Oral Rehydration Solution: Quick Facts and Simple DIY Mix

Dehydration can sneak up on anyone – from a hot summer day to a bout of stomach flu. The good news? You don’t need pricey IVs or fancy drinks to fix it. An oral rehydration solution (ORS) restores lost fluids and electrolytes with just water, sugar, and salt. It’s cheap, easy, and proven to save lives, especially in kids.

Why Oral Rehydration Solution Works

ORS works because the right balance of glucose and sodium pulls water straight into your gut cells. That means you rehydrate faster than drinking plain water alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) says ORS can cut diarrhea‑related deaths by up to 93% when used correctly. It’s not a sports drink – the sugar level is lower and the sodium is calibrated to match what your body loses.

How to Make a Safe Homemade ORS

Got a kitchen? Great. You only need four ingredients:

• 1 liter (about 34 ounces) of clean water
• 6 teaspoons of plain sugar
• ½ teaspoon of table salt
• A pinch of baking soda (optional, helps with bicarbonate balance)

Mix everything until it dissolves. Taste it – it should be slightly salty, not sweet. If it tastes too salty, add another half liter of water. If it’s bland, add a little more sugar, but never exceed 6 teaspoons total. Store the solution in a clean bottle and use it within 24 hours.

For kids, you can halve the recipe (500 ml water, 3 teaspoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt). Give small sips every few minutes rather than large gulps. That keeps the stomach from rejecting the fluid.

When you’re at a pharmacy, look for “ORS packets” or “rehydration salts.” They contain the exact formula and are ready to mix with water. They’re handy if you’re traveling or don’t want to measure ingredients.

Know when to reach for ORS. Signs of mild to moderate dehydration include dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, and feeling unusually thirsty. In children, watch for fewer wet diapers, sunken eyes, or a high fever that doesn’t go down. If symptoms are severe – like no urine for several hours, confusion, or rapid heartbeat – seek medical help right away. ORS is a first‑line response, not a substitute for professional care in extreme cases.

A few practical tips:

• Keep a small bottle of pre‑made ORS in your fridge; it’s ready when you need it.
• Avoid fruit juices or soda; their high sugar can draw water out of your cells.
• Don’t add flavored powders or artificial sweeteners – they throw off the delicate electrolyte balance.
• If you’re an athlete, ORS can be a better recovery drink than most commercial sports drinks because it has the science‑backed sodium‑glucose combo.

Finally, remember that staying hydrated starts before you get sick. Sip water throughout the day, especially in hot weather or when you’re exercising. If you do end up with diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever, reaching for an ORS solution can speed up recovery and keep you feeling normal faster.

Explore our other health guides for tips on managing common ailments, safe online pharmacy purchases, and everyday wellness tricks. Your body will thank you for the simple, science‑proved power of oral rehydration solution.