Curing hangovers with science.

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