How to make ORS at home

Can I take ORS on an empty stomach? How to make ORS at home? 

Can I take ORS on an empty stomach
Can I take ORS on an empty stomach


ORS, or Oral Rehydration Solution, is a vital substance used to treat dehydration caused by a range of illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating. It is a simple mixture of water, salt, and sugar that can be made easily and inexpensively at home. In this blog post, we will take a detailed look at how to make ORS at home, its benefits, and its role in treating dehydration.


Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including excessive sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting. The body needs water and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride to function properly, and when these levels drop, it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause a range of symptoms, including dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to unconsciousness and even death.


ORS is a simple solution that can help restore the body's fluids and electrolytes. It is a mixture of water, salt, and sugar that is easy to make at home using basic ingredients. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ORS as the first-line treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhea, a leading cause of death in children under five years of age. ORS is also commonly used to treat dehydration caused by other illnesses, including vomiting and excessive sweating.


Here's how to make ORS at home:

Ingredients:

  1. 1 liter of clean water
  2. 6 level teaspoons of sugar (around 30g)
  3. 1/2 level teaspoon of salt (around 2.5g)


Instructions:

  1. Start by boiling the water to ensure it is clean and safe to use.
  2. Once the water has cooled down to room temperature, add the sugar and salt, and stir until they are completely dissolved.
  3. The ORS is now ready to use. It can be stored in a clean container with a lid and kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours.

It is important to note that the correct proportion of ingredients is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the solution. Adding too much salt can cause hypernatremia (high blood sodium levels), while too much sugar can worsen diarrhea. On the other hand, adding too little salt can result in hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels), while too little sugar can make the solution less palatable, making it less likely that people will drink it.

It is also important to use clean water and a clean container to prepare and store the ORS. Using contaminated water or containers can introduce harmful bacteria and other pathogens into the solution, which can further exacerbate the patient's condition.


ORS is a simple yet effective way to treat dehydration caused by a range of illnesses. It works by restoring the body's fluid and electrolyte levels, allowing it to function properly. It is safe, inexpensive, and easy to make at home, making it an essential tool for anyone living in areas without access to healthcare facilities or pharmacies.

In addition to its role in treating dehydration, ORS has also been shown to help reduce the risk of death from diarrhea, especially in children under five years of age. The WHO estimates that ORS can reduce the risk of death from diarrhea by up to 90%, making it an invaluable tool in the fight against this deadly illness.

Can i take ors in empty stomach?

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a life-saving treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, and other illnesses. It contains a precise balance of salts, sugar, and water that helps to restore the body's fluids and electrolytes. However, many people are unsure about the best way to take ORS. In this article, we will answer the question, "Can I take ORS in an empty stomach?" We will explore the benefits and risks of taking ORS on an empty stomach and provide practical tips on how to use ORS effectively.

What is ORS?

ORS is a solution that is used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, and other illnesses. It contains a specific ratio of salts, sugar, and water that helps to restore the body's fluids and electrolytes. ORS is a World Health Organization (WHO) recommended treatment for dehydration, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of death in children with diarrhea by up to 93%.

ORS is available in pre-packaged sachets, which are mixed with clean water before use. The solution is then consumed orally, usually in small amounts over a period of several hours. ORS can also be administered through a nasogastric tube in severe cases of dehydration.

Can I take ORS on an empty stomach?


Yes, you can take ORS on an empty stomach. In fact, taking ORS on an empty stomach may help to absorb the solution more quickly and effectively. The electrolytes and sugar in ORS are designed to be absorbed by the body quickly, so taking it on an empty stomach can help to speed up the absorption process.

However, if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, it may be difficult to take ORS on an empty stomach. In this case, it is recommended to take small sips of ORS frequently, rather than trying to drink the whole solution at once.

It is important to note that taking ORS on an empty stomach does not provide any additional benefits over taking it with food. So, if you prefer to take ORS with food, that is perfectly fine too.

How to take ORS?


To take ORS, simply mix the contents of one sachet or one scoop of ORS powder with 200ml of clean water. Stir the solution until the powder dissolves completely. Then, drink the solution slowly, taking small sips over a period of time.

If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting, take small sips of ORS frequently, rather than trying to drink the whole solution at once. It is important to continue taking ORS until your symptoms improve and you feel better.

If you are not sure how to take ORS, or if you have any questions or concerns about using it, talk to your healthcare provider.

When to take ORS?


ORS should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of dehydration. It is important to start taking ORS even if you are still experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. ORS can help to replace the fluids and salts lost during these symptoms, and prevent complications such as shock and kidney failure.

If you are experiencing severe dehydration, or if your symptoms do not improve after taking ORS, seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can be a serious condition that requires medical treatment, especially in young children and older adults.

Benefits of taking ORS on an empty stomach


  • Faster absorption: When the stomach is empty, ORS can be absorbed more quickly and efficiently into the bloodstream, leading to faster rehydration.
  • Prevents further dehydration: In cases of severe dehydration, it is important to start rehydration as soon as possible. Taking ORS on an empty stomach can help to prevent further dehydration while waiting for the stomach to empty.
  • Convenient: Taking ORS on an empty stomach is convenient and easy, especially if you are unable to eat due to nausea or vomiting.
  • Cost-effective: ORS is an affordable and accessible treatment for dehydration, making it a practical option for people in low-income countries.

Risks of taking ORS on an empty stomach


  • Nausea and vomiting: Taking ORS on an empty stomach can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort in some individuals. This is because the solution is more concentrated and can irritate the lining of the stomach.
  • Hypoglycemia: ORS contains sugar, which can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels when consumed on an empty stomach. This can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some individuals.
  • Diarrhea: In rare cases, ORS can cause diarrhea, especially if it is consumed in large amounts or too quickly.

Tips for taking ORS on an empty stomach


  • Start with small sips: If you are taking ORS on an empty stomach, start with small sips and gradually increase the amount over time. This will help to prevent nausea and vomiting.
  • Take it slowly: ORS should be consumed slowly over a period of several hours, rather than all at once. This will help to prevent hypoglycemia and diarrhea.

In conclusion, 

ORS is a simple and effective solution that can help treat dehydration caused by a range of illnesses. It is easy to make at home using basic ingredients, making it an essential tool for anyone living in areas without access to healthcare facilities or pharmacies. By knowing how to make ORS at home, you can help yourself or others in need during times of illness or emergencies.

Previous Post
No Comment
Add Comment
comment url