Updated on - 30 Jan 2026
Dehydration can happen to anyone, whether it’s your child with diarrhoea, an elderly parent with a fever or you after a hot day or intense workout. It can leave you tired, dizzy and weak. Oral Rehydration Therapy, or ORT, helps your body replace lost fluids and salts quickly and safely. The key is Oral Rehydration Solution, a simple mix of salts and glucose recommended by the World Health Organisation.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use it effectively and stay safely hydrated.
Things to know about solutions for oral rehydration
ORS works best when you understand how to use it correctly. It contains sodium, potassium and chloride, which help restore lost electrolytes during dehydration. The glucose in ORS helps your intestines absorb sodium and water more effectively.
ORS is not a medicine and does not treat the illness causing fluid loss; it only addresses dehydration. It is safe for all ages, including infants, children, adults and the elderly, but the dosage should be adjusted based on age and weight.
Pre-formulated ORS packets follow WHO specifications, while homemade solutions require precise measurements. Using clean, boiled or purified water is essential to avoid contamination and further illness. Monitoring the amount and rate of intake helps prevent vomiting or overhydration and ensures effective rehydration.
Importance of oral rehydration in treating dehydration
Dehydration is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide, especially in children with diarrhoea. Losing too much water and electrolytes makes it hard for the body to maintain normal cellular functions, affecting blood pressure, heart rate, kidney function and overall metabolism.
ORS helps prevent electrolyte imbalance, supporting the body’s essential processes during illness.
How to make an oral rehydration solution at home
Whether you are struggling with a stomach infection or coming back from a workout, knowing how to rehydrate with an oral dehydrating solution is vital to getting back to normal.
You do not always have to buy a prepared oral rehydration salt solution. Preparing oral rehydration solutions at home is easy and efficient. Here’s a basic recipe:
- Dissolve 6 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt into one litre of drinking water.
- Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add 1/2 cup of orange juice or mashed banana for potassium and improved taste.
- Surprisingly, this homemade oral rehydration solution can be as effective as the store-bought ones. This is one of the easiest and most affordable methods of combating dehydration within a short period.
Just keep in mind that precise measurement is very important. Excessive intake of sugar can aggravate the condition of diarrhoea, and excessive salt use can be damaging. If you’re unsure of the measurement, the best oral rehydration solution always comes in a pack.
Recommended dosage and usage guidelines for ORS
The correct dose of ORS depends on age, weight and severity of dehydration. Typically, 75 mL per kilogram of body weight is given over four hours. For babies and infants, smaller amounts should be given frequently.
ORS should be continued until dehydration signs improve, such as restored urine output, reduced thirst, improved alertness and increased energy. Ongoing fluid loss from diarrhoea or vomiting should be monitored and intake adjusted accordingly.
Normal feeding should continue alongside ORS. Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding, while older children can resume a normal diet with ORS to support faster recovery and prevent relapse. Consulting a healthcare provider for accurate dosage is always recommended.
Precautions and side effects of oral rehydration solutions
ORS is generally safe when prepared and used correctly, but some precautions are important. Over-concentration with too much sugar or salt can worsen dehydration and may lead to hypernatremia or gastrointestinal issues.
People with medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or heart problems should consult a healthcare professional before using ORS. Prepared ORS should not be stored beyond 24 hours to avoid bacterial contamination.
Mild side effects like bloating, slight nausea or gas may occur but usually resolve quickly.
Role of nutrition and fluids in recovery from dehydration
Proper nutrition and fluid intake are essential to support recovery alongside ORS. Electrolyte balance can be restored with potassium-rich foods such as bananas, yogurt, rice and vegetables. Additional hydration from water, broths and soups helps the body recover more effectively.
Balanced meals provide the energy needed to regain strength and resume normal functions, while nutrient-rich foods support the immune system. Small, frequent meals help stabilise digestion, especially after diarrhoea or vomiting.
For infants, continued breastfeeding ensures both hydration and nutrition. Consistent fluid intake and proper nutrition also help prevent recurring dehydration.
When to seek medical help for severe dehydration
Severe dehydration needs immediate medical attention because ongoing fluid and electrolyte loss can affect the heart, kidneys and brain. Signs such as rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, extreme tiredness, dizziness, confusion, low urine output, persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down require urgent evaluation.
Children, elderly people and those with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable and should not delay seeking help. Health insurance can provide financial support for emergency check-ups, hospital visits, IV therapy, lab tests and monitoring.
Plans like senior citizen health insurance may cover emergency treatment, hydration therapy and related complications.
Conclusion
Oral Rehydration Therapy is a simple, safe and cost-effective way to prevent and treat dehydration. When prepared and used correctly, ORS replenishes fluids and electrolytes, supports recovery and reduces the risk of serious complications. Combining ORS with proper nutrition and timely medical care helps people regain strength quickly.
While using ORS, having a health insurance can provide financial support during unexpected medical emergencies. Take the first step in protecting yourself and your family by filling out the form on this page to get expert insurance advice tailored to your needs.
FAQs
1. Can homemade ORS be as effective as commercial packets?
Yes, homemade ORS can be effective if prepared accurately with the correct proportions of sugar and salt. However, pre-formulated packets are safer and more reliable, especially for infants and elderly patients.
2. How much ORS should be given if diarrhoea or vomiting continues?
ORS intake should match ongoing fluid loss. Small, frequent sips are recommended and monitoring hydration signs like urine output and alertness helps adjust the amount.
3. Can ORS be given alongside food or breast milk?
Yes, ORS should be given alongside normal feeding. Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding, and older children or adults can eat normally to support recovery.
4. Are there any long-term risks of using ORS frequently?
ORS is generally safe with proper use. Long-term or excessive use is rarely needed and should be monitored in individuals with kidney, heart or metabolic conditions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.