORS Safely

To ensure the safest and most effective results, follow these critical steps:

Use clean water. This minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria, especially important when treating dehydration caused by illness.
Use level measuring spoons. Precision is key. Do not use silverware, which can have inconsistent measurements.
Ensure complete dissolution. Stir the mixture thoroughly until both the salt and sugar have dissolved completely.
Administer carefully. Sip the solution slowly, especially if nauseous, to avoid vomiting. For children, give small, frequent sips or use a syringe.
Store properly and discard old solution. Homemade ORS should be consumed or discarded within 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion: A Reliable Aid, Not a Cure-All

A sugar and salt solution can be a highly effective and accessible method for treating mild to moderate dehydration, provided it is prepared with careful attention to the correct proportions. The success of this homemade oral rehydration therapy relies on the scientific principle of sodium-glucose co-transport, allowing the body to absorb water more efficiently. While commercial ORS packets offer a more reliable and complete electrolyte blend, the homemade version remains a vital tool for immediate relief when other options are unavailable. However, it is not a cure for the underlying cause of dehydration and should not be used as a long-term solution. Always seek professional medical advice for severe dehydration, particularly concerning infants, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions. Your health is the priority, so use this method as a temporary measure and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen. For additional resources on oral rehydration, consider reviewing guidelines from authoritative sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), whose global health initiatives have highlighted its life-saving potential (WHO: Oral Rehydration Salts).

Frequently Asked Questions

The World Health Organization recommends a specific formulation of salt and sugar dissolved into clean drinking water. It is crucial to use standard measuring spoons for accuracy.

While sports drinks contain electrolytes, they are often high in sugar and may not have the optimal balance of sodium and glucose for effective rehydration, especially for cases of illness-induced dehydration. Use a proper ORS, whether homemade or commercial, instead.

If the solution contains too much salt, it can increase blood sodium levels (hypernatremia), which can be harmful. Too much sugar can worsen diarrhea and fluid loss. Incorrect proportions can make the solution ineffective or even dangerous.

The glucose (sugar) and sodium (salt) work together to transport water across the intestinal wall through a co-transport system. This helps the body absorb fluid and rehydrate more efficiently than with water alone.

A homemade ORS should be stored in a clean, covered container and should be used within 24 hours. After this time, it should be discarded to prevent contamination.

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you are caring for shows signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy, sunken eyes, inability to drink, or decreased consciousness. A homemade solution is a temporary measure, not a substitute for professional care.

No, the solution does not cure diarrhea. It is designed to treat the dehydration that diarrhea causes by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes.

Yes, if prepared correctly, a homemade ORS is safe and effective for children with mild to moderate dehydration. However, precise measurements are critical, and a commercial ORS may be preferred due to its balanced composition. For severe cases, immediate medical care is necessary.