What Can Be Used to Replace ORS for Dehydration?

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to UNICEF, oral rehydration salts (ORS) are one of the most effective treatments for childhood diarrhea and dehydration. However, if commercial packets are unavailable, knowing what can be used to replace ORS safely is crucial for providing a timely alternative.

Quick Summary

This guide covers safe and accessible options for replacing standard oral rehydration solutions, including homemade recipes and natural alternatives like coconut water. It explains the ideal balance of salt and sugar, highlights key precautions, and advises when to seek professional medical help for dehydration.

Key Points

Homemade ORS is a viable alternative: A simple solution of salt, sugar, and water, following WHO guidelines, can be prepared at home for mild to moderate dehydration.
Coconut water is an option for mild dehydration: Unsweetened coconut water offers natural electrolytes, but it has a lower sodium content than commercial ORS and is not suitable for severe fluid loss.
Sports drinks should be used with caution: Many sports drinks are high in sugar, which can worsen diarrhea. Diluting them with water and adding a pinch of salt makes them more balanced for rehydration.
Accuracy is crucial for homemade recipes: Incorrect measurements of salt and sugar in homemade solutions can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances, emphasizing the need for standard measurements.
Seek medical help for severe dehydration: Symptoms like confusion, rapid heart rate, and persistent vomiting require immediate professional medical attention, especially for children and the elderly.
Avoid high-sugar beverages: Soft drinks and undiluted juices can hinder the rehydration process by exacerbating diarrhea.
Clear broths can replace fluid and sodium: Broth-based soups offer sodium and fluids, making them a good, easy-to-digest option during recovery from illness.

Understanding the Role of ORS

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a medical formulation of water, salts (electrolytes), and sugar (glucose) designed to replace fluids lost due to dehydration from illnesses like diarrhea or vomiting. The specific ratio of ingredients in commercially prepared ORS is carefully calibrated to maximize the body's absorption of water and electrolytes. While the commercial product is the gold standard, especially for severe cases, several alternatives can be effective for mild to moderate dehydration.

Homemade Oral Rehydration Solutions

When a commercial ORS packet is not available, a homemade solution can be used, though it's important to be precise with measurements to avoid imbalances. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies have provided specific recipes for this purpose.

WHO-Recommended Salt and Sugar Solution

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of clean drinking water (boiled and cooled is safest).
- 6 level teaspoons of sugar.
- 1/2 level teaspoon of salt.
Instructions:
1. Pour the water into a clean container.
2. Add the sugar and salt.
3. Stir the mixture thoroughly until both ingredients are fully dissolved.
Usage: Consume small, frequent sips. Discard any unused solution after 24 hours.

Cereal-Based ORS

For certain cases, especially in young children with diarrhea, a starch-based solution can be helpful as it releases glucose more slowly. This recipe uses rice water and is an alternative recommended by some aid organizations.

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of safe drinking water.
- 1/2 teaspoon of table salt.
- 8 ounces of cooked mashed potatoes or 1/2 cup of baby rice cereal.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the mashed potatoes or rice cereal.
2. Mix all ingredients together until well dissolved and smooth.
3. Refrigerate and consume as needed.

Natural and Commercial Alternatives

Beyond homemade solutions, other options exist for rehydrating, particularly for mild dehydration or during physical exertion.

Coconut Water

Unsweetened coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, including potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium.

For mild dehydration: Coconut water can be effective for rehydration after exercise or for mild fluid loss.
For moderate to severe dehydration: It is not a direct replacement for ORS as it often lacks the specific sodium-to-glucose ratio needed for rapid rehydration, especially in severe diarrhea. Some sources suggest adding a pinch of salt to improve its efficacy.

Sports Drinks

Commercially available sports drinks contain electrolytes and sugar, but are often high in sugar and may not have the optimal balance for illness-related dehydration.

For mild to moderate fluid loss: They can be useful for rehydration during or after prolonged exercise.
For illness-related dehydration: Diluting a sports drink with water and adding a pinch of salt can improve its suitability as an ORS replacement for adults.

Clear Broth or Soup

Clear broths, particularly chicken or vegetable broth, can help replace lost sodium and fluid. They are easy to digest and can be a good option when recovering from vomiting or diarrhea.

Comparison: Homemade ORS vs. Commercial Products


Feature	Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution	Commercial ORS (e.g., packets)
Effectiveness	Effective for preventing or treating mild to moderate dehydration. Can be less accurate than commercial versions due to measuring variability.	Scientifically formulated with a precise balance of salts and glucose for maximum absorption. Ideal for all levels of dehydration.
Availability	Can be prepared immediately with common household ingredients.	Requires access to a pharmacy or store. Packets may not be available in all regions.
Cost	Very low cost, using readily available ingredients.	Affordable, but involves purchasing a prepared product.
Safety	Requires careful measurement to prevent potentially dangerous electrolyte imbalances.	The pre-measured packet ensures safe and accurate formulation.
Best Used For	Mild cases of dehydration, or as a stopgap until commercial ORS is obtained.	All forms of dehydration, especially moderate to severe cases, or in children and the elderly.

Important Precautions for Alternatives

While alternatives can be helpful, it is vital to exercise caution, especially when dealing with children, the elderly, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Avoid High-Sugar Drinks

Drinks with excessive sugar, such as soda, undiluted fruit juice, and sugary sports drinks, can worsen diarrhea and dehydration by drawing water into the intestine.

Use Clean Water

Always use clean, safe drinking water, preferably boiled and cooled, for any homemade rehydration solutions to minimize the risk of infection.

Measure Accurately

If making a homemade ORS, use standard measuring spoons. Inaccurate ratios of salt and sugar can be dangerous, potentially causing salt toxicity (hypernatremia).

When to Seek Medical Help

While home remedies are useful for mild cases, certain symptoms indicate the need for professional medical care.

Severe or worsening symptoms of dehydration (confusion, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure).
Inability to keep fluids down due to persistent vomiting.
Signs of severe dehydration in children (no tears when crying, sunken soft spot).
If symptoms do not improve after 24 hours of rehydration efforts.

Conclusion

While commercial Oral Rehydration Solution is the most reliable option for managing dehydration, several viable alternatives exist if a ready-made packet is unavailable. Homemade solutions using sugar, salt, and water, along with natural options like unsweetened coconut water for mild cases, can provide essential electrolytes and fluid. Proper care and safety precautions are paramount, especially regarding accurate measurements and for vulnerable populations. By understanding what can be used to replace ORS and when to seek medical help, you can effectively manage dehydration and support recovery.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before treating dehydration, especially in severe cases, or for children, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions. This is particularly important with homemade solutions, where precise measurement is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

For mild dehydration or rehydration after exercise, unsweetened coconut water can be a decent option due to its natural electrolytes. However, it is not an ideal replacement for ORS in cases of severe fluid loss from illness like diarrhea, as it lacks the specific, scientifically balanced ratio of sodium to glucose found in commercial ORS.

For mild dehydration in healthy adults, a sports drink can work, especially if diluted. However, many sports drinks contain too much sugar and not enough sodium for treating severe illness-related dehydration. For a better balance, consider diluting a sports drink with water and adding a small amount of salt.

The WHO-recommended recipe is 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 liter of clean water. Using standard measuring spoons is crucial for accuracy to prevent adverse effects from incorrect electrolyte balance.

Commercial ORS is always the safer and more reliable option, especially for moderate to severe dehydration, and for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Use a homemade solution only for mild dehydration or as a temporary measure when commercial packets are not accessible.

Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, such as sodas, sweetened juices, and undiluted sports drinks, as these can worsen diarrhea. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol should also be avoided, as they can have a diuretic effect.

Small amounts of natural flavors like lemon or orange juice can be added to a homemade solution to improve taste and provide some potassium. However, avoid adding extra sugar or artificial sweeteners, which can disrupt the solution's effectiveness.

Yes, some foods with high water and electrolyte content, like fruits (watermelon, oranges, bananas), broth-based soups, and yogurt can help with rehydration, complementing fluid intake. Salty snacks combined with water can also help replace sodium.