Rapid evacuation of fluids from the body, which can be caused by cholera or other diarrheal diseases, may lead to chronic dehydration and eventually death. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS - also known as Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT)) are a solution of sugars and salts which helps to slow the evacuation of fluids, allowing for the absorption of electrolytes in the intestines. Though approximately 80 percent of individuals affected by cholera could be treated successfully using ORS, only about 35 percent of families in diarrhea-stricken countries utilize the treatment because improvement is not seen immediately.
In countries affected by outbreaks of diarrheal illness, pre-mixed ORS sachets are frequently distributed to help halt the spread of the bacteria which can spread quickly in areas with poor sanitation or a lack of potable water (clean drinking water). ORS can also be useful for backpackers or climbers who may be affected by diarrheal illness or dehydration due to contaminated water, and pre-mixed sachets are frequently available at outdoor supply stores. When pre-mixed sachets are not available, an ORS solution can be made easily using common household ingredients.
Please Note: Information and recipes provided here are from The Rehydration Project and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Oral Rehydration Salts should be administered under supervision of an individual with appropriate training whenever possible and clean water MUST ALWAYS be used for all preparations. If you are unsure about the quality of the water you are using, PLEASE BE SURE TO BOIL it before using to help kill off any bacteria that may be present.
In countries affected by outbreaks of diarrheal illness, pre-mixed ORS sachets are frequently distributed to help halt the spread of the bacteria which can spread quickly in areas with poor sanitation or a lack of potable water (clean drinking water). ORS can also be useful for backpackers or climbers who may be affected by diarrheal illness or dehydration due to contaminated water, and pre-mixed sachets are frequently available at outdoor supply stores. When pre-mixed sachets are not available, an ORS solution can be made easily using common household ingredients.
Please Note: Information and recipes provided here are from The Rehydration Project and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Oral Rehydration Salts should be administered under supervision of an individual with appropriate training whenever possible and clean water MUST ALWAYS be used for all preparations. If you are unsure about the quality of the water you are using, PLEASE BE SURE TO BOIL it before using to help kill off any bacteria that may be present.
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The Palo Alto Medical Foundation suggests:
The Rehydration Project suggests:
- A large container to mix the solution (ensure that it has been cleaned well using uncontaminated water)
- Measuring spoons
Software:
The Palo Alto Medical Foundation suggests:
- 1 liter of purified water (Please Note: if you are unsure about the quality of the water you are using, please be sure to boil it before making the solution to kill off any bacteria that may be present)
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 8 teaspoons white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt substitute (optional but recommended - I didn't have any so it isn't pictured here) (note: provides potassium which is important for water balance in the body)
The Rehydration Project suggests:
- 1 liter of water (boiled and cooled)
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 6 teaspoons white sugar
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I am still missing for how long should this product be consumed so as to be considered rehydrated... 6 hours is ok?
I read that 5 minutes of water or milk under a fire should be enough to have it pasteurized (free of any bacteria). That is at least having water heated at 65 c degrees during a minute, should do... You don't need to boil it, really...
Good article! Thank you.
alberto
But thank you, haha.
Good call on boiling dubious water when making your ORS, a sure-fire way to continue being sick if you don't.
Nice writeup!