Nutrition Diet: How Do You Make Your Own Oral Rehydration Solution?

According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, Oral Rehydration Therapy is a low-cost intervention estimated to have saved millions of lives by effectively treating dehydration. If you need to know how do you make your own oral rehydration solution, this guide provides a safe and easy-to-follow recipe for use in non-emergency situations when commercial preparations aren't available.

Quick Summary

This article explains the simple and safe process for making a homemade oral rehydration solution (ORS) using the World Health Organization's recommended recipe. It details the precise measurements needed, highlighting the importance of accuracy. The guide also covers crucial safety precautions, proper administration, and when to seek professional medical attention for dehydration.

Key Points

• Precise Measurements are Vital: Accurate amounts of water, sugar, and salt are essential for the safety and effectiveness of homemade ORS. Inaccurate ratios can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

• The 'Why' Behind the Ingredients: The specific balance of sodium and glucose in ORS is what allows the body to absorb fluids and electrolytes more efficiently than plain water.

• Use Clean, Cooled Water: Always use safe, boiled and cooled drinking water to mix the solution to avoid introducing harmful pathogens that could worsen the illness.

• Administer in Small Sips: Giving the solution in frequent, small sips, especially if there is vomiting, can improve tolerance and absorption.

• Know When to Seek Medical Help: While potentially helpful for mild to moderate dehydration when commercial options aren't available, severe cases require immediate medical attention. Be aware of the signs of worsening dehydration.

• Discard After 24 Hours: For safety, any unused homemade ORS should be discarded after 24 hours to prevent bacterial contamination.

• Commercial ORS is Preferred: Commercially produced ORS packets are generally the safest option due to their precise and standardized formulation.

Before attempting to make your own oral rehydration solution, it's important to understand that this is a measure to be used when commercial preparations are unavailable and in non-emergency situations. For the safest and most reliable treatment of dehydration, especially in children, commercially produced ORS packets are recommended due to their precise and consistent formulation. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on treating dehydration.

Understanding Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a specific mixture of water, sugar (glucose), and salts (electrolytes) designed to effectively replenish fluids lost due to dehydration. Unlike plain water, which only replaces fluid, ORS uses a specific balance of ingredients that helps the intestines absorb water and sodium more efficiently. This process is vital for recovering from dehydration caused by conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating from intense exercise or heat.

The fundamental science behind ORS relies on the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism in the small intestine, where glucose helps facilitate the absorption of sodium and, subsequently, water. This critical bodily function allows rehydration to occur even when fluid is being lost through illness. While commercially prepared ORS packets are the safest option, knowing how to make a solution at home can be a helpful skill in resource-limited settings or when commercial options are not accessible.

A Standard Homemade ORS Recipe (Based on WHO Guidelines)

This recipe is based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and uses standard, accessible ingredients. The key to its use, when commercial options are unavailable, is precise measurement. Always use level teaspoons to ensure the correct concentration.

Ingredients:

• A specific amount of clean, safe drinking water (boil and cool the water first if you are unsure of its quality)
• A specific amount of sugar (sucrose)
• A specific amount of table salt (sodium chloride)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Wash your hands and all utensils thoroughly with soap and clean water.
2. Boil Water: Boil the specified amount of water for at least one minute, then let it cool completely. Using the correct amount of water is crucial.
3. Mix Ingredients: Pour the cooled, clean water into a clean container. Add the specified amounts of sugar and table salt.
4. Stir Thoroughly: Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. The final solution should taste slightly salty, but not overly so.
5. Serve: The homemade ORS is now ready for consumption. Serve in small, frequent sips, especially if the individual is vomiting.
6. Storage: Discard any unused solution after 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth. You should prepare a fresh batch each day.

Important Safety Precautions for Homemade ORS

Using the correct ratios and clean ingredients is paramount. Improperly mixed ORS can have dangerous consequences, including salt poisoning (hypernatremia) or ineffective rehydration.

• Do not guess measurements: Never eyeball the amount of sugar or salt. Too much salt is particularly hazardous, especially for children, and can worsen dehydration symptoms.
• Use clean water: Contaminated water can introduce harmful bacteria, which can exacerbate the illness.
• Avoid substitutes: Do not use fruit juice, sports drinks, or other flavored beverages as a base, as their sugar content and osmolarity can make diarrhea worse. Do not add more sugar for taste.
• Store correctly: The solution must be used within 24 hours. After this time, it should be discarded to prevent contamination.
• Understand limitations: Homemade ORS is a tool for managing mild to moderate dehydration when commercial options are unavailable. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, especially in cases of severe dehydration, bloody stools, or persistent vomiting.

Homemade vs. Commercial Oral Rehydration Solutions

Feature	Homemade ORS (Based on WHO Guidelines)	Commercial ORS (e.g., Pedialyte)
Ingredients	Water, sugar, table salt. Optional: mashed banana for potassium.	Water, glucose, sodium citrate, potassium chloride, and other additives for flavor or vitamins.
Preparation	Requires careful measuring and mixing of ingredients.	Comes in pre-measured packets or ready-to-drink bottles, requiring mixing with a specific volume of water.
Safety	Higher risk of improper mixing; inaccurate ratios can be dangerous.	Standardized formulation, ensuring correct electrolyte and sugar balance.
Effectiveness	Can be effective when prepared correctly, particularly as a first-line measure in emergencies when commercial options are not available.	Consistently effective due to precise, scientifically formulated composition.
Availability	Can be made with common household ingredients, useful when commercial products are inaccessible.	Available at most pharmacies and grocery stores, but may not be available everywhere, especially in travel situations.
Cost	Very low cost, as it uses basic pantry items.	More expensive than homemade, but offers standardization and convenience.

How to Administer ORS

The correct administration of ORS is critical for its effectiveness, especially when dealing with individuals who are vomiting. It is important to follow guidance from a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate amount and frequency of administration.

• General Administration: Sip the solution slowly and frequently. If vomiting occurs, stop for a short period and then resume giving smaller amounts more often.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While homemade ORS can be a valuable tool when commercial options aren't available, it's not a cure-all. You should seek immediate medical help in cases of severe dehydration, which is a medical emergency. Signs of severe dehydration can include excessive thirst, lethargy, sunken eyes, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, and lack of sweat or urine production. You should also contact a doctor if symptoms do not improve, if there is blood in the stool, or if vomiting persists despite giving ORS slowly.

Conclusion

Knowing how to make a basic oral rehydration solution at home, following precise guidelines like those from the World Health Organization, can be a useful skill for managing mild to moderate dehydration when commercial ORS is not accessible. By carefully measuring the correct amounts of salt, sugar, and clean water, you can create a solution that helps replace lost fluids and electrolytes. However, the importance of accurate preparation cannot be overstated, as incorrect ratios can be harmful. It is crucial to remember that this homemade solution is a temporary measure and not a substitute for professional medical care, particularly in severe cases of dehydration. Always consult with a healthcare professional for the most appropriate treatment plan. This practical knowledge is an important aspect of preparedness and understanding basic nutritional needs during illness or fluid loss.

Oral Rehydration Therapy Information from WHO

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I use too much salt or sugar in my homemade ORS?

Using too much salt can cause a dangerous condition called hypernatremia (salt poisoning), especially in children. Too much sugar can worsen diarrhea. It is critical to measure ingredients precisely using level teaspoons.

Can I use sports drinks or fruit juice instead of homemade ORS?

No, commercially available sports drinks and fruit juices have a high sugar content and often an incorrect electrolyte balance, which can worsen diarrhea and dehydration. They are not recommended for treating dehydration caused by illness.

How long can I store homemade oral rehydration solution?

Homemade oral rehydration solution should be stored in a clean, covered container and discarded after 24 hours. A fresh batch should be prepared each day as needed.

Is it safe to give homemade ORS to infants and children?

Homemade ORS can be used for infants and children when commercial options are unavailable and when mixed and administered correctly. It is a recommended therapy for dehydration caused by diarrhea, and administration should be done slowly. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

When should I use ORS instead of just drinking water?

While plain water can treat mild dehydration, ORS is specifically formulated to replace both lost fluids and vital electrolytes, which is crucial for moderate dehydration, especially from severe diarrhea or vomiting. Water alone won't replace these essential minerals efficiently enough in such cases.

What are the key ingredients in oral rehydration solution?

The key ingredients in oral rehydration solution are clean water, a carbohydrate (sugar/glucose), and electrolytes (salts, specifically sodium and potassium). This combination allows for maximum fluid absorption in the body.

How does oral rehydration solution work in the body?

The solution works by utilizing a process in the small intestine where glucose (sugar) helps the body absorb sodium and, in turn, absorb water. This cotransport mechanism allows for rapid and effective rehydration, even during fluid loss.

When is it better to use commercial ORS?

Commercial ORS is generally preferred over homemade solutions because it has a precise and standardized composition, ensuring the correct balance of electrolytes and sugar for safe and effective rehydration. This reduces the risk associated with inaccurate measurements in homemade preparations.