Which Salt Is Best for Diarrhea? The Ultimate Guide to Rehydration

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Diarrhea is a leading cause of death in children under five globally, often due to severe dehydration and electrolyte loss. Understanding which salt is best for diarrhea is crucial for effective rehydration, as the right mineral balance is essential for the body to recover safely.

Quick Summary

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) provide the precise, medically balanced mix of sodium, potassium, and glucose needed to effectively replace electrolytes and fluids lost during diarrhea. Standard table salt alone is insufficient and potentially dangerous for rehydration.

Key Points

ORS is Superior: The best salt for diarrhea is found in a medically formulated Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), not in plain table salt.
Balanced Electrolytes: ORS contains a precise mix of sodium, potassium, and glucose to facilitate optimal water and electrolyte absorption.
Homemade with Caution: Homemade salt and sugar solutions should only be used as a temporary, emergency measure, as mixing errors can be dangerous.
Avoid High-Sugar Drinks: Sports drinks, soda, and juice contain too much sugar and can worsen diarrhea, making them unsuitable for rehydration during illness.
Seek Medical Help for Severe Cases: Signs of severe dehydration, such as lethargy or decreased urination, require immediate professional medical attention.

Understanding the Need for Oral Rehydration

When a person has diarrhea, the body loses significant amounts of water and essential electrolytes, primarily sodium, potassium, and chloride. This rapid loss, if not properly managed, can lead to dehydration, a potentially life-threatening condition. Rehydrating with plain water is not enough because it doesn't replace the critical mineral salts, potentially worsening the electrolyte imbalance. The key to effective rehydration lies in a precise balance of salts and sugars, which is the foundation of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).

The Role of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Oral Rehydration Salts, or ORS, are a medical-grade solution specifically formulated by health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to combat dehydration from diarrhea. Unlike simple table salt, ORS contains a balanced mix of:

Sodium Chloride: Replaces the sodium lost in stool.
Potassium Chloride: Replenishes vital potassium levels, which are also depleted.
Glucose (Sugar): Works with sodium to facilitate the absorption of water by the intestines. This mechanism, known as the sodium-glucose cotransport system, is the scientific basis for ORS effectiveness.
Trisodium Citrate: Corrects the acidosis that can occur during severe dehydration and improves the solution's shelf life.

This specific low-osmolarity formulation is more effective at reducing stool output and vomiting compared to older formulas, and is superior to other beverages.

Commercial ORS vs. Sports Drinks and Other Fluids

While both commercial ORS packets and sports drinks contain electrolytes, their compositions are very different. Sports drinks are designed for athletic performance and contain higher concentrations of sugar and less sodium than required for treating diarrhea-related dehydration. High sugar levels can actually draw more water into the gut, potentially worsening diarrhea. Other fluids like juice or soda should also be avoided for the same reason.

Comparison of Common Rehydration Fluids


Feature	Commercial ORS (e.g., Pedialyte)	Sports Drinks (e.g., Gatorade)	Plain Water
Primary Purpose	Medically formulated for treating dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting.	Replacing fluids and carbohydrates lost during exercise.	Basic hydration; not for electrolyte replacement.
Sodium Content	Medically optimized for replenishing lost sodium (higher than sports drinks).	Lower sodium content, not designed for significant loss.	Contains no sodium or electrolytes.
Sugar Content	Lower concentration, balanced with salts to aid absorption.	Higher concentration, designed for energy and taste.	Contains no sugar.
Electrolytes	Balanced mix of sodium, potassium, and citrate.	Primarily sodium and potassium, but at different concentrations.	Contains no electrolytes.
Effectiveness	Best choice for diarrhea-related dehydration.	Ineffective for treating moderate to severe dehydration from illness. Can worsen diarrhea due to high sugar.	Ineffective for replacing lost electrolytes; can lead to low blood sodium levels.

How to Use Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

For diarrhea, the best and safest approach is to use commercially available ORS packets, which are available at most pharmacies. Follow the package instructions carefully to mix the powder with the correct amount of clean water. The WHO guidelines recommend a reduced-osmolarity solution for treating acute, non-cholera diarrhea.

Wash your hands thoroughly before preparation.
Use clean, preferably boiled and cooled, water to mix the solution.
Dissolve the entire contents of one packet in the amount of water specified on the package, usually one liter.
Drink small, frequent sips, especially if you feel nauseous.
Discard any unused solution after 24 hours.

Homemade ORS: A Last Resort

Homemade oral rehydration solutions are generally not recommended for treatment due to the risk of mixing errors that can cause more harm than good. However, if commercial ORS is unavailable and you cannot immediately seek medical help, a simple salt and sugar solution can be used to prevent dehydration in an emergency.

Emergency Homemade ORS Recipe:

1 liter (approx. 4 cups) of clean water
1/2 teaspoon of table salt
6 level teaspoons of sugar

Note of caution: This is a temporary measure. The precise balance of commercial ORS is safer and more effective. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, particularly for children, the elderly, or those with severe symptoms.

Other Fluid Considerations

While rehydrating, continue to eat your normal diet if possible, or opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods. Breastfeeding should continue for infants with diarrhea. Avoid sodas, high-sugar fruit juices, and sweetened tea, as their high sugar content can exacerbate fluid loss. Water is a great supplement but should not be the sole source of rehydration during active diarrhea due to the critical need for electrolytes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild diarrhea can be managed at home, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical care.

Signs of Severe Dehydration:

Lethargy or extreme fatigue
Sunken eyes or fontanelle (soft spot) in infants
Inability to drink or poor fluid intake
Decreased or no urination
Skin that tents up when pinched and returns slowly to normal

If these symptoms appear, particularly in children or the elderly, seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which may include intravenous fluids for severe cases.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Salt for Diarrhea

For diarrhea, the best 'salt' is a specific, medically-formulated combination known as Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). These are available commercially in packets and provide the correct balance of sodium, potassium, and glucose to safely and effectively combat dehydration. While a homemade sugar and salt solution can be an emergency stopgap, it is not a substitute for commercial ORS. By understanding the critical difference between these solutions and avoiding high-sugar alternatives, you can make informed decisions to support proper rehydration and recovery during a diarrheal episode. For more information on managing diarrheal diseases, consult authoritative sources like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, plain table salt is not good for treating diarrhea on its own. It does not provide the balanced combination of electrolytes like potassium and glucose that is necessary for effective rehydration. Inaccurate mixing can lead to unsafe electrolyte levels.

ORS is a medically formulated solution with a precise balance of sodium, potassium, and a specific amount of sugar to maximize water absorption during illness. Sports drinks have a much higher sugar content and a lower sodium level, making them ineffective and potentially harmful for treating diarrhea-related dehydration.

Yes, but homemade ORS is only recommended as an emergency measure when commercial packets are unavailable. The formula (e.g., 1/2 tsp salt and 6 tsp sugar in 1 liter of water) risks mixing errors. Commercial ORS is safer and more effective due to its scientifically controlled composition.

Potassium is an essential electrolyte that is lost in significant amounts during diarrhea, along with sodium. Replenishing potassium is crucial to prevent complications like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and overall electrolyte imbalance.

Commercial ORS, such as the WHO-recommended formula, typically contains sodium chloride, potassium chloride, trisodium citrate, and glucose (sugar). Each ingredient serves a specific purpose in restoring lost fluids and correcting electrolyte balance.

Signs of severe dehydration include lethargy, sunken eyes, inability to drink, lack of urination, and skin that does not flatten quickly after being pinched. If these symptoms appear, particularly in children, seek immediate medical attention.

Yes, continue to eat your normal diet if your appetite allows. For infants, continue breastfeeding. Eating bland, non-irritating foods in small, frequent amounts can help the body recover faster than limiting intake to just fluids.