Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a mixture developed to counter dehydration, particularly that caused by fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting. The solution works by replenishing the water, salts, and sugars the body loses rapidly during illness. Making ORS at home is a straightforward, cost-effective way to restore fluid balance and manage mild to moderate dehydration in adults and children.
Essential Ingredients and Precise Measurements
Accuracy in measurement is paramount when preparing homemade ORS, as using too much salt or sugar can worsen dehydration symptoms. The standard World Health Organization (WHO) recipe calls for specific ratios of ingredients, which must be carefully scaled down to make a single 8-ounce glass. This is approximately 240 milliliters of fluid, which is about one-quarter of the standard one-liter batch.
To prepare one glass (8 ounces or 240 ml) of ORS, you will need clean drinking water, which should be boiled and cooled if its purity is uncertain. The two dry ingredients are standard table salt (sodium chloride) and granulated sugar (sucrose). The precise measurement for the salt is 1/8 teaspoon of table salt. For the sugar, the required amount is 1 1/2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
This specific ratio of salt and sugar is designed to maximize fluid absorption in the small intestine through a process called sodium-glucose co-transport. Sugar, or glucose, acts as a necessary vehicle, allowing the sodium to be absorbed by specialized transport proteins, with water following the salt and sugar into the bloodstream. This physiological mechanism is why ORS is significantly more effective at rehydration than drinking water or high-sugar juices alone.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Start the preparation by ensuring you have one standard 8-ounce glass of clean water. This water should be at room temperature or cooled, as very cold liquid can sometimes cause stomach irritation and is absorbed more slowly.
Carefully measure out the 1/8 teaspoon of table salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar, then add them into the glass of water. It is important to use level measurements and not approximate with silverware, as this can easily lead to an incorrect concentration. Stir the mixture vigorously until both the salt and the sugar granules are completely dissolved and the solution is clear. The finished solution should be sipped slowly over a period of time, rather than gulped quickly, which can trigger vomiting.
Safety, Storage, and When to Seek Help
Homemade ORS is intended for immediate use and has a short shelf life due to the risk of bacterial contamination. If refrigerated, the solution must be discarded after 24 hours. If stored at room temperature, it should be consumed or discarded much sooner, typically within 12 hours. This strict time limit ensures the solution remains safe and effective for consumption.
While the mixture may not taste pleasant, its salty-sweet flavor indicates the correct electrolyte balance. It is important to continue consuming the solution slowly to replace ongoing fluid losses from diarrhea or vomiting. Homemade ORS is only for mild to moderate dehydration and does not replace medical intervention for severe cases.
Immediate medical attention is needed if signs of severe dehydration or illness appear.
Signs of Severe Dehydration
- Inability to keep any fluids down
- Persistent high-volume diarrhea
- Vomiting that does not stop
- Lethargy or extreme sleepiness
- Lack of urination for eight hours or more
- Sunken eyes or a rapid, weak pulse
Parents must exercise caution with infants under six months of age. Always consult a pediatrician before administering any homemade solution, as commercially prepared pediatric ORS is often preferred for its precise composition.