Discover the top 10 home remedies to prevent and treat dehydration naturally. From buttermilk to coconut water, these natural solutions can help you rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes.

Buttermilk: A Nutrient-Rich Dehydration Remedy

Buttermilk is a fantastic natural remedy for dehydration. Rich in magnesium and potassium, the minerals lost during dehydration, buttermilk helps replenish your body’s essential nutrients. To make a buttermilk dehydration remedy, simply mix 1 cup of fresh buttermilk with 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger powder and a pinch of black salt. Drink 3-4 cups of this concoction daily to combat dehydration. Buttermilk is not only effective but also nutritious, making it a great choice for babies over 6 months old.

The Potassium-Packed Power of Bananas

Dehydration causes the body to lose crucial minerals like potassium. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, making them a natural remedy for replenishing this lost nutrient. Consume a banana before engaging in any strenuous physical activity, or eat one or two bananas per day to help combat dehydration. It’s important to note that bananas should not be given to infants under 6 months of age.

Coconut Water: Nature’s Electrolyte Replenisher

When the body becomes dehydrated, it loses substantial amounts of sodium and potassium. Coconut water is loaded with these essential electrolytes, making it a fantastic natural solution for rehydrating and replenishing lost nutrients. Sip on coconut water 4-5 times a day for best results. Coconut water is also safe for babies over 6 months old.

Barley Water: A Nutrient-Dense Dehydration Fighter

Barley water is a great way to help your body restore lost nutrients, as it is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. To make barley water, boil 1/2 cup of barley in 2 cups of water for 30-40 minutes. Once cooled, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey to taste. Drink this concoction 3-4 times a day for optimal results. Barley water can be introduced to babies over 6 months old.

Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

One of the best ways to make up for lost fluids during dehydration is by drinking a homemade oral rehydration solution (ORS). To make ORS, simply mix 2 cups of water with 3 teaspoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Drink this solution until your symptoms subside, up to 3 liters per day. ORS is safe for infants over 6 months of age.

Cranberry Juice: A Hydrating and Nutrient-Rich Remedy

Cranberries are high in water content and also contain a suitable amount of sugar and salt, which the body loses during dehydration. Drinking fresh cranberry juice can help you feel better and replenish lost nutrients. Consume cranberry juice once or twice a day as a natural dehydration remedy.

Lemon Water: Electrolyte-Boosting Hydration

Lemons are rich in sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are all essential electrolytes lost during dehydration. To make a lemon water remedy, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 glass of water and, optionally, 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink this lemon water 2-3 times a day to help rehydrate and replenish lost electrolytes. Lemon water should not be given to babies under 6 months old.

Yogurt: Electrolyte-Replenishing Dehydration Fighter

When the body is dehydrated, it loses essential electrolytes, and yogurt can help compensate for this loss. To make a yogurt-based dehydration remedy, mix 1 cup of homemade yogurt with a pinch of black pepper and salt to taste. Consume this mixture 2-3 times a day. It’s important to note that dairy products should not be given to babies before 6 months of age.

Orange Juice: A Hydrating and Nourishing Solution

Orange juice is an excellent natural remedy for dehydration. Not only does it help replenish lost electrolytes, but it also provides a good dose of magnesium and potassium, which are essential minerals lost during dehydration. Drink a glass of freshly squeezed, unsweetened orange juice to help rehydrate and nourish your body.

The Power of Home Remedies for Dehydration

Dehydration can be a serious condition, but with the right natural remedies, you can prevent and treat it effectively. From buttermilk and bananas to coconut water and homemade ORS, these 10 home remedies offer a range of nutrient-rich solutions to rehydrate your body and replenish lost electrolytes. Remember to introduce these remedies to infants only after 6 months of age, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

10 Home Remedies to Prevent and Treat Dehydration

Last Updated on April 3, 2020

Water is one of the quintessential components of our body, and we cannot survive without it. Hence, any deficiency of this life force may lead to dangerous results. From trivial to severe, many kinds of health complications may arise because of a lack of water or dehydration. However, there are various natural remedies that help you compensate for the water loss or dehydration. The following article talks about some of the best home remedial measures for dehydration; have a look to know some of the best home remedies in detail!

Ways to Treat Dehydration Naturally with Home Remedies

Before dehydration turns into a medical emergency, it is vital that you look for ways to treat it. Looking for some natural ways of doing so? Here are some natural remedies for dehydration for you:

1.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is not only great for quenching your thirst, but it is also great for battling dehydration. Buttermilk is rich in magnesium and potassium, the minerals that your body loses during dehydration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh buttermilk
• ½ teaspoon dry ginger powder
• Black salt to taste

What You Should Do:

Mix all the above ingredients well. Drink this to hydrate your body. Take 3 to 4 cups a day to combat dehydration. Buttermilk is not only a great way to overcome dehydration, but it is also very nutritious and can be given to babies over six months of age.

2. Bananas

Dehydration makes you lose essential minerals such as potassium from your body. Bananas are rich in potassium. Thus, they help in replenishing the lost potassium from the body.

Ingredients:

What You Should Do:

Consume a banana before indulging in any strenuous physical activity. Banana can be consumed once or twice in a day. It is not recommended to give bananas to a baby who is less than six months of age. It is one of the best home remedies for dehydration in infants.

3. Coconut Water

When your body gets dehydrated, it loses substantial amounts of sodium and potassium. Coconut water is loaded with these nutrients and helps compensate for the loss.

Ingredients:

• One glass of fresh coconut water

What You Should Do:

Sipping coconut water throughout the day helps in energising the body. For best results, drink coconut water 4 to 5 times a day. If your baby is over six months, coconut water can be given.

4. Barley Water

Barley water is a great way to help your body restore its lost nutrients because it is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. If you are thinking about how to treat dehydration in the elderly, well, barley water may help a great deal.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup barley
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Honey to taste

What You Should Do:

Boil barley in water. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. After the concoction cools down, add honey and lemon juice. Drink this water 3-4 times a day for best results. Introduce barley water after your baby is six months of age.

5. Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

ORS is one of the best ways to make up for the lost fluids from the body.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

What You Should Do:

Take water and add sugar and salt. Mix well. Drink this solution until the symptoms subside. You can consume up to 3 litres of ORS in a day. ORS is safe for infants over six months of age.

6. Cranberry Juice

Cranberries have high water content, and these small berries also contain an apt amount of sugar and salt, which the body loses when you become dehydrated.

Ingredients:

What You Should Do:

Drink fresh cranberry juice to feel better. You can drink cranberry juice once or twice a day.

7. Lemon Water

Lemons have ample amounts of sodium, potassium and magnesium. Drinking lemon water helps you replenish these lost nutrients and makes you feel better.

Ingredients:

• 1 glass water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

What You Should Do:

In a glass of water, mix lemon and honey. Drink lemon water two to three times a day. Lemon water should not be given to babies till they are at least six months old.

8. Yoghurt

When your body battles dehydration, it loses essential electrolytes and yoghurt helps in compensating that loss.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup homemade yoghurt
• A pinch of black pepper
• Salt to taste

What You Should Do:

Add salt and pepper to the yoghurt and mix well. Consume this two to three times a day. Dairy products should not be given to babies before six months of age.

9. Orange Juice

Orange juice works wonders in treating dehydration because it not only helps in replenishing the lost electrolytes but also nourishes the body with a good dose of magnesium and potassium.

Ingredients:

• One or glass fresh orange juice (unsweetened)

What You Should Do:

Drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice before any strenuous physical activity. You can consume one or two glasses of orange juice in a day. For children less than six years, half a cup of orange juice should be given in a day.

10. Apple Juice

Apple juice is excellent for combating dehydration because it has high amounts of magnesium and also has substantial amounts of potassium.

Ingredients:

What You Should Do:

Blend apple and water to make juice. Drink this juice two times a day. Apples should be avoided until your infant turns six months.

Additional Tips to Prevent and Cure Dehydration

Dehydration should not be taken lightly as it may sometimes lead to fatal health complications. Therefore, if you take note of the following tips, it may help in preventing and curing dehydration:

1. Include More Water-Rich Foods

Including foods that contain high amounts of water such as cucumbers, water-melons, yoghurt, buttermilk etc. work great for keeping dehydration at bay.

2. Avoid Alcohol

Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol dehydrates the body. It is best to refrain from drinking alcohol as it may worsen the symptoms of dehydration.

3. Drink Ample Amounts of Water and Other Liquids

If you are planning on doing any strenuous activity or workout, make sure you drink ample amounts of fluids to keep up with your body’s increased demand for fluids.

4. Making Lifestyle Changes

If you are very active or like indulging in strenuous workouts, you should make a few changes that can help you stay hydrated. Carry an energy drink with you or drink something refreshing such as coconut water before or after the workout.

5. Keep Water Handy

Do not confine water bottles to your kitchen or refrigerator only. Instead, place them at various places in your house like your bedroom or study room etc., so that you have easy access to water. When a bottle of water is in front of you, you will have it too.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about dehydration:

1. What Are the Best Drinks to Treat Dehydration Besides Water?

There are many options that you can consider to overcome dehydration. Some of the most preferred options apart from water are watermelon juice, lemon water, buttermilk, ORS etc.

2. How Much Water Should I Drink a Day in Hot Weather?

Ideally, you should consume 3 to 4 litres of water or other fluids in a day. However, if you stay in hot climatic conditions or outdoors for extended periods on a hot summer day, on an average, you should drink one to two glasses of water every hour.

3. Can I Get Dehydrated in Cold Weather?

Yes, you may get dehydrated in cold weather because your thirst decreases. You may urinate more than usual because cold weather tends to move your body’s fluids from your legs and arms to your core. Together both these conditions can put you at the threshold of becoming dehydrated. Therefore, it is equally important to drink water and keep yourself hydrated during winters.

Dehydration can be easily managed if you act promptly. However, if any severe or unusual symptoms are monitored, seek medical help.

Also Read:

Kidney Stones in Children
How to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels- 10 Lifestyle Changes You Should Make Now
10 Effective Home Remedies for Burping

15 Home Remedies To Treat Dehydration

Does your thirst feel never-ending? Do you feel unsatisfied even after having multiple glasses of water? If you answered yes to these questions, there is a high chance that you are dehydrated. When your body loses more water than it takes in, it may lead to dehydration (1). ). Although dehydration is quite common among all age groups, it may have more hazardous consequences for children and older adults. However, your worries can take a back seat because some of the best home remedies to combat dehydration are listed here. Read on to find more about the causes of dehydration, its symptoms, side effects, and remedies to treat it.

In This Article

What Is Dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when your body is unable to retain fluids and electrolytes. When there is a reduction in the water content of the body, the salt-sugar balance goes haywire, which affects the functioning of the body. There are many factors that cause dehydration. Let’s take a look at them below.

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Causes Of Dehydration

Dehydration may be the result of a minor underlying issue, such as a rigorous workout session or decreased water intake. Some other causes of dehydration are as follows:

• Diarrhea Or Vomiting: Both diarrhea and vomiting lead to excessive loss of water from your body, and this can cause dehydration.
• Fever: Running a high fever increases your chance of becoming dehydrated.
• Frequent Urination: Frequent urination following a disease like diabetes or intake of certain diuretic medications also has the potential to result in dehydration.
• Sweating In Excess: If your body loses a lot of fluids after an intense workout, you are at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated.
• Age: Older people and infants are at higher risk of becoming dehydrated.
• Chronic Illnesses: Individuals suffering from chronic diseases, such as diabetes and kidney diseases, are also at higher risk of becoming dehydrated.
• Weather: Extremely hot or cold weather has the potential to cause excessive water loss in your body, leading to dehydration.

Let us now look at the common signs and symptoms of dehydration in adults and infants.

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Signs And Symptoms Of Dehydration

 In Adults

Dehydration can have mild to severe impact on the affected individuals. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dehydration in adults include:

• A dry and sticky tongue
• Excessive thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dizziness
• Urine becomes dark
• Fatigue

In Children

The signs and symptoms of dehydration in children may vary from that of adults. The common symptoms of dehydration in children and infants are as follows:

• A dry mouth (2)
• Eyes and cheeks appear sunken
• Increased sleep and lack of energy
• Increased tiredness
• Dry diapers for more than 3 hours
• Absence of tears while crying

Dehydration could be a major concern when it affects children and must be attended to immediately. Let’s now look at some side effects that are often associated with dehydration.

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Side Effects Of Dehydration

Dehydration may also cause some unusual side effects like

• Bad breath
• Frequent chills
• Cravings for sweets
• Cramps in the muscles
• Headaches
• Dry skin

Dehydration can turn serious when left untreated and may also lead to a medical emergency. It is, hence, of utmost importance to treat the condition as soon as you observe its onset. You can do so by following the simple and natural remedies mentioned below.

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How To Treat Dehydration Naturally

1. Bananas
2. Buttermilk
3. Barley Water
4. Soups
5. Coconut Water
6. Essential Oils
7. Homemade ORS
8. Pickle Juice
9. Cranberry Juice
10. Apple Juice
11. Orange Juice
12. Lemon Water
13. Salt
14. Yogurt
15. Epsom Salt Bath

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Best Home Remedies For Dehydration

1. Bananas

You Will Need

1-2 bananas

What You Have To Do

Have a banana before indulging in any intensive physical activity.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice daily.

How This Works

Dehydration causes a deficiency of potassium in your body. Bananas have high potassium content and can help replenish its levels and combat dehydration (3).

Caution

Bananas can be included in your infant’s diet only if he/she is more than 6 months old.

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2. Buttermilk

You Will Need

• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon of dry ginger

What You Have To Do

1. Mix dry ginger in a cup of buttermilk.
2. Consume this refreshing drink.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink buttermilk at least 3 to 4 times a day to combat dehydration.

How This Works

Buttermilk is a natural probiotic. It is rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium that are often depleted when you sweat excessively and become dehydrated (4).

Note: Buttermilk is not only safe but also beneficial for your infant’s overall health.

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3. Barley Water

You Will Need

• 1 cup of barley
• 3 to 4 cups of water
• 1/2 lemon
• Honey

What You Have To Do

1. Add a cup of barley to water and bring to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Simmer for 40 to 50 minutes.
3. Let the barley infusion cool.
4. Strain the barley water and add lemon and honey for flavor.
5. Drink this infusion at regular intervals throughout the day.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 to 4 times a day.

How This Works

Barley water is an extremely healthy drink. It is loaded with many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help to restore the fluids lost by dehydration and keep you hydrated (5), (6).

Caution

Wait for your little one to turn at least 6 months before introducing barley to his/her diet.

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4. Soups

Soups are good sources of nutrients that can help in dealing with dehydration and its symptoms. The high content of minerals like potassium in soups makes them an ideal option to restore the lost nutrients in your body. For best results, consume soups before a rigorous workout session to help you stay hydrated. They can be used to treat dehydration in babies once they turn 6 months old.

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5. Coconut Water

You Will Need

1 glass of young coconut water

What You Have To Do

Drink young coconut water throughout the day.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink coconut water 4 to 5 times daily for best results.

How This Works

Coconut water is high in sodium and potassium, the levels of which are often depleted when you are dehydrated. This makes it one of the best options to treat dehydration naturally (7), (8).

Caution

Give coconut water to your baby only once he/she completes 6 months.

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6. Essential Oils

a. Lemon Essential Oil

You Will Need

• 1 to 2 drops of lemon essential oil
• 1 glass of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a glass of water.
2. Drink this solution.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink the lemon-flavored drink once daily.

How This Works

Lemon essential oil has antioxidant and cleansing properties and is great to keep you hydrated and healthy (9).

b. Wild Orange Essential Oil

You Will Need

• 1 to 2 drops of wild orange essential oil
• 1 glass of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a couple of drops of wild orange essential oil to a glass of water and mix well.
2. Consume this flavored water throughout the day.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this water at least once daily.

How This Works

Wild orange flavored water is a refreshing antioxidant drink that promotes overall health and enhances the functioning of your immune system. It is a flavorful and healthy way to treat dehydration as compared to unhealthy drinks with high sugar content (10).

c. Peppermint Essential Oil

You Will Need

• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 glass of water

What You Have To Do

Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a glass of water and consume daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

How This Works

Peppermint oil contains potassium and magnesium – the reserves of which are low in dehydrated individuals. This peppermint oil infused water can help replenish the potassium and magnesium levels in your body and treat dehydration (11).

Caution

Infants and children should not be given essential oils internally until they are at least 6-10 years old.

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7. Homemade ORS

You Will Need

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 6 teaspoons of sugar/brown sugar
• 4 cups of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add the salt and sugar to water and mix well until they are completely dissolved.
2. Drink this solution until the symptoms abate.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this multiple times until you have consumed at least 3 liters of this solution in a day.

How This Works

ORS stands for Oral Rehydration Solution. The name itself gives away the use of this remedy, i.e., to treat dehydration. Consuming ORS is one of the best ways to replace the lost fluids in your body. This is because the glucose content of sugar used in ORS helps in increased uptake of sodium and water that are lost due to dehydration (12), (13).

Note: ORS is one of the safest options to treat dehydration in infants. However, it is best to consult a doctor before doing so, especially if your infant is less than 6 months old.

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8. Pickle Juice

You Will Need

1/3 cup of pickle juice

What You Have To Do

Drink pickle juice before or after an intense workout.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

How This Works

Your body tends to lose a lot of potassium and sodium when you sweat excessively, and this leads to dehydration. A study revealed that men who were dehydrated found immediate relief from muscle cramps after consuming pickle juice. Pickle juice is high in sodium and is also known to have some amount of potassium in it. Thus, it is one of the best remedies to treat dehydration as it restores the electrolyte balance in your body (14).

Caution

Do not give pickle juice to your little one.

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9. Cranberry Juice

You Will Need

2 cups of cranberry juice

What You Have To Do

Drink at least 2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this juice twice daily.

How This Works

Cranberry juice has high water content and is one of the best ways to treat dehydration naturally. It also contains essential sugars and salts that are often lost when you are dehydrated (15).

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10. Apple Juice

You Will Need

• 1 apple
• 1/2 glass of water

What You Have To Do

1. Blend an apple with half a glass of water.
2. Drink this juice.

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this juice twice daily.

How This Works

Apples are a rich source of magnesium. They also contain trace amounts of potassium and can, therefore, help in treating dehydration by restoring the lost minerals and electrolytes in your body. According to a study conducted in 2016, diluted apple juice is a more effective option as compared to electrolyte drinks to treat dehydration in children (16), (17).

Caution

You need to wait for your babies to complete at least 6 months before introducing fruit juices and solid foods in their diet.

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11. Orange Juice

You Will Need

1 to 2 glasses of unsweetened orange juice

What You Have To Do

Drink a glass of unsweetened orange juice before or after a strenuous workout.

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this juice once or twice a day.

How This Works

Oranges are rich in a lot of vitamins and minerals. They also have electrolytes such as potassium and little amounts of magnesium present in them. Oranges, therefore, have the potential to keep dehydration at bay by maintaining the electrolyte balance in your body (18).

Caution

Children below 6 years of age should consume just half a cup of orange juice in a day.

[ Read: Top 10 Health Benefits of Orange Juice ]

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12. Lemon Water

You Will Need

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 glass of water
• Honey (optional)

What You Have To Do

1. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water.
2. Add honey for flavor and consume this drink daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink lemon water two to three times a day.

How This Works

Lemon water not only refreshes you but also helps you overcome dehydration by restoring the levels of potassium, sodium, and magnesium in your body (19).

Caution

Wait till your baby is 6 months old before introducing lemon to his/her diet.

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13. Salt

When you are dehydrated, your body ends up losing many significant minerals and electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium. In such a situation, it is recommended to increase the intake of these to balance their amount in your body. Your body has the natural ability to maintain the balance of sodium and water. When you are dehydrated, this balance is disturbed. Thus, increasing the amount of salt in your diet via sports drinks and foods rich in sodium can help your body regain the sodium-water balance. This, in turn, can help combat dehydration (20), (21).

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14. Yogurt

You Will Need

• 1 cup of yogurt
• A pinch of salt

What You Have To Do

1. Add a pinch of salt to a cup of yogurt and mix well.
2. Consume this daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

How This Works

Yogurt is a rich source of electrolytes and can hence combat dehydration by restoring the lost electrolytes in your body (22).

Caution

You can include yogurt in your infant’s diet if he/she is older than 6 months.

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15. Epsom Salt Bath

You Will Need

• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• 1 bucket of water

What You Have To Do

1. Add a cup of Epsom salt to your bath water.
2. Soak and relax in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2 to 3 times a week.

How This Works

The magnesium in Epsom salt can help to combat dehydration and its symptoms when absorbed by your body (23).

Caution

Although an Epsom salt bath is relatively safe for children, it may cause issues if the bath water is swallowed. Infants below the age of 1 should be kept away from this treatment.

[ Read: 12 Best Benefits Of Epsom Salt ]

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Although these remedies can help you in your fight against dehydration, following a few preventive tips and making a couple of lifestyle changes will prove beneficial in treating this condition.

Preventive Tips For Dehydration

• Include plenty of water and hydrating juices like watermelon and strawberry in your diet, especially before and after a rigorous activity.
• Use an electrolyte sports drink if you are planning to workout or exercise for more than an hour.
• Avoid alcohol consumption as it increases dehydration.
• Quit smoking as it can cause dehydration in the long run.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothes if you are working out or exercising outdoors.
• Follow a healthy diet with high water content foods such as cucumbers, yogurt, papaya, and green salads.

Now that you know how to treat dehydration naturally, what are you waiting for? All the remedies mentioned above will help you combat dehydration. However, in serious cases, it is best to consult your doctor immediately. You can go ahead and use these remedies for mild to moderate cases of dehydration and let us know if they worked for you in the comments section below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is milk good for dehydration?

Yes, milk is a very good option to rehydrate you. In fact, a study concluded that milk is better than water and electrolyte drinks to combat dehydration due to its high content of nutrients and electrolytes. But if you are worried about those extra calories, better stick to water.

What are the best drinks to treat dehydration besides water?

Besides water, fruit juices such as watermelon, strawberry, and orange, whole and skimmed milk, sports drinks, as well as coconut water can help in keeping you hydrated.

Which is the best electrolyte drink that can prevent dehydration?

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is one of the best electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration in adults and infants alike.

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Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling. Her passion for writing and her educational background have assisted her substantially in writing quality content on topics related to health and wellness. In her free time, Shaheen loves to explore the world and the different flavors/cuisines it has to offer. Photography is another hobby she has developed of late.

Dr. Bindiya Gandhi is currently the Medical Director at Revive Atlanta MD in Atlanta, GA. She is double boarded by the American Board Family Medicine and the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Physicians. She is also currently working on her Functional Medicine Training with the Institute of Functional Medicine. Dr. Bindiya is also a certified yoga instructor and reiki… more

Why does chronic dehydration occur and how to treat it?

What Can Dehydrate You – Alcohol, Coffee, Tea, or Sports Drinks?

When it comes to ways to rehydrate yourself, you don’t have to worry about a shortage of options. Water is always a great option for rehydrating. Electrolyte-infused beverages and fruit juice without added sugars can help restore nutrients lost while you are exercising or sweating and are ideal options for anyone on the go.

You may have heard that caffeine and alcohol, two elements of many peoples’ days, can cause dehydration. But can caffeine and alcohol dehydrate you? It depends on what and how much you are drinking.

Both caffeine and alcohol are what are known as diuretics. Diuretics are substances that increase the amount of urine your body produces. However, when it comes to dehydration, caffeine and alcohol have very different effects on your body. Let’s take a look.

Alcohol Dehydration

Alcohol is a well-known cause of dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes you to urinate more than usual. On top of that, alcohol causes your body to produce a hormone known as anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) that inhibits your body’s ability to reabsorb water.

That alcohol is a diuretic isn’t the only reason alcohol can dehydrate you. It’s easy to lose track of how much water you are drinking when you’re having fun. Add to that the fact that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to vomiting, which is dehydrating in itself, and you have the perfect recipe for dehydration and a hangover.

The best way to stay hydrated when you’re drinking is to eat (fruits and vegetables in particular contain fluids) and to drink a glass of water between alcoholic beverages. IV hydration therapy is another great way to stay hydrated and prevent a hangover.

Can Tea Dehydrate You?

If you are a tea lover, you may be wondering if tea can dehydrate you. After all, many types of tea contain caffeine, which is a diuretic like alcohol. Unlike alcohol, however, a recent study showed that even drinking nothing but tea for twelve hours did not significantly impact dehydration levels. When consumed in moderation, caffeine, unlike alcohol, does not appear to dehydrate you.

On top of that, tea contains a wide range of health benefits. Most notably, tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that protect against the damage from free radicals that contribute to illness and disease. Tea also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial to individuals who have chronic inflammation.

It’s also important to note that not all types of tea contain caffeine. Non-caffeinated herbal teas (also known as tisane) do not contain caffeine and are not diuretics. These types of teas are just as hydrating as water. Plus, they’re comforting additions to cold days or for soothing sore throats. You can drink as much herbal tea as you’d like!

Is Coffee Dehydrating?

You have no doubt heard that coffee can cause you to become dehydrated. Much like tea, the truth isn’t quite as simple as that. A recent study has shown that, in moderate amounts (3 – 6 cups per day), coffee is no more dehydrating than water. Another study suggests that coffee can serve as a rehydration solution for athletes, though it’s true that coffee may not feel as refreshing as a cold glass of water after an intense workout.

It’s also possible that coffee may have the added benefits of memory enhancement and cognitive support. So, coffee lovers rejoice and drink up – but in moderation! As coffee is a source of caffeine, it can contribute to jitters, restlessness, or insomnia, all of which are factors that coffee lovers should keep in mind when reaching for a late-night cup.

What about Caffeinated Sodas and Energy Drinks?

Some sodas and energy drinks contain caffeine. The common conception is that soda and energy drinks, like caffeine and coffee or tea, can dehydrate you because the amount of caffeine causes your body to expel more fluid than you are taking in. In fact, much like tea and coffee, caffeinated sodas and energy drinks are not dehydrating when consumed in moderate amounts.

12 Proven Rules for Preventing Dehydration

6. Be Sure to Up Your Intake When Exercising

Your body demands more water when you’re exercising at a high intensity or for a long period of time. “Fluid loss through exercise can be really significant in the setting of an endurance athlete,” Lustgarten says, adding that some high-performing athletes can lose up to 10 percent of their body weight through sweat during an athletic event. Keep in mind that this is most important for endurance athletes. “Most of us who get to the gym a few times a week don’t have to be concerned about this,” Lustgarten says. To determine your sweat losses and hydration needs, Williams suggests weighing yourself before and after exercise. “Losing less than 1 percent of your body weight during a workout is optimal,” she says. “For every pound lost, at least 16 fluid ounces [fl oz] of water or an oral electrolyte solution should be consumed to rehydrate.”

7. And Drink More Water When You’re Sick or in Hot Weather

Those of you dealing with severe cases of vomiting and diarrhea are at risk of becoming dehydrated. (1) Hot weather is also a clue that you need to increase your water intake. “If it’s hot outside, it’s always better to have more fluid,” Hashmi says, though he adds, “it’s really hard to have a formula for how much to drink.” It depends on factors like your body mass and how much you sweat.

8. Know if You’re in a High-Risk Group for Dehydration

“Dehydration can affect anybody, no matter how old — or young — they are, even if they’re completely healthy,” Williams says. That said, groups such as infants, children, and the elderly need to be especially careful not to become dehydrated. Williams says that babies and children feel the effects of fluid loss quickly, so it’s important to call a pediatrician as soon as you suspect dehydration.

Older people, on the other hand, may become dehydrated for a few reasons. “As our sense of thirst becomes less keen with age, some may not even realize that they haven’t had enough to drink,” Williams says. Certain medical conditions and medications may dehydrate them, too. (1)

9. Bring in Extra Electrolytes When Needed

Most of the time, drinking plain water is enough to fight off dehydration, Lustgarten says. But certain circumstances call for something more. “For those who are engaging in physical activities that last more than 60 minutes, it might be appropriate to replenish their electrolytes, which is most easily done through a sports drink,” she says. Williams says to drink about 4 to 8 fl oz of a low-carb electrolyte-containing beverage every 15 to 20 minutes when exercising for more than an hour. Just be sure to study the nutritional facts label first because many of these drinks can be packed with calories and sugar, Lustgarten says.

“If someone is going to the gym and really sweating it out, although they might benefit from a sports drink, we also want to be aware of how many calories that person is taking in in a day so they’re not canceling out the hard work they’ve done at the gym,” Lustgarten says. She says that many brands make a low-sugar or calorie-free version, and she advises reaching for those options when possible.

10. Eat Hydrating Foods Throughout the Day

You can also help prevent dehydration by filling your diet with fruits and vegetables that have a high water content. Lustgarten calls out melons, berries, grapes, and lettuce as being particularly hydrating.

Prevent dehydration with these easy home remedies

Dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance in the total amount of water in the body. The condition, though common, occurs when free water loss exceeds free water intake, usually due to exercise, diseases, or high environmental temperature. Dehydration can be harmful to one’s health as it not only affects one’s metabolism, but also the liver, kidneys, and can lead to many other digestive issues.

If you too have been experiencing dehydration, we have some home remedies that will prove to be beneficial, courtesy Preety Tyagi, lead health coach, nutritionist and founder of MY22BMI.

Ensure you drink enough water. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

*Athletes, gym-goers, and growing children, should add a pinch of Himalayan salt and a splash of lemon to their water. This will help to generate the electrolytes in water which are responsible for hydrating the body.

ALSO READ | From Ayurvedic kadhas to herbal meals: Immunity boosters are now serious business

*Adding cucumber or rose water to your bottle of water helps you stay cool and hydrated on hot summer days. Cucumber and rose water are the best cooling agents that can be added to normal drinking water.

*Drinking water that is boiled and cooled down to room temperature is considered the best. Drinking water after finishing a long hot water bath or a swim is a must as the body needs to be rehydrated after these activities.

*Instead of just relying on water for your hydration needs, you can have fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as – cucumbers, radishes, strawberries, watermelon, muskmelon, citrus fruits etc.

ALSO READ | Lockdown diet: Feel sluggish and have digestive troubles? Avoid these foods

*Herbs such as chamomile, licorice (mulethi), tulsi, cumin powder, coriander powder, fennel powder when taken with a glass of lukewarm water help.

*Avoid over consumption of tea, coffee, sweets, fried foods, and alcohol.

*Workout to have a good metabolism. It’s the need of the hour.

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Preventing and treating dehydration in the elderly during periods of illness and warm weather

Objective:

Translate the available knowledge on ageing and dehydration into main messages for clinical practice.

Main points:

Older people are more susceptible to dehydration than younger people. This is partly due to lack of thirst sensation and changes in the water and sodium balance that naturally occur as people age. It is also, to some degree, attributable to the fact that elderly people, both those living at home and those living in institutions, often have various impairments, disabilities and/or handicaps (comorbidity). They also tend to use numerous drugs and medication for these illnesses (polypharmacy). Multimorbidity and polypharmacy often overstress the normal age-related physiological changes in the water and sodium balance and therefore increase elderly people’s risk of dehydration,especially during intercurrent infections or warm weather. Elderly people, whether they are living on their own or in an institution, and especially elderly people that can no longer take care of themselves because of cognitive, sensory, motor and/or ADL impairments, need extra help to stay hydrated. The most important strategy is simply a matter of ensuring that elderly people consume a sufficient amount of fluids (at least 1.7 liters every 24 hours). Additional strategies include making healthy drinks and water easily available and accessible at all times and reminding and encouraging the elderly to consume these fluids. Elderly people should not be encouraged to consume large amounts of fluids at once but rather small amounts throughout the day. When the recommended fluid intake cannot, for whatever reason, be realized, fluids can be administered via catheter or by hypodermoclysis. In more specific and severe cases, fluids can be administered intravenously.

Conclusion:

The prevention, signaling and treatment of dehydration in the elderly is an important multidisciplinary endeavor. Formal and informal care providers need to continuously be aware of the risk factors and signs of dehydration in the elderly, especially during periods of very warm weather and when older people are ill. Standard professional care for high risk patients is imperative.

Dehydration Treatment in College Park, New Carrollton, MD and Falls Church, VA

Read the 8 Must-Know Tips to Stay Hydrated During Summer. Visit Express Healthcare Urgent Care & Walk-in Clinic for Dehydration Treatment in Maryland.

We Have 7 Locations to Serve You in Lanham-Hyattsville, College Park & Berwyn Heights, MD.

Did you know that the human body is mostly water roughly 12 gallons? That’s approximately 50 to 75% of the body’s weight.

According to the American Diabetic Association’s Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, the average adult loses about 10 cups of water daily.

That volume needs to be replenished by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. Water is essential for general health and survival. No one needs a study to accept that conclusion. But what does demand closer scrutiny is the effect that water has on performance, as some theorize that minor dehydration is a natural part of exertion.

You’ve romped outdoors with the kids all day, and your water bottle ran dry long ago. Suddenly you feel dizzy and lightheaded, and your mouth tastes like cotton. You’re dehydrated — meaning you haven’t taken in enough fluids to replace those you’ve been sweating out. People can get dehydrated any time of year, but it’s much more common in the summer months, when they are active outdoors in the warm sun. Heatstroke is the most severe form of dehydration. That’s when your internal temperature rises to dangerously high levels. Your skin gets hot, but you stop sweating. Someone with heatstroke may pass out, have hallucinations, or suffer seizures.

One dilemma with dehydration, particularly in the summer, is separating dehydration from heat stress. Athletes and general population exercisers have been implored to consume copious amounts of water, lest they reach a dehydrated state. However, it is also possible that heat causes the brain to enter somewhat of a “safe mode” to prevent overheating and this may be mistakenly attributed to a loss of water.

People with diabetes can face further challenges in maintaining an adequate level of hydration in hot weather, since diabetes can lead to an increase in the body’s excretion of urine when blood glucose levels are elevated. Prevention of dehydration is essential for everyone during the hot summer months, especially when spending time outdoors. Staying well-hydrated can help prevent fluctuations in blood glucose levels as well as heat-related complications such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Drinking plenty of water may be all that is needed to offset the mild dehydration that occurs when you’re outside in the summer heat.

Tips for Staying Hydrated

• Keeping track of how much water and water-based beverages you consume: count any frozen juice bars or icy treats.
• Fruit juices may be diluted with water for the calorie conscious.
• One of the first signs of dehydration is dry mouth. Carry a bottle of water around with you to take a sip whenever needed.
• Caffeine acts as a diuretic; so caffeinated beverages can cause fluid loss.
• Watch your urine: It should be almost clear and without smell. If it is changing then you are dehydrating.
• Sports drinks can be a good source of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, which help keep the body electrically balanced.
• Stop if you get the dizzies. Feeling lightheaded during a workout is a sign of dehydration and a signal to tone it down a notch, feeling dizzy is an indicator that it’s time to hydrate.
• Avoid alcohol the day before or the day of a long exercise bout, and avoid exercising with a hangover.

Staying off of direct sun could also help to avoid heat stroke and sunburn. It might be important for some to be in large shopping mall areas where conditioning is available and access to water is easy.

Children and adults who are severely dehydrated should be treated urgently. At Express Urgent Care Clinics, we provide treatment for dehydration cases. Where patients can receive salts and fluids through a vein (intravenously) rather than by mouth. Intravenous hydration provides the body with water and essential nutrients much more quickly than oral solutions do — something that’s essential in life-threatening situations.

Additional Services You May Need

90,000 Dehydration – Medical Center “Liko-Med”

Publication date
3 October 2018

What is it?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it needs. Natural daily water loss occurs in urine, sweat and even breathing. Replenishment of lost fluid is carried out at the expense of water coming from food and drink. Dehydration becomes a problem when the loss is excessive, such as through vomiting or diarrhea, and the body is not getting enough fluid to replenish it.Dehydration can also occur from excessive sweating, such as when working on a hot day without access to water. Lack of fluid can cause low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. The greater the fluid deficit, the higher the risk of serious complications. Dehydration can lead to problems such as kidney failure, confusion, coma, or shock.

What to expect?

The body’s need for fluid is 2 – 3 liters per day.Insufficient intake or increased need due to illness or physical activity can cause mild dehydration. You can get rid of such a problem by drinking water or other drinks, sucking on ice cubes or fruit ice (ice cream). Severe loss and lack of replacement may require the use of intravenous fluids.

Prevalence

Dehydration is common even in hospital settings. Children and people over 60 are most vulnerable to dehydration.

Treatment

Treatment for dehydration depends on the person’s age and the severity of the problem. First aid for dehydration is to replenish fluid losses. With mild to moderate dehydration, a simple increase in the volume of fluid you drink may be sufficient. In a severe case, intravenous fluids may be required. If dehydration is the result of an illness, your doctor will treat the underlying condition or adjust your medication to control symptoms and reduce fluid loss.

What can you do yourself?

If the degree of dehydration is mild, it is enough to drink water or sports drinks, suck on pieces of ice. Medication to control diarrhea, vomiting, or fever can help slow fluid loss due to illness.

How is it aggravated?

Work, high ambient temperatures, lack of water, caffeine, alcohol and diuretics exacerbate the severity of dehydration.

When to see a doctor?

It is necessary to contact a doctor if:

• vomiting lasting more than 24 hours or diarrhea lasting more than 2 days;
• excessive urination;
• a small amount of urine or no urination for more than 8 hours;
• other symptoms of dehydration or the inability to replace fluid losses;
• weaknesses;
• fever above 38.5 degrees.

Severe dehydration is life-threatening. It is necessary to call an ambulance in case of:

• fever above 39.5 degrees;
• confusion, drowsiness, headaches;
• convulsions or loss of consciousness;
• chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath;
• No urination within the past 12 hours.

What to ask your doctor?

• How serious is dehydration?
• Is IV fluid required?
• What caused the dehydration?
• What can be done to prevent dehydration?

Making a Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose dehydration based on signs such as low blood pressure, almost no urination, sunken eyes, and lack of skin elasticity. Some tests, such as blood or urine tests, may be required. The doctor can also assess a person’s mental state to assess the severity of the problem.

Risk factors

• Diseases accompanied by fever.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Physical exercise.
• Thermal shock or overheating.
• Inability to drink liquids for any reason.

Why breastfeeding propaganda is dangerous

• Claire Wilson
• BBC Future

May 12, 2017

Photo author, iStock

Breastfeeding undoubtedly has many advantages.However, there are potential dangers in the pressure women are sometimes exerted on women through all kinds of breastfeeding campaigns, including government sponsored ones. BBC Future columnist explains why mothers should have free choice.

When Susanne Barston from Chicago was expecting the birth of her first child, she was determined to do the right thing – in particular, breastfeed her son.

“I even took breastfeeding preparation courses,” the woman says.

But after a few days it became clear that the baby was not breastfeeding properly, and Suzanne had to express milk and bottle feed the baby.

This procedure took several hours every day, leaving the woman practically no time for herself. Mental and physical exhaustion led to postpartum depression.

Suzanne’s son also did not feel well, he had skin rashes and diarrhea with blood.

The doctor said that it could be caused by an allergic reaction of the body to some foods in the mother’s diet and suggested trying a hypoallergenic formula.

Literally two days later, the baby’s digestion improved, and all unpleasant symptoms disappeared.

It’s good that it ended that way, but remembering his suffering, Barston is outraged. Why put such pressure on mothers? In her opinion, “the role of breastfeeding is greatly exaggerated. ”

Exaggerated? Sounds pretty weird. “Breastfeeding is the best option for a baby,” advise WHO, UNICEF and many other respected healthcare organizations in one voice.

They note that in the first six months of life, babies should receive exclusively breast milk, since this has huge advantages – both for the health of mothers and their newborns.

Breast milk is considered so beneficial that women are encouraged to breastfeed until their baby is one or even two years old.

Recently, however, the thesis “breastfeeding at any cost” has been increasingly questioned.

Community activists, doctors and scientists argue that if the breastfeeding process is not easy for a woman, it can have negative consequences.

In addition, some women are physically unable to produce enough milk.

Failure to pay attention to the state of health of such a child in time can lead to dehydration of his body, sometimes even with the risk of brain damage.

The main question is not “breast or formula”, but whether the child is receiving adequate nutrition, advocates of freedom of choice argue.

“We are being told a lot about the benefits of breastfeeding – great, but also talk about the risks and let women make their own choices,” says Amy Thater, a former US midwife and author of Push Back, in which she harshly criticized the movement for a natural approach to motherhood.

What do the facts testify to? What do the research findings say?

Photo Credit, Getty Images

Photo Caption,

Before the benefits of breastfeeding became apparent, doctors and nurses promoted formula milk

The official attitude towards breastfeeding today is very different from what it was in the past. When formula became popular in the first half of the 20th century, formula makers advertised their products, claiming that formula was better than breast milk.

Medical workers discouraged women from breastfeeding, considering it old-fashioned or the lot of the lower class.

Now this seems at least strange, because we know that breast milk contains a huge amount of useful substances, in particular, antibodies to many bacteria.

In addition, the composition of milk changes from day to day, meeting the needs of the child’s body in various microelements. Even during one feeding, the baby first gets watery milk that quenches his thirst.

There is another problem highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding. The mixture is usually available in the form of a powder that must be diluted with water, and in poor countries there is sometimes no access to clean drinking water or the ability to boil it.

Therefore, due to living conditions, women cannot use the product correctly. They have to use water of questionable purity or pour the mixture into unsterilized bottles.

By the early 1970s, suspicions began to arise among the public around the world that manufacturers of dry formula for feeding babies were deliberately distorting the facts by vigorously promoting their products in the Third World and convincing mothers that artificial feeding was preferable to natural feeding.

Powdered formula activists argued that artificial baby food contributes to child suffering and even sudden death – especially in poor families.

As a result, this led to a boycott of the products of one of the largest manufacturers of baby food – Nestle.

Today in many countries (including Britain – Rev. ) advertising of breast milk substitutes is prohibited, and medical staff strongly recommends breastfeeding to parents.

At some point, Barston felt: she was being judged for not breastfeeding. She then started a blog called Fearless Formula Feeder to support other women in similar situations.

In the comments to the blog, women described how they suffered from postpartum depression due to the pressure they were subjected to.

Photo by, iStock

Photo caption,

Not all mothers have enough breast milk after giving birth.

Of course, many people enjoy breastfeeding.However, there are women for whom this process turns into real torment. And this only exacerbates the already existing difficulties of young parents, such as lack of time for themselves and lack of sleep.

In theory, the husband can help his wife to bottle-feed the baby with expressed breast milk, but, firstly, not all women can express milk, and secondly, some babies decisively refuse the bottle. And then the burden of feeding completely falls on the mother.

“Exhaustion is bad for your mental health,” says Barston.“I’ve heard a lot of horror stories. Some women were just on the verge of suicide. ”

And there are women who are simply physically unable to fully feed their baby with their milk.

Women are usually told that this happens rarely. For example, the website of the UK National Health Service notes that“ almost all women are capable of producing milk. ”

However, a study by Marianne Neifert of St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver shows that in reality one in seven women does not have enough milk to fully feed a baby.

Even in women with good lactation, milk begins to be produced only a few days after giving birth. And in these early days, the baby may develop dehydration or jaundice – as a side effect of a lack of milk.

Sasha Howard, a pediatrician at Barts Health in London, has observed many cases of dehydration in exclusively breastfed babies.

“They had to be supplemented with a mixture from a bottle or nasogastric tube. And some were even given IVs,” she notes.

In some, albeit rare, cases, dehydration can lead to brain damage and death.

Ten years ago, if problems arose during breastfeeding, the medical staff suggested using formula.

However, hospitals in many countries are now following UNICEF guidelines and actively encouraging breastfeeding. In the postnatal wards of these hospitals, formula is stored in closets under lock and key, just like, for example, prescription morphine.

Photo by, iStock

Photo caption,

Mothers may feel guilty about bottle feeding their baby rather than naturally …

“Of course, no one harasses mothers or makes them feel guilty “says Trish McEnroe, executive director of the US Baby-Friendly Program.

She notes that earlier doctors, regardless of the mother’s wishes, took the baby from her immediately after birth and gave him a bottle.The goal of the program is to end this practice that has interfered with the natural feeding process of newborns.

If a baby is artificially fed, he suckles less often, and the woman’s milk supply decreases, and the baby is deprived of many nutrients, McEnroe says. But numerous studies have proven that breastfeeding protects the baby from infectious diseases and allergies, and also increases the intelligence quotient.

True, this argument has weaknesses.First, formula supplementation has not been proven to interfere with breastfeeding. Milk will not disappear if mixture is given once or twice a day.

Many women have successfully combined breastfeeding and formula feeding for many months. “For some, this is the best option,” McEnroe admits.

Second, it is unclear if the benefits of breastfeeding are really that significant. There are doubts about the reliability of the results obtained in the study of this problem.

Since breastfeeding is a very personal matter, scientists cannot divide the subjects into groups and force them to feed their babies only in any particular way.

Therefore, the only way is to observe the feeding process and subsequently evaluate the results.

Such studies do show a link between breastfeeding and good health, but this has not yet been proven.

We can certainly say that running shoes improve fitness.Yes, there is some connection, but there is also the main factor – regular training.

In terms of breastfeeding, income and education can be such an important factor. Today, breastfeeding is more common in high-income families, both because they adhere more to the recommendations of doctors, and because mothers can afford to go on extended maternity leave.

In addition, wealthy people are healthier for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with breastfeeding: for example, they smoke less and drink less alcohol.

Therefore, it is not surprising that breastfeeding babies grow up healthier. It’s just a sign of the middle class.

For example, in one American study, scientists observed families in which one child was breastfed and his brother or sister was fed formula.

Researchers have not been able to prove that breastfeeding gave a child a significant advantage over the “artificial”.

However, in certain situations there are still advantages.Breast milk promotes healthy microflora in the gut of a premature baby and also reduces the risk of developing severe infections such as sepsis.

Photo by, iStock

Caption,

Breast milk reduces the risk of severe infections

Breastfeeding reduces the risk of infections in the first year of life and in developed countries. These data are confirmed by objective research.

Breastfed babies are less likely to get sick with respiratory viral infections and suffer from diarrhea.

However, this effect disappears as soon as breastfeeding is stopped, and therefore the long-term health benefits that breastfeeding advocates are actively discussing are unlikely to exist.

“If you ask any kindergarten teacher to guess which of the children in their group was breastfed and which was formula-fed, they won’t be able to answer,” Barston emphasizes.

Someone might say that since we know about certain benefits of breast milk, there is nothing wrong with exaggerating them a little – for the sake of advertising of natural feeding.

However, this approach casts doubt on the ability of every woman to independently make the right decision for herself. Medicine should not be paternalistic, let alone coercive.

No one has the right to misinform people when they make such a difficult and personal decision. Only a woman herself can weigh the pros and cons, knowing how such a choice will affect her mental and physical health or the financial situation of her family (if she is in a hurry to go to work after the birth of a child).

After all, if a woman works full time, even from home, it is very difficult to exclusively breastfeed a baby.

Countless brochures and posters emphasize that breastfeeding is free, but this is only true if the mother can afford to take parental leave.

In the United States, for example, women take this leave for an average of 10 weeks, and almost a third go to work almost immediately after giving birth.

The current promotion of breastfeeding undoubtedly has its advantages.There are more opportunities to help women with lactation problems. There is a lot of talk in society about the fact that no one should condemn a woman for breastfeeding in public.

However, activists like Suzanne Barston want women to be free in their choices and not be judged by their choice.

To read the original of this article in English you can visit the website BBC Future .

What kind of water you need to drink to maintain your health

In this article you will find information on how balanced drinking water can strengthen your health and improve your psychological well-being.The article is based on a bestseller from renowned physician and publicist Fireydon Batmanghelidj.

World-renowned physician and bestselling author Fireydon Batmanghelidj argues that simple water and salt intake in your daily diet can bring you back to great health and wellness. By giving up expensive medications and learning to recognize the first signs of dehydration, you can get rid of asthma, allergies, hypertension, diabetes, migraines, arthritis, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal and other serious diseases.

Here are just a few quotes from Fireydon Batmanghelidj’s book “Water for Health” showing the importance of water for human health.

“Here is a list of diseases that you can get rid of with the help of water: water prevents blockage of blood vessels; cardiovascular diseases;

• VARIOUS INFECTIONS – water increases the body’s resistance to infections and the emergence of cancer cells;
• DEPRESSION – Water helps the body naturally replenish the neurotransmitter serotonin;
• SLEEP DISORDER – Water is essential for the production of the natural sleep regulator, melatonin;
• LACK OF ENERGY – water generates electrical and magnetic energy in every cell of the body, providing a natural surge of strength;
• BAD HABITS – Water can help relieve addictions to caffeine, alcohol and certain drugs.
• OSTEOPOROSIS – water strengthens the skeletal system;
• LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA – water normalizes the functioning of the hematopoietic systems, which can help prevent many forms of cancer;
• DEFICIENCY OF ATTENTION – A well-hydrated brain receives enough energy to constantly enter new information into its memory bank.»

“Ultimately, dehydration leads to the loss of some functions and causes serious damage to the body. Various signals or symptoms resulting from severe and prolonged dehydration are often mistaken for diseases of unknown origin by doctors. In fact, they indicate a lack of water, which in turn causes local damage to the body. But since doctors do not recognize chronic dehydration as the main cause of such injuries, “diseases” are given a wide variety of names and labels, and their causes are declared unknown.This is the main mistake that distorts the truth in medicine and drives people to despair in need of professional advice and treatment. This is the abyss into which all past research into the causes of certain diseases has fallen. ”

“The human body is about 75 percent water. The brain is believed to be 85 percent water and is extremely susceptible to dehydration. The brain is constantly washed with salty cerebrospinal fluid.

“One of the inevitable features of the process of rationing water is the ruthlessness with which the body disposes of its functions. No structure receives more water than it should. The brain in this case takes absolute priority. ”

“The opinion that tea, coffee, alcohol and artificial drinks can satisfy the body’s needs for pure natural water is an elementary mistake, especially in a situation where the body is under the stress of daily problems.All of these drinks do contain water, but most of them also contain dehydrating agents such as caffeine. They remove water from the body, as well as a certain amount of water from its reserves. When you drink coffee, tea, or even beer, your body is freed from more water than is contained in the drink. By measuring the volume of urine excreted by the body after drinking, you will see that it will exceed the amount consumed. Another way of removing water after drinking hot drinks is through increased sweating in order to cool the body, which is warmed up from the inside.

“The economic laws of the organism and society are exactly the same. The law of supply and demand has unconditional power here and there. Body alarms that indicate a lack of water are very similar to the warning light that comes on when your car runs out of gasoline or oil. Water supplies are rationed and used where needed. Ultimately, the work of all body mechanisms depends on the availability of water. ”

“When the body is just beginning to undergo dehydration, until a certain moment, its functions are not disturbed, because it has a reserve ability to survive.But as the degree of dehydration increases, the body approaches the threshold beyond which the regulatory system can no longer perform certain functions. Depending on the degree of need, each organ begins to give its own alarm signals. ”

“While these signals are symptoms of local thirst and water loss and can be relieved by simply increasing water intake, they are often drowned out by ingestion of potent pharmaceuticals.Since many doctors do not know how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration and do not understand the importance of fluid in the body, they often misdiagnose the problem. Many therapists confuse dehydration with a medical condition and treat symptoms with drugs rather than water. The result: pharmaceutical companies get rich, patients continue to get sick, and doctors shrug their shoulders, unable to cope with the recurring manifestations of painful conditions. ”

“Attempts to drown out various signaling systems for water shortage with the help of drugs immediately affect the state of the body’s cells, including its genetic apparatus.Consequently, chronic dehydration is fraught with irreversible consequences for human offspring. Although the survival of the human body depends entirely on many complex functions supported by water, there is no water storage system like the fat storage system. Dehydration-induced loss of performance and the gradual loss of chemical functions can affect subsequent generations. If the original cause of the disease is dehydration, then the same ineffective sensory systems that made it possible to bring the parent’s body to such a state can then be inherited by his descendants.This is why asthma, allergies and gastritis are very serious diseases that in all cases should be prevented by keeping the body hydrated. Therefore, an extremely important task is to study the importance of water for the body of people of all ages. This is the only way to prevent diseases in individuals and their descendants. ”

“We must learn to recognize the symptoms of dehydration and understand that in such cases, the only cure is plain water. She is the key to our health.”

“On September 20, 1984, Dr. Paddy Phillips and eight of her colleagues published the results of an experiment in the New England Journal of Medicine that showed that older adults were far less capable of detecting thirst than younger adults. When dehydrated, older adults were less likely to show signs of thirst. Even when blood tests clearly indicated a lack of water, and a water source was at hand, some of the subjects did not want to drink at all. Their bodies remained dehydrated.In a November 3, 1984 Lancet editorial discussing the experimental results of Dr. Phillips and her colleagues, other discoveries were mentioned that support the conclusion that the mechanism of thirst gradually begins to work worse and worse in old age. In the November 3, 1985 issue of the same magazine, Dr. Steen, Lundgren and Isaacson reported that in the course of long-term observations, they found a significant loss of water in the body of the elderly – about 3.5 to 6 liters over 10 years.This indicates a large loss of fluid, mainly at the cellular level. ”

The conclusion from the above is this – you need to drink enough water every day to be healthy. The rate of water consumption per day is very simple – 30 milliliters of water for each kilogram of a particular person’s weight. For example, a person weighing 50 kilograms should drink at least 1,500 milliliters (1.5 liters) of water per day, a person weighing 80 kilograms – 2,400 milliliters (2.4 liters) of water, etc.

7 body signals that will surprise you

It is possible to understand the reason for the appearance of some body signals on your own, that is, without contacting a specialist.

In particular, a person can determine for himself that the process of dehydration has started in his body. For example, a water loss of 2% of total body weight leads to a significant decrease in functional and cognitive levels. And with a loss of more than 5%, sweating and the process of blood supply in the skin are significantly reduced.

So, here are seven major signs of dehydration, some of which you might not even have guessed:

Thirst

This is the most obvious signal of a lack of moisture in the body.However, it should be borne in mind that the disappearance of thirst occurs much earlier than the replacement of fluid deficiency. That is why, after quenching your thirst, you should not stop drinking water, you should always have access to liquid.

Changes in the amount and shade of urine

Dark urine and decreased urinary frequency are typical signs of dehydration. In addition, the liquid may have a pungent odor. The more these symptoms appear, the higher the level of dehydration.

Skin changes

Dry skin, dark circles under the eyes, visible redness – all these are also signs of the beginning of the process of dehydration, since due to a lack of moisture, the level of tissue elasticity decreases.In the long term, systematic dehydration can lead to early wrinkles and itching. Especially all these external signals appear on the face, which loses its natural and healthy appearance. Also, due to a lack of water to ensure thermoregulation, the body begins to dilate blood vessels, which is often accompanied by dizziness.

Changes in mucous membranes

With a lack of moisture, there is dryness in the mouth and tongue, dryness of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, problems with swallowing, as well as a feeling of sand in the eyes, due to a decrease in the production of tear fluid.You can check the degree of dehydration by sliding your finger along the surface of the tongue. At a normal level of water in the body, the finger will slide easily, and if the surface of the tongue is rough, then the body has already started the process of dehydration.

Muscle weakness

Muscle weakness is another prominent symptom of dehydration. In addition, the pulse quickens, dizziness appears, and in the future there is a deterioration in general well-being, up to loss of consciousness.

General malaise

The first organ that suffers from dehydration is the brain.As a result, a person becomes too irritable, constantly feels tired, unwell, and pains in the head. At the same time, weakness with a headache often resembles a sensation similar to a hangover. Do not forget about a significant loss of appetite and the appearance of constipation, which are the result of a lack of fluid.

Stress

Sometimes it is difficult for a person in a stressful situation to understand that he is experiencing stress, and not some other feeling. However, it should be borne in mind that stressful situations are necessarily accompanied by mild dehydration.The reason is that a stress hormone called cortisol traps sodium and promotes the excretion of potassium, which leads to an imbalance in water and salt balance. Added to all this is the fact that in stressful situations, a person consumes fewer foods that contain potassium (vegetables, fruits and herbs), preferring fast carbohydrates, sugars and fast food, which are low in nutrients. Thus, a vicious circle is formed where dehydration causes stress and stress accelerates the dehydration process.

How to improve immunity after illness – ways to increase immunity after illness, colds and SARS

May 2021
Reading time: 6 minutes
21003

Disease weakens the body. The reason is that it expends a lot of resources on the immune response.To
restore immunity after illness, the body needs time. Recovery rate is affected by
general health status, severity of illness, age (for example, older people are recovering
longer than ¹ Read
read more in the source, since the immune system weakens with age), features
nutrition, bad habits, daily routine.

Restoration of immunity after antibiotics

Immunity after an illness is so weakened that a viral infection can be replaced by
bacterial ² Read more
more details in the source.In such cases, doctors may find it necessary to prescribe
antibiotics ³ Read more
more details in the source. Antibiotic fights against
pathogenic bacteria, but also affects microorganisms that support the immune system,
gut microbiota. For colds, it helps the body to cope with the disease, but taking antibiotics
in case of complications, it can weaken its capabilities.Therefore, during and after illness, you need to maintain
and restore normal gut microbiota, supplementing it with, inter alia, probiotics. For example,
probiotic cultures Lactobacillus Casei and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, which contain fermented milk
drink “Imunele”, with regular use, contribute to the maintenance of the normal functioning of the microbiota
intestine, which, as we know, is one of the “organs of the immune system”: it is recommended to include 2
bottles of the product in the daily diet.

The main methods of raising immunity after diseases

After treatment, it is largely on the person’s lifestyle that determines how quickly the immune system will recover.
system.

Power

The body and, accordingly, the immunity after the disease is depleted not only by the fight against the virus itself.Have
a sick person, as a rule, has decreased appetite. As a result, he eats reluctantly and therefore can
not getting enough of the necessary substances. Trace elements, proteins, fats and carbohydrates serve in the body
for a variety of purposes and functions, but some nutrients are especially important for
immunity.

• Antioxidant vitamins A ⁴ Read more in the source, C ⁵ Read more in
  source, E ⁶ Read more in the source.Antioxidants are substances
  which
  fight free radicals. These harmful particles are the residual product of useful and important
  chemical reactions in the body. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging
  cells.
• Vitamin D ⁷ Read more in
  source.It is a prohormone, or
  hormone precursor. It is important for both congenital
  immunity, and for the adaptive, acquired ⁸ Read more in the source.

• Vitamins of group B . They are necessary for many processes in the body, including the immune:
  protect cell membranes, participate in the formation of antibodies, affect the immune
  leukocyte cells ⁹ Read more in
  source.

  Many manufacturers supplement foods with essential vitamins. For example, in
  fermented milk drink “Imunele” contains vitamins A, D3, E and group B.

• Protein-rich foods .Proteins are the building blocks of the body. They contain
  amino acids, some of which are essential, meaning they cannot be produced by the body
  on its own or the body produces them in insufficient quantities ¹⁰ Read more in
  source. Lack of protein foods
  weakens the immune system, especially badly affects certain types of immune cells.

• Fiber .This is dietary fiber found only in plant foods.
  origin ¹¹ Read more in
  source. Fiber is not
  digested and not absorbed by the body, but is necessary to maintain
  intestinal health, which, in turn, is responsible for the absorption of substances necessary for
  immunity ¹² Read more in
  source.To get sick less often
  an adult and a child should eat foods with
  dietary fiber every day.

  It is advisable not to fry the products ¹³ Read more in
  source, and steam,
  boil or simmer: frying produces
  substances that can adversely affect health, and meals become more high-calorie for
  due to its high fat content.

Sport

Physical activity is good for the body. However, after a cold, doctors recommend returning to them.
carefully. For example, a child is exempted from physical education lessons for a while at school, but the rule is
applies to adults as well. During illness, the fever could have a bad effect on the muscles, including
number of the heart, so you do not need to immediately expose them to severe stress.

However, it is not always possible to continue to comply with bed rest after recovery.
useful ¹⁴ Read more
more details in the source.
The best way to improve your well-being in this situation is light physical activity, wellness
walking ¹⁵ Read more
more details in the source.

Sometimes after illness due to general weakness or loss of physical form, shortness of breath appears. But usually
it gradually disappears thanks to daily activity. In case of shortness of breath, it is recommended to follow
breathing technique, and perform light exercises after a short warm-up. To regain strength
muscles and breathing, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) advise strengthening exercises,
for example, pushing off a wall with your hands, bending your torso, circling your shoulders, walking on
spot ¹⁶ Read more
more details in the source.

For those recovering who are constantly involved in sports in everyday life, doctors recommend starting
workouts, reducing their intensity and duration by half ¹⁷ Read more in
source. If you feel good
the person can gradually increase the load, but in case of exhaustion, you should take a break for
recovery.

For those who have had not just a cold, but the flu, doctors are strongly advised to wait until everything disappears.
signs of illness, and return to sports with low-intensity workouts, even if it seems that
you can do more. After forced rest, physical activity can be unnecessary stress, increase
the intensity of training should be gradual – it is better to save resources for recovery from illness.

Outdoor walks

One of the causes of illness is poorly ventilated rooms. First, the concentration increases in them.
harmful substances; secondly, the air in such rooms is often dry and makes mucous membranes vulnerable,
which serve as a barrier to pathogens. More than a hundred years ago, scientific journals already recommended to workers
clinics to ventilate the premises more often and let in natural sunlight ¹⁸ Read more in
source.

Walking in the fresh air is a great way to get some light physical activity. Mucous
airways are cleared of dust from enclosed spaces, oxygen in the required amount is supplied to
organs and tissues. Even in cloudy weather, ultraviolet light enters the Earth, and under its action in the skin
Vitamin D, necessary for immunity, is produced ¹⁹ Read more in the source.

Taking vitamin and mineral complexes

A healthy person is advised to get nutrients from food, and only in case of their lack and
on the recommendation of a doctor, resort to vitamin complexes. But the transferred illness can sometimes be attributed as
times to such cases:

• due to a decreased appetite, fewer nutrients were supplied to the body;
• some vitamins (for example, C, B vitamins) are water-soluble, the body cannot store them.Therefore, foods rich in these vitamins should be in the diet at all times.

In such cases, with the help of a doctor, you can choose the most suitable vitamin complexes and dosages.
As a rule, they contain vitamins directly involved in the work of the immune system – A, C, group
B, E, D ²⁰ Read more
more in the source, microelements selenium ²¹ Read more in
source, zinc ²² Read more in
source and iron ²³ Read more in
source.

For children, specially designed vitamin complexes with a lower dosage are produced.

The most effective folk recipes

Before the advent of synthetic drugs, rose hips were considered traditional strengthening agents ²⁴ Read more in
source, honey ²⁵ Read more in
source, garlic ²⁶ Read more in
source, ginseng root, echinacea ²⁷ Read more in the source and other foods rich
vitamins, minerals.They
and are now popular, therefore they are included in various supplements, and can also be part of the diet
person. You can buy these medicinal plants at the pharmacy and prepare decoctions and infusions from them.
according to the instructions on the package, after consulting your doctor.

Popular folk recipes:

• Broth, infusion or rosehip syrup ²⁸ Read more in the source.Rosehip is much
  ahead of citrus fruits in content
  vitamin C. The recipe for a decoction from this plant is simple: pour the dried rosehip with boiling water and give
  infuse.
• Echinacea tincture ²⁹ Read more in the source. This plant has confirmed
  useful in scientific research.But
  alcohol tincture from a pharmacy is not suitable for children – you can replace it with a decoction or echinacea syrup.
  Recipe: the dried plant should be boiled in water over low heat, then infused with the broth and
  strain.

The proportions, cooking time and method of taking these broths can be found in the instructions on
packaging of medicinal plants.

Medicine is cautious about the use of folk remedies in treatment: the mechanism of action of many still
not scientifically proven. Most often, the action of these funds is explained by the fact that they contain a lot of vital
necessary micronutrients and they simply belong to food, and the beneficial properties of some
already find confirmation in science.To strengthen the body after an illness, experts believe that
you can refer to chamomile ³⁰ Read more in
source, ginger ³¹ Read more in
source, many berries ³² Read more in the source. Therefore, in the line
fermented milk
“Imunele” drinks can be tasted with ingredients from the “people’s first aid kit”.

It is worth remembering: often the action of medicinal herbs is so powerful that you need to treat them like
medication, that is, take it in consultation with your doctor.Also, some foods are quite active.
action, so you should make sure that they do not cause allergic or any other unwanted
the reaction and dosages taken are safe.

The restoration of immunity after an illness is almost completely in the hands of a person. First of all you need
take care of proper nutrition: the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract can be damaged during
diseases, and when taking medications.

Exercise, especially outdoors, will help the body
recover faster. But, trying to quickly “get in line”, it is very important not to overwork yourself
overloading: let all resources work towards recovery.

28.Source: R.S. Baimurodov, I. D. Karomatov, A.U. Nurboboev. Rosehip is a preventive and therapeutic agent / Biology and integrative medicine, No. 10, November 2017, p. 93

29. Source: L.V. Krepkova, E.B. Shustov. Comparative characteristics of preclinical parameters of safety and efficacy of Echinacea purpurea drugs / Biomedicine, No. 2, 2017, p. 53-65.

90,000 INVAR Kids – How to prevent dehydration in a child

Dehydration is a condition caused by a significant loss of fluid and electrolytes in the body.Dehydration can result from vomiting or diarrhea, limited fluid intake, or any combination of these conditions.

In rare cases, dehydration can be caused by excessive sweating or too much urination. Insufficient fluid intake can also be the cause of dehydration.

Dehydration remains one of the leading causes of death in infants and young children worldwide. For children in the first year of life, dehydration is especially dangerous: they have a higher need for fluids (due to a higher metabolic rate), losses from evaporation are more intense (due to a higher ratio of body surface area to its volume), and even babies cannot report about thirst and independently provide themselves with liquid.Therefore, it is especially important for parents to pay attention to the symptoms of dehydration, to know how to prevent dehydration in a child and what to do if it does occur.

Causes of dehydration of the child’s body

Dehydration in children is most often caused by vomiting and diarrhea, which are usually symptoms of a viral or bacterial infection. Common viral infections that cause vomiting or diarrhea are caused by rotavirus, noravirus, and adenovirus.Common bacterial infections are caused by salmonella and E. coli.

Less commonly, dehydration can be caused by profuse sweating or intense urination. The risk of dehydration occurs with high temperatures, vigorous physical activity, lack of drinking water, or fasting.

Other possible causes of dehydration include water loss through the kidneys (eg, in diabetic ketoacidosis) or skin (eg, burns). Against the backdrop of a cold, a child may refuse water if he has a sore throat or if food makes him uncomfortable.Reduced fluid intake is particularly difficult if the child is vomiting, or if fever and / or rapid breathing increases invisible fluid loss.

Parents should pay particular attention to water consumption when traveling. In babies, dehydration can be triggered by long walks (especially in hot weather) or beach vacations.

Dehydration is an extremely dangerous condition for a child, therefore, parents need to be sure to know what symptoms it is accompanied by and in what cases the child needs medical intervention.

How do you know if a child is dehydrated?

Symptoms and signs of dehydration vary with the degree of deficiency and serum sodium levels. If the child has diarrhea or vomiting, he may refuse fluids or water, and the illness is accompanied by a high fever, watch carefully for these symptoms:

• Dry mucous membranes
• Sunken eyes
• Reduced urinary frequency or dry diapers
• In infants – retraction of the fontanel
• No tears when the baby cries
• Temperature above 39 or below 36
• Less activity than usual
• Changes in the appearance of urine (becomes darker in color)

Dehydration may be mild, moderate, or very severe.To establish the degree of dehydration, doctors start from a complex of manifestations. With severe dehydration, laboratory tests may be needed.

Parents need to understand how dehydration manifests itself in a child in order to help him in time. Manifestations that speak of severe dehydration: confusion in a child, seizures, hallucinations, lack of urination. With severe dehydration, there is no urine at all, the mucous membranes are drained. In young children, the fontanelle sinks, the child is unable to close his eyes completely, the surface of the eye becomes dry, the skin around the mouth may be bluish, and the feet and fingers are cool.

When these symptoms appear, it is important to urgently seek emergency help and take the child to the clinic. It is very risky to treat severe dehydration at home yourself. Dehydration in a child can progress more rapidly than in an adult, and the smaller the child, the sooner the severity of dehydration will increase.

How is dehydration diagnosed in children?

The doctor performs a thorough examination and orders laboratory tests (blood and urine tests) to determine the severity and cause of dehydration.

What laboratory tests can be prescribed for dehydration:

• CBC can assess the presence of inflammation and the severity of dehydration
• Stool culture will help to identify the type of infection
• A biochemical blood test can detect electrolyte disturbances caused by vomiting and diarrhea
• A urinalysis can detect a urinary infection, help determine the severity of dehydration and an increase in sugar and ketone bodies in the urine (evidence of uncontrolled diabetes)
• In some cases, the doctor may order other tests, such as a chest x-ray, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, and others.

Risk of dehydration in a child

Children have an increased risk of dehydration. A child has two to four times the body surface area in relation to weight than an adult, and, therefore, he has much more fluid needs. Therefore, the child’s body dehydrates much faster with reduced fluid intake or increased excretion. Also, do not forget that the child is not able to independently satisfy their fluid needs.

But the special danger is not so much the elimination of fluid from the body, but the loss of salts and minerals that go away with water, thereby disrupting the water-electrolyte balance, and this, in turn, negatively affects the work of the internal organs and vital systems of the body.

The kidneys are the first to suffer. Lack of water and sodium leads to a decrease in glomerular filtration, a decrease in the amount of urine, in severe cases – to a complete cessation of urination.As a result, protein breakdown products, which are usually excreted through the kidneys, are retained in the body and cause toxic effects.

The cardiovascular system also suffers from a lack of water, sodium, potassium and magnesium. Due to a decrease in the amount of fluid in the bloodstream, the vessels constrict. This leads to a violation of the capillary blood supply, the accumulation of decay products in the tissues, which are formed in the process of cell activity. Such processes, simultaneously with a violation of the normal water balance, lead to intoxication of the body.In addition, the loss of potassium and magnesium causes a malfunction in the regulation of blood pressure and heart rhythm disturbances. Therefore, with severe dehydration, arrhythmia and interruptions in the work of the heart can develop.

Volume (ie, amount of fluid), composition, and rate of replacement vary with age, body weight and the severity of dehydration. The formulas and scales used to calculate the parameters of rehydration provide a starting point, but in the case of severe dehydration, treatment requires constant monitoring of vital signs, clinical manifestations, urine output, body weight, and sometimes serum electrolyte levels.

WHO recommends oral rehydration (fluid replacement) for mild to moderate dehydration. Children with severe dehydration should receive intravenous fluids. For children who cannot or refuse to drink, and for children with indomitable vomiting, fluid replacement can be done orally in frequent divided doses, intravenously, or through a nasogastric tube.

What to do in case of dehydration in a child

If you find symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration, you should call your pediatrician home.If you are severely dehydrated or if your child is under one year old, you must call an ambulance!

• Drink rehydration solution for the child before the pediatrician’s visit:
  It will help to replenish lost water reserves, and with it the water-salt balance. An important point: you need to know how to water a child when dehydrated, because improper soldering can not only not help the child, but also negatively affect his health.
• The child cannot be drunk in one gulp
  The child should be given 5-10 ml of solution to drink every 5 minutes, offering it to the child from a teaspoon or through a syringe without a needle, or with a dispenser of mixtures.
• Medicines for fever should be used with caution, if the child has a stomach ache, do not give him pain relievers until the doctor arrives. So, drugs with ibuprofen or paracetamol can “lubricate” the symptoms and prevent the doctor from establishing the correct diagnosis and providing timely assistance.

Indicators of state stabilization during dehydration will be:

• normal in frequency (every 2-4 hours) urination not dark and not cloudy
• restoration of the state of mucous membranes (pink, warm, not dry)
• tears, moist eyes
• normalization of body weight (it is possible to understand, knowing the exact weight of the child before the onset of the illness)

When you cannot drink water when a child is dehydrated

Drinking (rehydration through the oral cavity) is unacceptable when:

• incessant vomiting (when vomiting immediately to everything that is drunk)
• severe dehydration, clouding of consciousness in a child
• with a strong decrease or with a complete cessation of urination for more than 12 hours
• for diabetes mellitus and other severe comorbidities
  dehydration in children of the first year of life before consulting a doctor

In these circumstances, medical supervision and hospitalization are necessary if indicated.

How dehydration is treated in a hospital

At the hospital, a severely dehydrated child will be monitored in the intensive care unit. A system with intravenous drip of electrolyte and glucose solutions will be installed there. Together with the treatment of dehydration, the pathology that provoked it will also be eliminated – if necessary, antibiotics or antiviral drugs will be prescribed, and a special diet will be provided. As the child’s condition improves, they are transferred to oral rehydration.Hospital supervision is necessary if the child is severely dehydrated or if the toddler is still too young: the younger the child, the faster the dehydration occurs.
When the child’s health improves, he will be transferred to a regular hospital ward, and then he will be discharged for home treatment until he recovers.

In order to prevent dehydration, it is important to drink the baby on time and correctly. It is best to do this with the help of special solutions for oral rehydration: they not only replenish the amount of fluid in the body, but also help maintain water and electrolyte balance.For children from three years old, INVAR KIDS Rehydration Means are suitable. It is specially designed to restore water and electrolyte balance in children. The INVAR KIDS rehydration product for children has a convenient form: the contents of 1 sachet-sachet with powder is dissolved in a glass of water and the product is ready for use. The concentration of salts in the ready-made solution complies with the WHO recommendations and is suitable for the child’s body. And also INVAR KIDS Rehydration Rehydration for Children is very tasty: it was made especially for babies – with orange flavor and based on natural flavors.

And INVAR KIDS Prebiosorb will help to cope with intoxication and diarrhea, which contains a kaolin sorbent and a prebiotic – fructooligosaccharides. They have a sorbing and antidiarrheal effect and remove toxins and allergens from the body in case of intestinal and other infections. The prebiotic in the composition stimulates the growth and activity of natural microflora. Parents will have no problems giving their child this sorbent, because it has a pleasant banana taste and completely dissolves in water without unpleasant lumps.

Diet with dehydration

While the child is ill, the illness is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, it is advisable not to give him fresh vegetables and fruits, fried and spicy foods. At this stage of the disease, it is imperative to solder the child with rehydration solution. While the stomach is too irritated to digest heavy food.

Listen to the child’s desires: if he refuses to eat, you should not insist on a compulsory lunch, let the child recover from the test.

You can return to normal nutrition 24-48 hours after the last attack of vomiting: the child can already eat soups, vegetable puree and steamed cutlets. You can add fermented milk products to the diet, and of course, do not forget about sufficient fluid intake.

How to prevent dehydration in a child?

Prevention is always better than cure. It is necessary to carefully monitor the quality of food and water that enter the child’s body, wash your hands before eating and wash your face.Do not forget that during heat, physical exertion and elevated temperatures, the need for liquid increases: when quenching your thirst, it is better to give preference to ordinary non-carbonated water, and it is better to leave lemonades and juices for dessert.

DISEASES OF DEHYDRATION

Diseases of dehydration
Water regulates the entire functioning of the body, including the activity of all substances dissolved in it. With a lack of water in the body, as in nature, natural selection occurs, weak species die in nature, and weak organs begin to work poorly in the body.
With dehydration, the percentage of fluid inside the cells can decrease by 66%, and the intercellular fluid – by 26%. It is understandable – for the maintenance of all vital systems, intercellular exchange is responsible much more than intracellular one. The difference in the percentage inside and outside the cells is precisely the factor due to which it becomes possible for water with the ions of necessary microelements dissolved in it to penetrate into the cells. In the age period from 20 to 70 years, the ratio of water inside the cells and outside them decreases from 1.1 to 0.8.
These significant losses of intracellular fluid naturally negatively affect the functioning of the cells themselves. This alone should make us drink water even before the body fails in one area or another. In order for all cells to work fully, it is better to protect your body from water loss in advance and saturate every cell with water.

The cause of all diseases dehydration

Recently, the pages of Western periodicals and books are full of headlines like: “The Amazing Secrets of Water for Health and Wellness.”If you look through these sources, it turns out that water cures everything from asthma to diabetes. To do this, it is enough just to drink as much water as possible, and then the grateful organism will begin to fight the disease with tenfold energy.
From the book “Important information for health” based on lectures by Butakova OA at the seminars of the “CCI Academy of Health”:
Is it important to show why a person is sick? Then he will understand why water is needed.

There are 2 risks associated with water:

-Lack of water

-Lack of water quality

Lack of water, disease quantity:

Removal of toxins, delivery of nutrients, omission of signals (dehydration diseases).

Water quality diseases: transmission of viruses, parasites, fungi (hepatitis A, dysentery, lamblia and others).

Distinguish between symptoms, syndromes when (3-4 symptoms) and diseases.

Symptoms: dry mouth, constipation, increased acidity of gastric juice (there is no more juice than you need, there is simply not enough water – drink more water), sand in the liver, stones (thick bile – drink more water), salt, sand in the kidneys , dry skin, hair, stiff nails, crunching, snapping in joints (lack of water and cellular nutrition).

Diseases of dehydration: diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis (oily, thick blood), increased hemoglobin, cataracts, age-related hyperopia (dehydration of the lens of the eyes), dry cough, allergies (excess protein, lack of enzymes, water), microcirculation disorder, fermentopathy, bronchial asthma (thick and viscous mucus clogs the bronchi), depression (dehydration and acidification), disruption of the nervous system in the elderly (dementia), fever, all types of intoxication and poisoning.
All our diseases are from lack of water, cellular nutrition and acidification.