Hydrating and rehydrating when you have gastroenteritis

If you cannot get a commercial rehydration solution, you can prepare a solution yourself. Mix the following ingredients:

• 360 ml (12 oz) of unsweetened ready-to-drink orange juice
• 600 ml (20 oz) of boiled water that has been chilled
• 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) of salt

You must use the exact quantities specified to avoid making your condition worse.

How much rehydration solution should you drink at home?

Adults who do not show signs of dehydration should take small, frequent sips of rehydration solution and increase the amount as tolerated in case of vomiting. An adult with diarrhea should drink between 100 and 240 ml of solution after each bowel movement.

Call Info-Santé 811 to find out how much solution you should drink and when you should drink it if you:

• Are diabetic
• Show signs of dehydration
• Have a health problem that requires you to limit the amount of fluids you drink

A nurse will tell you exactly what you need to do based on your condition.

Also see the Foods to eat when you have gastroenteritis page to find out which food to eat when you have gastroenteritis.