How to Make an Oral Rehydration Solution at Home

Diarrhea is an inconvenience for most of us but in other parts of the world and in very poor regions it can be a potential killer. Especially for children whose bodies are already challenged by malnutrition and disease. An oral rehydration formula, when none is available medically, is needed to deal with the problem, providing electrolytes, glucose and water to the body.

Things You'll Need

• Handful of sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 liter filtered or boiled water
• Container

Instructions

1. Boil approximately 1 liter of filtered clean water. Boiling the water will kill any contaminating bacteria and ensure that the water is sterile.

2. Measure out 1 liter of the boiled water and in a suitable container like a pitcher. Always ensure that anything that is going to be exposed to the solution is clean and as close to sterile as you can make it.

3. Add to the boiled water a pinch of regular table salt. Stir the solution well and ensure that the salt fully dissolves in the water.

4. Add a heaping handful of sugar. Regular baking sugar will work for this situation. Stir the sugar into the solution until it dissolves. This solution is now ready to consume. The taste may be gross but it will save lives.

Resources

• Oral rehydration solution--Make it at home