DIY Electrolyte Solution: A Simple Guide for Diarrhea Relief

Electrolyte solutions are an essential treatment for adults or children suffering from diarrhea. There are plenty of electrolyte solutions available for purchase in pharmacies and grocery stores, but the basic ingredients in an electrolyte solution̵2;salt, sugar and water--are so widely available, that you can just as easily make one at home.

Things You'll Need

• 1 liter of water
• 8 level tsp. of sugar (or molasses or raw sugar)
• 1/2 tsp. of salt
• Very small amount of orange or apple juice
• Container
• 1/2 to 1 cup of baby rice cereal or
• 1 1/2 tbsp. of sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups water
• 1 banana

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Instructions

• 1

  Mix 8 tsp. of sugar and 1/2 tsp. of salt in 1 liter of water. Store in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Mix fresh after 24 hours. The National Institute of Health recommends adding only a very small amount of orange or apple juice to improve the palatability of a homemade electrolyte solution.

• 2

  Consider using molasses or raw sugar instead of white sugar. Molasses and raw sugar contain more potassium than white sugar, and potassium is an important component of electrolyte solutions. For the added potassium, puree (or mash) a banana and stir in some sugar and very little salt to taste, perhaps 1/4 tsp. Add some water to thin it out if you have to.

• 3

  Make a solution containing starch. Starches are an important component of recovering nutrients lost due to diarrhea. Mix 1/2 to 1 cup of precooked baby rice cereal or 1 1/2 tbsp. of sugar with 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp. of salt. Mix well.