What is a homemade remedy for replenishing electrolytes during episodes of diarrhea and vomiting?

Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution Recipe

For mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting, mix 6 level teaspoons of sugar and ½ level teaspoon of table salt in 1 liter (approximately 4 cups) of clean water. 1

Preparation Instructions

• Use a standard household teaspoon for measuring 2
• Ensure measurements are level, not heaped, for the salt 3, 2
• Mix in 1 liter (1.05 quarts) of clean, safe drinking water 1
• This creates a solution with approximately 90 mM sodium, 111 mM glucose, which approximates WHO-recommended oral rehydration solution (ORS) composition 1

Important caveat: Homemade solutions show significant variability in composition when prepared by different individuals, with only 26% of preparations falling within safe and effective ranges in one study 4. Taste is not a reliable method to ensure sodium concentration is safe 3. Commercial ORS products (Pedialyte, CeraLyte) are more reliable and strongly preferred when available 1.

Administration Guidelines

For Vomiting

• Give small volumes (5-10 mL) every 1-2 minutes using a spoon or syringe 5, 6
• Gradually increase volume as tolerated 5
• Do not allow the person to drink large volumes rapidly, as this worsens vomiting 6

For Diarrhea Without Vomiting

• Mild dehydration: 50-100 mL/kg over 3-4 hours 1
• Moderate dehydration: Continue with frequent small volumes and replace each diarrheal stool with 60-240 mL depending on body weight 1
• Continue until clinical dehydration is corrected 1

What NOT to Use

Avoid these common beverages for rehydration 1:

• Apple juice
• Gatorade or sports drinks
• Commercial soft drinks
• Carbonated beverages

These products have inappropriate sodium, potassium, and sugar concentrations for treating diarrheal dehydration 7.

When to Seek Medical Care Immediately

• Severe dehydration (decreased urination, lethargy, altered mental status) requires intravenous fluids, not oral solutions 1
• Bilious (green) vomiting suggests intestinal obstruction 5
• Bloody diarrhea may require antibiotics 6
• Intractable vomiting preventing oral intake 6
• High stool output (>10 mL/kg/hour) 6

Nutritional Management

• Continue breastfeeding throughout the illness 1, 6
• Resume normal age-appropriate diet during or immediately after rehydration 1, 6
• Avoid foods high in simple sugars and fats 6