Homemade Electrolyte Drink

Most likely, you are aware of the dangers of diarrhea and dehydration, especially in the event of an emergency.  In fact, if you do not have clean water and proper sanitation, you can bet you will have to deal with it.  Diarrhea and dehydration is life threatening!  Here, from Rehydrate.com, is a recipe to making your own electrolyte drink, because plain water won't be enough! 

An inexpensive home-made solution (for adults) consists of:

• 1  litre of water (about 34 ounces or a little over 4 cups), mixed with
• 8  teaspoons of sugar,
• 1 teaspoon of  table salt.

A half cup of orange juice or half of a mashed banana can be added to each liter to add potassium and improve taste.

The amount of rehydration that is needed depends on the size of the individual and the degree of dehydration. Rehydration is generally adequate when the person no longer feels thirsty and has a normal urine output. A rough guide to the amount of oral rehydration solution (or ORS) needed in the first 4-6 hours of treatment for a mildly dehydrated person is:

• Up to 11 lb: 200 – 400 ml
• 11-22 lb: 400 – 600 ml
• 22-33 lb: 600 – 800 ml
• 33–44 lb: 800 – 1000 ml
• 44-66 lb: 1000 – 1500 ml
• 66-88 lb: 1500 – 2000 ml
• 88 lb +: 2000-4000 ml

Click here for a printable guide on rehydrating your children!


Don't forget zinc tablets!
"The best treatment for diarrhoea is to (1) drink lots of liquids and oral rehydration salts (ORS), properly mixed with clean water from a safe source, and (2) take zinc tablets or syrup for 10–14 days."