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Published on: 8/18/2026

How can I make a homemade electrolyte drink to help with diarrhea?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

How to Make a Homemade Electrolyte Drink for Diarrhea

To make a homemade electrolyte drink (oral rehydration solution) for diarrhea, mix the following in 1 liter of clean, safe drinking water:

  • 6 level teaspoons of sugar
  • ½ level teaspoon of salt

Stir until fully dissolved and sip slowly throughout the day to replace fluids and minerals lost through diarrhea. This simple mixture, recommended by the World Health Organization, helps prevent dehydration by restoring the body's balance of water, sodium, and glucose.

When to Seek Help: Diarrhea can have many causes—from mild infections to conditions requiring medical attention. If your symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, worsen, or come with fever, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration, don't guess what's wrong. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand possible causes and get clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes and could help you decide whether home care is enough or if it's time to see a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

When someone has diarrhea, it is important to keep the body hydrated. A homemade electrolyte drink can be made using simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • Clean water
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Steps to Make the Drink:

  1. Mix Ingredients:
  • Take 1 liter of clean water.
  • Add 6 teaspoons of sugar.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  1. Stir Well: Make sure to stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

This drink helps replace the fluids and salts lost during diarrhea. It is important to use clean water and the correct amounts of sugar and salt to ensure the drink is effective. This simple solution can help keep the body hydrated and support recovery during episodes of diarrhea. If symptoms persist or worsen, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your condition and when to seek medical care.

(References)

  • Lukmanji Z. (1988). Formulae of sugar-salt solutions recommended for .... Annals of tropical paediatrics, 2456720.

  • Dibley M, Phillips F, Mahoney TJ, & Berry RJ. (1984). Oral rehydration fluids used in the treatment of diarrhoea. .... The Medical journal of Australia, 6700490.

  • Leung AK, & Robson WL. (1989). Acute diarrhea in children. What to do and what not to do. Postgraduate medicine, 2685791.

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