Health & Survival
5 minutes
Global
How to make an Oral Rehydration Solution
Why this matters
Dehydration from diarrhea kills over 1.6 million children a year, almost all in developing countries. A simple salt and sugar solution, made correctly, can save a life before medical help arrives.
What you need
1 liter of clean water (boiled if possible)
6 teaspoons of sugar
Half a teaspoon of salt
A clean cup or container to mix in
These are everyday items. If you don’t have one, look for the closest alternative — the steps will tell you what to use instead.
How to do it
Follow these steps in order. Take your time. You’ve got this.
Boil one liter of water and allow it to cool to room temperature if possible. If boiling is not an option, use the cleanest water available.
Add exactly 6 level teaspoons of sugar to the water. Too much sugar can make dehydration worse, so measure carefully.
Add exactly half a level teaspoon of salt. Too much salt is dangerous, especially for children.
Stir until both the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
Give the solution to the person to drink slowly and steadily. For a child under 2, give 50 to 100ml after every loose stool. For older children and adults, give as much as they will take.
Your one thing today
Make a batch right now and store it covered. It stays safe for 24 hours — discard and make a fresh batch after that.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Do this one thing now, even if it’s small.
Come back tomorrow
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