ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution. It is a glucose-based salt solution that is used to prevent or treat dehydration as a part of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) . ORS contains three main components: clean water that has been boiled or disinfected or from a commercially sealed bottle, electrolytes (also called “salts”), which are chemicals that your body needs to function properly, and carbohydrates, usually in the form of sugar. ORS is used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhea, a common illness in travelers. It is essential to drink extra fluids as soon as diarrhea starts, and most healthy adults with uncomplicated travelers’ diarrhea can stay hydrated without ORS by drinking purified water, clear soups, or diluted juices or sports drinks. However, dehydration from diarrhea is more of a concern in children, those with underlying medical conditions, and the elderly, and ORS should be considered for these individuals. Homemade versions of ORS are not recommended to treat dehydration, and commercially-available oral rehydration salts should be used instead.