When should you take ORS?How do you prepare ORS?

It is important to drink extra fluids as soon as diarrhea starts. Most healthy adults with uncomplicated travelers’ diarrhea can stay hydrated without ORS by drinking purified water, clear soups, or diluted juices or sports drinks. It may not be necessary, however, healthy adults with mild diarrhea can also use ORS. It is important that adults suffering from vomiting and diarrhea drink at least 3 liters of ORS each day to. Drink more oral rehydration (ORS) on the way. ORS oral rehydration salts is a special combination of dry salts that is mixed with safe water. It can help replace the fluids lost due to diarrhea.

How is ORS made?

1. Put the contents of the ORS packet in a clean container. Check the packet for directions and add the correct amount of clean water. Too little water could make the diarrhea worse.
2. Add water only. Do not add ORS to milk, soup, fruit juice or soft drinks. Do not add sugar.
3. Stir well, and feed it to the child from a clean cup. Do not use a bottle.

Oral Rehydration Solutions

To prevent too much liquid being lost from the child’s body, an effective oral rehydration solution can be made using ingredients found in almost every household. One of these drinks should be given to the child every time a watery stool is passed.

Basically these drinks preferably those that have been boiled should contain:

• Starches and or sugars as a source of glucose and energy,
• Some sodium and
• Preferably some potassium.

The following old remedies make highly effective oral rehydration solutions and are suitable drinks to prevent a child from losing too much liquid during diarrhea:

• Breastmilk
• Gruels diluted mixtures of cooked cereals and water
• Carrot Soup
• Rice water – Congee