How to make salt water for drinking? Crafting safe electrolyte solutions

Did you know that drinking improperly mixed salt water can be deadly and cause severe dehydration? Learning how to make salt water for drinking correctly is vital for crafting safe oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to combat dehydration, not for casual hydration.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the safe way to prepare salt-based oral rehydration solutions using specific ratios of water, salt, and sugar to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance during illness or intense exercise.

Key Points

• Dangers of High Salinity: Drinking highly concentrated salt water, like seawater, causes severe dehydration and can be fatal.

• Science of Rehydration: Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) work by using glucose to help the intestines absorb sodium and water more effectively.

• Follow Precise Ratios: When making homemade ORS, use exact measurements of salt and sugar as outlined in the WHO recipe to avoid toxicity and ensure effectiveness.

• Use for Moderate Dehydration: Use homemade ORS to treat moderate dehydration from illness or intense exercise, not for routine daily hydration.

• Prioritize Cleanliness: Always use clean water and a sterile container for mixing homemade ORS, and discard any unused solution after 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

• Consult a Professional: Individuals with certain health conditions, including kidney disease and hypertension, should consult a doctor before using any electrolyte solution.

The Dangers of Untempered Salt Water

Consuming high-salinity water, like ocean water, can be extremely dangerous. The kidneys can only produce urine with a salt concentration lower than seawater. To excrete the excess salt from drinking seawater, the body must use more water than was consumed, leading to further dehydration and eventually, salt poisoning. Symptoms of salt poisoning can include confusion, seizures, and even death. The key is understanding that a safe, homemade solution is carefully balanced to aid the body's natural rehydration process, unlike drinking highly concentrated salt water.

The Science Behind Oral Rehydration

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a medical treatment that provides fluids, electrolytes, and glucose to the body to counteract dehydration, especially that caused by diarrhea or vomiting. The combination of sugar (glucose) and salt (sodium) is crucial because of the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism in the intestines. This process allows for the maximum absorption of fluids and electrolytes, making ORS significantly more effective for rehydration than plain water alone in moderate dehydration cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have championed ORS for decades, and its widespread use has saved millions of lives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) ORS Recipe

While many commercial ORS packets are available, you can also create an effective solution at home if packets are unavailable or a medical facility is not accessible. Precision is paramount when mixing your own solution to ensure the correct balance of electrolytes. Always use a clean container and utensil.

WHO-Approved Homemade ORS Recipe:

• 1 liter of clean, safe water (boiled and cooled or treated water)
• 1/2 small teaspoon (about 3.5 grams) of salt (sodium chloride)
• 6 level teaspoons (about 40 grams) of sugar (sucrose)

Directions:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Use a clean, air-tight glass bottle or jar for mixing and storage.
3. Boil 1 liter of tap water for 15 minutes and let it cool to room temperature.
4. Measure the ingredients precisely. For salt, a half teaspoon is specific, not a heaped spoonful. For sugar, use 6 level teaspoons.
5. Add the sugar and salt to the cooled water.
6. Stir the solution until all the granules have fully dissolved.
7. Store the homemade ORS solution in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. After 24 hours, discard any unused portion to avoid contamination.

Comparison: Homemade ORS vs. Alternatives

Feature	Homemade ORS	Commercial Sports Drinks	Plain Water
Cost	Very low	Moderate to high	Very low
Electrolyte Balance	Medically balanced for rehydration (sodium and glucose)	Varies; often less sodium, more sugar than ideal for illness	None (no electrolyte replacement)
Sugar Content	Carefully balanced for absorption	Often high in added sugars, can worsen diarrhea	None
Specific Use Case	Moderate dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating	Light to moderate exercise; not ideal for illness	Mild dehydration or general hydration maintenance

When and How to Administer Homemade ORS

Homemade ORS should be used for treating mild to moderate dehydration, not for daily hydration needs. It is especially effective in cases of prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating during intense exercise or hot weather. For vomiting, it is recommended to pause for about 10 minutes and then continue giving small, frequent sips to prevent further upset. Adults can drink freely as needed, while children's dosages depend on age and weight. Breastfeeding should continue throughout ORT for infants.

Important Precautions and Warnings

• Medical Consultation: Always consult a healthcare professional before using ORS, especially for children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension.
• No Substitutions: Never use concentrated juices, milk, or soft drinks in place of the recipe's ingredients. These can disrupt the critical electrolyte balance and effectiveness of the solution.
• Proper Measurement: Using incorrect ratios, particularly too much salt, can be toxic and exacerbate dehydration. Only use the exact measurements recommended.
• Not for Severe Dehydration: Severe dehydration requires immediate intravenous (IV) rehydration and professional medical attention.

The Difference Between Salts

While different types of salt exist, such as table salt, sea salt, and Himalayan pink salt, for the purpose of making ORS, the primary function is to replace lost sodium. Table salt (sodium chloride) is a perfectly effective and readily available option. Any potential trace mineral differences in other salts are negligible in the small amounts used for an ORS solution. The key is consistency and accuracy in measuring the sodium content.

Conclusion

Knowing how to make salt water for drinking properly is a valuable life skill for rehydration emergencies, not a casual hydration strategy. A carefully balanced oral rehydration solution (ORS), based on medically proven formulas, is the key to safely replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes due to illness or intense physical activity. It is critical to differentiate this life-saving practice from the dangerous act of consuming improperly mixed or highly saline water. Always prioritize precise measurements and consult a medical professional, especially when treating vulnerable individuals or those with pre-existing conditions. By following the correct recipe and precautions, you can effectively and safely manage dehydration when commercial alternatives are not available.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drinking homemade oral rehydration solution the same as drinking ocean water?

No, homemade ORS is completely different and safe. Ocean water has a dangerously high salt concentration that causes severe dehydration, while ORS uses a specific, low-concentration ratio of salt, sugar, and water to aid in effective rehydration.

Can I use any type of salt for the oral rehydration solution?

You can use common table salt. While other salts like sea salt or Himalayan salt contain trace minerals, their primary component is sodium chloride, and the amount used is too small for these extra minerals to matter significantly for this purpose.

What are the risks of consuming too much salt when making ORS?

Using too much salt can lead to salt toxicity, or hypernatremia, which can cause severe dehydration, confusion, muscle spasms, and can be dangerous, especially for children.

When should I use an oral rehydration solution?

ORS is used to treat mild to moderate dehydration caused by fluid loss from diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating from intense exercise. It is not intended for casual daily hydration.

How long can I store homemade ORS?

Homemade oral rehydration solution should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 24 hours of preparation. After this period, it should be discarded due to potential bacterial growth.

How is ORS different from plain water?

ORS contains specific amounts of sodium and glucose that help the body absorb fluids and electrolytes more efficiently, especially when recovering from dehydration caused by illness. Plain water does not contain these electrolytes.

Can I use this homemade ORS for children?

Homemade ORS can be used for children under a doctor's supervision for mild to moderate dehydration. However, commercial ORS packets are often safer as they provide the correct pre-measured balance. Always consult a pediatrician before administering ORS to infants and young children.