ayiman:

Oral Rehydration Salts.

Initially developed in India during the India-Pakistan War in response to a cholera epidemic among refugees fleeing the war.

ORT salts should be available at any pharmacy, but you can make a reasonable approximation in a pinch.

1 litre of distilled water.  You could alternatively boil water, let it cool and then measure a litre out of that.  

6 level teaspons of sugar.  Refined works best, as it dissolves better

1/2 level teaspoon of salt.

Stir ‘til the salt and sugar dissolves.

Now, the actual science-y recipe calls for minute amounts of citric acid and potassium, so when I make this stuff, I add a few drops of lemon juice and I usually chow down on a banana.  Works wonders.

Far more useful, if you or your children are suffering from diarrhea, it’s best to supplement the delivery of ORT salts with 10 mg (ages 6 and younger) to 20 mg of zinc, but it’s most important to keep hydration levels up and ORT (esp. with citric acid and K) is your best bet.

DIY, baby

Reblogging for reference tomorrow morning.