<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I don't mean to be cynical, but I'm a little suspicious of the WHO's
recommendation that people avoid homemade electrolyte solutions containing
sugar because sugar requires enzymes to digest.  I believe it is highly
likely that the WHO may be "feathering its nest" by promoting products made
by their major sponsors -- the makers of Pedialyte or other commercially
prepared electrolyte solutions.

Here's why I don't believe a little sugar in 2 liters of water is harmful to
people with mild to moderate diarrhea:
(1) There is still disagreement between various reputable organizations
about what the "best" electrolyte solution is.  Some say no sugar, others
qualify the type of sugar, still others recommend rice solids.  There are
also disagreements about the various amounts of sodium & potassium, etc.
There's no one general consenses amoung the "experts" except that
electrolyte solutions should be offered when diarrhea is present.  So I'm a
little suspicious of an organization that promotes one particular type of
solution or only commercially prepared solutions as the "one & only" best.
(I'm not necessarily saying this is what the WHO is doing, but it does sound
suspicious.)
(2) UNICEF has been teaching people in third world countries how to make
home made electrolyte solutions for decades & it's estimated that these
solutions have saved the lives of well over one million babies.  The UNICEF
solution contains rice flour which does take enzymes to digest, but it's
still saving babies.
(3) Conventional medicine in the US is currently recommending ANY and ALL
clear fluids including koolade, soda pop, apple juice, Gatorade for
diarrhea.  All these beverages are high in sugar.  And very few US babies
are dying from dehydration as they often do in third world countries.  (I
know this is like comparing apples to oranges, but I hope you get the point)
(4) Kaiser's recommended homemade electrolyte solution contains a little
sugar, but they do discourage the consumption of Gatorade & fruit juices
which contain high concentrations of sugar.

So . . . the bottom line is you have some good choices.  There are many
excellent discussions & recommendations on line for management of diarrhea
and many include various recipes electrolyte solutions.

Valerie in Tacoma

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