How to Fix Dehydration Fast: Expert Tips for Rapid Rehydration
What are the most effective ways to rehydrate quickly. How can you recognize the signs of dehydration. Which fluids and electrolytes are best for reversing dehydration fast. What role do oral rehydration solutions play in rapid rehydration.
Understanding Dehydration: Causes and Symptoms
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. This imbalance can result from various activities and conditions, including excessive sweating, frequent urination, vomiting, or even crying. Recognizing the symptoms of dehydration is crucial for addressing the issue promptly.
Common signs of dehydration include:
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Extreme thirst
- Dry mouth
- Muscle cramps
- Decreased cognitive function
- Dark-colored urine
Is urine color a reliable indicator of hydration status? Indeed, the color of your urine can provide valuable insights into your hydration levels. Well-hydrated individuals typically produce urine that ranges from pale straw to dark yellow. However, if your urine becomes brownish, it’s a clear sign of dehydration. Conversely, clear urine may indicate overhydration, which can potentially lower your salt and electrolyte levels.
The Importance of Rapid Rehydration
When dehydration sets in, it’s crucial to address it quickly. Mild dehydration can often be relieved in as little as 5 to 10 minutes by consuming water and electrolytes. However, more severe cases may require medical intervention.
Why is rapid rehydration so important? Restoring lost fluids and minerals promptly helps prevent the progression of dehydration symptoms and supports overall bodily functions. Dehydration can affect everything from cognitive performance to physical endurance, making swift action essential.
Timeframes for Rehydration
The time it takes to fully rehydrate depends on the severity of dehydration:
- Mild dehydration: 5-10 minutes
- Moderate dehydration with IV fluids: Improvement within 45 minutes, full recovery in several hours
- Complete replenishment of lost fluids: Up to 3 days
Effective Methods for Fast Rehydration
When it comes to rehydrating quickly, not all methods are created equal. While drinking plain water can help with mild dehydration, more severe cases require a more targeted approach.
Plain Water: A Basic Solution
For mild dehydration, plain water from the tap or bottle can be an effective and easily accessible solution. Men are typically advised to consume 11-13 8 oz glasses of water daily, while women generally require around 10 8 oz glasses.
Can plain water alone combat moderate to severe dehydration? Unfortunately, plain water lacks the necessary minerals to effectively overcome significant fluid loss. In these cases, a more comprehensive approach is needed.
The Power of Oral Rehydration Solutions
Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are considered the most effective way to hydrate quickly. These solutions contain a balanced mix of electrolytes that your body loses during dehydration.
Why are electrolytes crucial for rapid rehydration? Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium play vital roles in balancing fluids, transporting nutrients, and supporting muscle function. Sodium helps balance fluid levels, potassium aids in reducing cramping, and magnesium helps relax muscles.
Studies have shown that oral rehydration solutions can be more effective than plain water or sports drinks in maintaining fluid balance, especially during intense physical activity or in hot environments.
The Role of Electrolytes in Combating Dehydration
Electrolytes are mineral compounds that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. In the human body, they play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including hydration.
Key Electrolytes for Rehydration
- Sodium: Helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure
- Potassium: Supports proper muscle and nerve function
- Magnesium: Aids in muscle relaxation and energy production
- Calcium: Essential for bone health and muscle contraction
- Chloride: Works with sodium to maintain fluid balance
How do electrolytes contribute to rapid rehydration? When you’re dehydrated, you lose both water and electrolytes. Consuming electrolyte-rich fluids helps restore this balance more effectively than water alone. Electrolytes facilitate the absorption of water in the intestines and help retain fluids in the body’s cells.
Natural Sources of Electrolytes for Rehydration
While oral rehydration solutions are highly effective, there are also natural food sources rich in electrolytes that can aid in rehydration:
- Bananas: High in potassium
- Coconut water: Contains potassium, sodium, and magnesium
- Watermelon: Rich in electrolytes and has high water content
- Spinach: Good source of magnesium and potassium
- Avocados: Contain potassium and magnesium
- Greek yogurt: Provides calcium and sodium
Incorporating these foods into your diet can help maintain proper hydration levels and support overall health. However, in cases of severe dehydration, they should be used in conjunction with proper medical treatment and oral rehydration solutions.
Recognizing and Addressing Severe Dehydration
While mild to moderate dehydration can often be treated at home, severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention. Recognizing the signs of severe dehydration is crucial for ensuring timely intervention.
Symptoms of Severe Dehydration
- Extreme thirst
- Very dry mouth, skin, and mucous membranes
- Little or no urine output
- Sunken eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or irritability
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
When should you seek medical help for dehydration? If you experience symptoms such as confusion, fainting, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate severe dehydration that requires intravenous (IV) fluid administration.
IV Fluid Treatment for Severe Dehydration
In cases of severe dehydration, healthcare professionals may administer IV fluids to rapidly restore hydration levels. This method allows for quick absorption of fluids and electrolytes directly into the bloodstream.
How long does it take to recover from severe dehydration with IV treatment? While patients often start feeling better within about 45 minutes of receiving IV fluids, complete recovery can take several hours. Full replenishment of lost fluids may take up to three days.
Preventing Dehydration: Proactive Strategies
While knowing how to rehydrate quickly is important, preventing dehydration in the first place is even better. Adopting proactive strategies can help maintain proper hydration levels and avoid the negative effects of fluid loss.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
- Drink water regularly throughout the day
- Consume hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables
- Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration status
- Increase fluid intake during hot weather or physical activity
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can contribute to dehydration
- Use a reusable water bottle to track daily water intake
- Set reminders to drink water if you tend to forget
How much water should you drink daily to prevent dehydration? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to consume about 11-13 8 oz glasses of water for men and 10 8 oz glasses for women daily. However, factors such as climate, physical activity, and overall health can influence these requirements.
The Impact of Dehydration on Physical Performance
Dehydration can significantly affect physical performance, making it a crucial consideration for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Understanding how dehydration impacts the body during exercise can help individuals take appropriate measures to maintain optimal hydration levels.
Effects of Dehydration on Exercise
- Decreased endurance and stamina
- Reduced strength and power output
- Impaired thermoregulation
- Increased risk of heat-related illnesses
- Slower recovery times
- Decreased cognitive function and decision-making abilities
How does dehydration affect athletic performance? Even mild dehydration can lead to a noticeable decrease in physical performance. Studies have shown that fluid losses of as little as 2% of body weight can result in reduced endurance, increased fatigue, and altered metabolic function during exercise.
Hydration Strategies for Athletes
To maintain optimal hydration levels during physical activity:
- Hydrate before exercise: Consume 16-20 oz of water 2-3 hours before activity
- Drink during exercise: Aim for 7-10 oz of fluid every 10-20 minutes of activity
- Rehydrate post-exercise: Drink 16-24 oz of fluid for every pound of body weight lost during exercise
- Use electrolyte-rich beverages for longer or more intense workouts
- Monitor urine color and body weight to assess hydration status
By implementing these strategies, athletes can help ensure proper hydration and maintain peak performance levels during training and competition.
Debunking Hydration Myths
There are several common misconceptions about hydration and dehydration that can lead to confusion and potentially harmful practices. Let’s address some of these myths to promote better understanding and more effective hydration strategies.
Myth 1: Thirst is Always a Reliable Indicator of Dehydration
While thirst can be a sign of dehydration, it’s not always a reliable indicator, especially in older adults or during intense physical activity. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be mildly dehydrated.
Myth 2: You Need to Drink 8 Glasses of Water a Day
The “8×8 rule” (eight 8-ounce glasses per day) is a general guideline, but individual needs can vary based on factors such as age, sex, activity level, and climate. Some people may need more, while others may need less.
Myth 3: Coffee and Tea Always Dehydrate You
While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, moderate consumption of coffee and tea doesn’t typically lead to dehydration. In fact, these beverages can contribute to your daily fluid intake.
Myth 4: Clear Urine Always Indicates Optimal Hydration
While pale yellow urine is a good sign of hydration, completely clear urine may indicate overhydration. Aim for a light straw color rather than completely clear urine.
How can debunking these myths improve hydration practices? By understanding the truth behind these common misconceptions, individuals can make more informed decisions about their hydration habits and avoid potentially harmful practices.
The Future of Hydration: Innovations and Research
As our understanding of hydration and its impact on health and performance continues to evolve, researchers and innovators are developing new approaches to hydration management. These advancements promise to revolutionize how we monitor and maintain optimal fluid balance.
Emerging Technologies in Hydration Monitoring
- Wearable hydration sensors: Devices that can measure hydration levels through skin conductivity or sweat analysis
- Smart water bottles: Bottles that track water intake and provide reminders to drink
- Hydration apps: Mobile applications that help users monitor their daily fluid intake and hydration status
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis: Advanced techniques for measuring body water content
How might these innovations change our approach to hydration? These technologies have the potential to provide real-time, personalized hydration data, allowing individuals to make more informed decisions about their fluid intake and helping to prevent dehydration before it occurs.
Ongoing Research in Hydration Science
Current areas of research in hydration science include:
- The impact of hydration on cognitive function and mood
- Optimal hydration strategies for different types of athletes and activities
- The role of hydration in disease prevention and management
- Development of more effective oral rehydration solutions
- Investigating the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water
As research in these areas progresses, we can expect to gain deeper insights into the complex relationship between hydration and overall health, leading to more targeted and effective hydration strategies for various populations and conditions.
In conclusion, understanding how to fix dehydration fast is crucial for maintaining optimal health and performance. By recognizing the signs of dehydration, implementing effective rehydration strategies, and staying informed about the latest research and innovations in hydration science, individuals can ensure they remain properly hydrated in various situations. Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance performance or simply someone striving for better overall health, mastering the art of rapid rehydration is an invaluable skill that can significantly impact your well-being.
The Best Way to Rehydrate in a Hurry
Home Health Hydrate Fast the Right Way (Hint: It Isn’t Just h30)
Essential minerals are key to eliminating dehydration.
Fast Facts
- Symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, extreme thirst, and muscle cramps.
- Mild dehydration can be relieved in as little as 10 minutes.
- Hydrating quickly helps you restore lost fluids and minerals.
Sweating like a pig? Don’t pull a Bear Grylls. While the British adventurer gained notoriety for rehydrating by drinking his own urine, there are far better ways to hydrate fast.
Dehydration sets in when your body loses more fluids than it’s taken in. More than half of the human body is made of water, so even a small deficit can be harmful. Losing as little as 1.5 percent of your body’s water can lead to fatigue, thirst, and a mouth that feels as arid as the Nevada desert.
Dehydration occurs when you are losing more fluids than you’re consuming. These fluids can be lost by using the bathroom, vomiting, crying, or sweating.
Your strategies for rehydrating depend on how much fluid you’ve lost. For mild dehydration, drinking water and electrolytes—essential minerals like sodium, calcium, and potassium—can relieve symptoms in as little as 5 to 10 minutes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
If you’ve developed a headache and muscle cramps, you’re veering into moderate dehydration territory. Drinking fluids can help, but if you start to feel confused, faint, or struggle to breathe, get to an urgent care or ER, stat. You may need IV fluids, says Susan Greene, ACE certified Nutrition Specialist, health coach, and personal trainer.
You should start to feel better within about 45 minutes of getting IV fluids, but it can take several hours for you to feel back to normal, and up to three days to completely replenish lost fluids, Greene says.
Effects of Dehydration
Urine color
Urine is a good indicator of your hydration levels. If you’re well-hydrated, your piss should be anywhere from pale straw to dark yellow. If your urine becomes a brown-ish color, that’s a clear sign of dehydration. (Conversely, if your pee is clear, you could be overhydrated which may be lowering your salt and electrolyte levels. In that case, pump the breaks and stick to the basic rule of thumb of 64 fluid ounces of water a day.)
Fatigue
Feeling tired often leads to guys grab a cup of coffee to boost their energy, but this can make dehydration worse since coffee is a diuretic.
Fatigue sets in when you don’t have enough water in your system to support healthy functioning, says Greene. “As the body becomes distressed, your energy depletes. The result is extreme lethargy.”
Dehydration fatigue is different from the kind of tired you feel after a long day at the office. When you’re dehydrated, you lack the power to move, you feel jittery and anxious, and your muscles are so tired all you want to do is sit down, according to Greene.
Extreme thirst
While it may be a myth that thirst is a slam-dunk sign of dehydration, a bone dry mouth is cause for concern. Excessive thirst is a red flag that your body is low on water.
Decreased cognitive functioning
When you feel fatigue kick in, don’t be surprised if cognitive function dips as well. Dehydration is linked to deficits in short-term memory, vigor, attention, and reaction, all of which improve with hydration supplementation (1).
Muscle cramps
“Individuals suffering from mild dehydration will feel a tightness in their lower extremities for around 10 to 30 seconds,” says Greene, likening it to a Charley Horse. “Light stretching and plenty of fluids can help to eliminate the cramp, but it can last longer with more severe dehydration.”
More Hydration
How to Hydrate Fast
You need to replace the fluids and minerals quickly. Particularly the latter.
“Electrolytes are the most effective way to get your fluid balance in check,” says Greene.
Electrolytes help to balance fluids as well as successfully transport nutrients around. Sodium helps balance fluid, while potassium can help with cramping. Magnesium relaxes your muscles.
Plain Water
Bottled or from the tap, water is a cheap and easy fix for mild dehydration. Men are typically advised to consume approximately 11-13 8 oz glasses of water, whereas women generally require around 10 8 oz glasses of water as their recommended intake.If you’re moderately or severely dehydrated, it won’t cut it. “Plain water doesn’t have the minerals needed to overcome the fluid loss,” says Greene.
Oral Rehydration Solutions
Oral rehydration solutions are the most effective way to hydrate fast since they contain electrolytes your body has been deprived of, according to Greene. They can also help with injury prevention and proper organ function (2).
One study of healthy male cyclists compared the fluid balance efficacy of an oral rehydration solution against sports drinks and water: Oral rehydration solutions were more effective at restoring fluid balance during recovery than the others (3).
“There are two electrolyte products I recommend to optimize hydration,” Greene says. “First, Smartwater, which is simply distilled water mixed with electrolytes. But my favorite option is Nuun, a tablet packed with key electrolytes which mixes easily into 16 ounces of water.”
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Sports Drinks
Gatorade and Powerade are popular hydrating options. “They are great for athletes because they contain electrolytes and other key ingredients that help you recover from the physical demand of strenuous activity,” says Greene.
The downside? Sports drinks can pack a lot of added sugar, which can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and inflammation. Stick to lower-sugar options like Gatorade Fit.
Coconut Water
“Coconut water replenishes electrolytes since it contains those vital minerals, but has less overall amount than an oral rehydration solution,” says Greene. “Since the amount of electrolytes varies, it’s inconsistent for hydrating effectively.”
Fruits
Feeling hungry? Both fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables make a perfect hydrating snack due to their high water content. Look for fruits like watermelon, cucumbers, grapefruits, and peaches, which have a high water content.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Drinking 8 ounces of water is an old myth. “Aim to drink about half your bodyweight in ounces per day,” says Greene. “If you weigh 200 pounds, you need roughly 100 ounces of water per day, or about 12 to 13 cups of water.” If you’re 150 pounds, that drops to about 9 to 10 cups.
Can You Rehydrate Overnight?
Not unless you wake up every hour to sip water. “It’s ideal to keep up with your recommended amount of hydration throughout the day in order to avoid excessive drinking right before bed,” says Greene. “While there isn’t a miracle to immediately hydrate overnight, being efficient with your water intake will work.”
Go to bed well hydrated, your morning urine should be that straw-dark yellow color, according to Greene.
The Bottom Line
The fastest way to hydrate is with an oral rehydration solution. These products are packed with electrolytes which are minerals found in your body that balance fluid levels and maintain optimal hydration. While you can hydrate fast with regular water, focus on electrolytes.
References
1. Zhang, N.; et al. (2019). Effects of Dehydration and Rehydration on Cognitive Performance and Mood among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: A Self-Controlled Trial.
2. Krisher, L.; et al. (2020). Electrolyte Beverage Intake to Promote Hydration and Maintain Kidney Function in Guatemalan Sugarcane Workers Laboring in Hot Conditions.
3. Fan, P.; et al. (2020). Efficacy of Ingesting an Oral Rehydration Solution after Exercise on Fluid Balance and Endurance Performance.
4. Gordon, B.; et al. (2019). How Much Water Do You Need.
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How to Rehydrate: 6 Helpful Tips
Your body needs hydration to function. In addition to water, there are several fast ways to cure dehydration and rebalance your body, such as oral rehydration solutions and fruit.
It’s important to rehydrate after any activity that causes heavy sweating, such as an intense workout, sauna session, or hot yoga class.
Rehydrating is also crucial for preventing the damaging effects of dehydration if you have diarrhea or are recovering from a night out.
This article explains some ways to rehydrate quickly at home and some tips on how to recognize dehydration.
While it likely comes as no surprise, drinking water is most often the best and cheapest way to stay hydrated and rehydrate.
Unlike many other beverages, water contains no added sugars or calories, making it ideal to drink throughout the day or specifically when you need to rehydrate, such as after a workout.
It’s worth noting that a variety of factors, including genetics, cause some people to lose more sodium via their sweat than others. You might be a “salty sweater” if you get frequent muscle cramps with exercise or if your sweat stings your eyes.
If either of these apply to you, make sure to replace not just the fluid you lose through sweat but also the sodium, particularly after intense or long bouts of exercise in hot environments.
That said, unless you’re participating in a long, intense activity like an ultra-endurance event in a hot environment, the sodium you lose through sweat can easily be replaced through a balanced diet.
Summary
For most people, drinking water is sufficient to rehydrate. If you’re a salty sweater, be sure to replace both the sodium and fluid you lose through sweat, preferably through a balanced diet.
Sports drinks contain water, electrolytes, and other ingredients. Some of these drinks may be as effective as water at helping you rehydrate or stay hydrated in hot weather or during intense exercise. If you like the taste, you may also be inclined to drink more.
It’s worth noting that some sports drinks are high in calories, added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which may not benefit your overall health. Check the ingredients before you choose a sports drink.
Should you drink sports drinks instead of water?
Summary
Sports drinks have a similar effect to water, but they may be high in calories and have added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Check the ingredients first.
In addition to supplying a host of nutrients, milk has excellent hydrating properties.
Milk naturally contains high concentrations of electrolytes, which help balance the amount of water in your body.
Research has shown that skim and low fat milk rehydrate you as well as popular sports drinks after intense exercise, all while providing protein and other important nutrients.
The high quality protein in milk also makes it an ideal post-exercise beverage for kick-starting muscle repair and the rebuilding process.
Just keep in mind that consuming milk after exercise may cause stomach discomfort like bloating. Plus, it’s not suitable for people with an intolerance to lactose or certain milk proteins.
Full fat milk in particular might also not be a good option if you have diarrhea or vomiting, as it could worsen these symptoms.
Is milk good for dehydration?
Summary
Skim and low fat milk can be used as an effective post-workout or general rehydration beverage if you don’t have lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy.
Comprising 80–99% water, fruits and vegetables make for a perfect hydrating snack.
For comparison, highly processed foods like cookies, crackers, cereals, and chips contain only 1–9% water.
Fruits and vegetables with the highest water content include:
- berries
- melons
- oranges
- grapes
- carrots
- lettuce
- cabbage
- spinach
Stock up on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and keep cubed watermelon in your fridge for easy and convenient access.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, and in some cases, they’re more nutritious.
It can take days or weeks before fresh fruits and vegetables make it to your plate. During that time, oxidation can cause nutrient loss. On the other hand, frozen fruits and vegetables are frozen shortly after harvesting, which retains most of their nutrients.
For example, one study showed that frozen green beans and blueberries contained more vitamin C than their fresh counterparts.
Try making a hydrating, nutrient-packed smoothie by combining your favorite fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables in a blender along with milk or Greek yogurt.
Which foods help you stay hydrated?
Summary
Due to their high water content, both fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables make a perfect hydrating snack.
Oral rehydration solutions are specialized formulas used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting.
They have also been promoted to bolster exercise recovery and prevent or treat hangovers.
These solutions are water-based and commonly contain electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and potassium, as well as sugar, typically in the form of dextrose. Some commercial solutions also contain other ingredients like prebiotics and zinc.
While these rehydration drinks help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, they can be expensive.
Fortunately, you can make your own using these common kitchen ingredients:
- 34 ounces (1 liter) of water
- 6 teaspoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Combine them in a large bowl or pot and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. You can use flavor enhancers to improve the taste if desired — just keep in mind that they may contain artificial sweeteners and flavors.
What’s the best way to use an oral rehydration solution?
Summary
Oral hydration solutions contain water, electrolytes, and sugar. You can make your own simple rehydration solution at home using water, salt, and sugar.
Coffee and tea contain the stimulant caffeine, which can acts like a diuretic in high amounts.
While not as rehydrating as water, moderate amounts of coffee and tea can help you stay hydrated.
Caffeine becomes dehydrating only in doses around 250–300 mg, the equivalent of two to three 8-ounce (240-ml) cups of coffee, or five to eight 8-ounce (240-ml) cups of tea.
In a study, 50 regular coffee drinkers drank 4 cups (800 ml) of coffee containing 1.8 mg of caffeine per pound (4 mg per kg) of body weight daily. The authors observed no significant differences between coffee and water in regards to hydrating ability.
If you don’t like these beverages plain, try adding unsweetened almond milk to your coffee, or herbs and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemongrass to your tea.
Does coffee dehydrate you?
Summary
Drinking moderate amounts of coffee and tea have similar hydrating properties as water. Plus, their caffeine content may give you an energy boost.
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Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body requires water to function.
Water helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, transport nutrients, remove waste, and circulate blood. That means your body can’t properly perform these functions if you’re dehydrated, which happens when you lose more fluids than you take in.
For example, you can become dehydrated from sweating, vomiting, experiencing diarrhea, or taking diuretic medications that increase fluid loss.
Certain populations are more prone to dehydration than others, including children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions like diabetes and kidney disease.
The signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- increased thirst
- dry mouth
- infrequent urination
- dry skin
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
Urine color is also a common indicator of hydration status. Generally, the paler the color, the better hydrated you are. That said, the color can change for reasons other than your hydration status, including diet, certain medications, and some medical conditions.
Are you dehydrated? Your pee color can give you a clue.
What is the quickest way to rehydrate your body?
Water is the best option for rehydrating your body, but oral rehydration solutions also provide essential electrolytes. These may be useful if you are dehydrated due to diarrhea or vomiting, or if you have been exercising intensely.
Severe dehydration may need medical treatment, where a doctor provides fluid intravenously.
How long does it take to rehydrate your body?
When you drink water, your body starts absorbing it after 5 minutes, and peak absorption can take 15–60 minutes, according to a 2012 study.
This will depend on several factors, such as how much fluid you take in, what type of fluid, how dehydrated you were to start with, and whether the cause of dehydration, such as diarrhea, has gone away.
How long does it take for water to go through your body?
What’s the best way to rehydrate after drinking alcohol?
Water is effective, but oral rehydration solutions can also help relieve dehydration if you have a hangover.
How can you stay hydrated overnight?
Being hydrated can help you sleep better, but it can also mean you need to pee more during the night. Tips for nighttime hydration include:
- drinking sips of water for the last 2 hours before bedtime and if you wake up in the night
- limiting alcohol consumption
- making sure the room is cool enough so you don’t sweat
- eating plenty of whole fruits and vegetables during the day so you don’t go to bed dehydrated
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. For most people, drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated and rehydrate.
Other options include:
- sports drinks
- coffee or tea
- milk
- fruits and vegetables
- oral rehydration solutions
Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness. Severe dehydration is a life threatening emergency and needs urgent medical attention.
Dehydration and its symptoms
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Adviсe
Dehydration percentage:
- 1% – intense thirst, headache, general malaise;
- 5% – dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath;
- 10% – convulsions, cell death;
- 20% – death.
1
During illness, especially in case of poisoning and SARS, drink much more than usual, and not only hot tea, popular in such situations, but also just clean water;
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2
When exercising and in hot weather, also increase the intake of water that is lost through sweat;
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3
Don’t tolerate being thirsty – always have a small bottle of water with you. And even better – a stylish and compact AQUAPHOR City filter bottle.
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Dehydration – How to avoid dehydration?
Our body is a complex and fragile mechanism. Its natural work requires several prerequisites: favorable conditions of atmospheric pressure and heat, sufficient food and liquid, various trace elements and vitamins. It is enough that one of these conditions is violated, and the body goes out of balance, begins the processes of balancing the deficit or excess of something. If these processes are prolonged, they can have serious consequences for the human body. Of particular importance among them is dehydration. More than 65% of our body consists of water. That is why water is extremely important for our body. Thanks to water, nutrients dissolve in the blood and enter our cells. Consequently, with a lack of water, the body does not receive enough nutrients and quickly gets tired. This is dehydration. It occurs when the amount of fluid lost from our body exceeds the amount of fluid received. Our body loses fluid from sweat, respiration, secretion.
Water in the human body
Dehydration is promoted by dry air in high altitude conditions. When we breathe, dry air “absorbs” moisture, and when we exhale, it carries it away with it. But most of the fluid our body loses from sweat, or during vomiting and diarrhea. These are the problems that often arise during difficult mountain trekking. Therefore, it must be remembered that in such cases the victim is especially vulnerable.
During intensive physical work, especially if these are cyclic sports (running, hiking, cycling, swimming), together with sweat, the body more intensively loses various trace elements: salts, electrolytes, which are very important for metabolism. After all, it is the minerals that are responsible for regulating the rate of absorption of fluid by the cell membrane, and for the process of dissolving water in the blood. If these substances are not enough, the body begins to weaken, metabolism is disturbed. Also, it contributes to the development of other diseases, such as hypothermia, sunstroke or altitude sickness.
How does dehydration occur? How does dehydration occur and how to deal with it? Dehydration can be conditionally divided into three degrees of complexity:
- Mild degree – when the body loses 3-5% of its own weight.
- Moderate – 6-9% weight loss.
- Severe – loss of 10 percent or more of weight.
To be clearer, follow this thought: you must not be thirsty. If you are thirsty, then dehydration has already begun. The easiest way to avoid this is to simply drink water in small sips throughout any vigorous activity.
During moderate dehydration, the following symptoms appear:
- Thirst
- Dizziness and headache
- Hangover
- Dry mouth
- Weakness, fatigue
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Rapid heart rate, 100 beats per minute at rest
- Decreased body temperature, especially in the extremities
If you notice all these symptoms, then the situation is already complicated and can lead to serious pathological consequences. It is necessary to immediately stop climbing, rest in the shade and try to restore the water balance of the body.
How to avoid dehydration
As we already know, it is much easier to prevent something than to get rid of the consequences later. Prevention from dehydration is easier than from any other phenomenon. Drink water, just drink water all the time.
To put it even simpler, follow these steps:
- First of all, drink plenty of water before starting your hike so that you have enough water in your body in advance and don’t lose it at the very beginning of the hike.
- While walking, drink water in small sips every 10-15 minutes to stay hydrated. If you don’t drink for a long time and then drink too much water at once, it can backfire as your body doesn’t have time to absorb that amount of fluid. Drink water like drip irrigation.
- Don’t forget to drink water during breaks and snacks. Rest is a great time to replenish water in the body.
- Use a water bag with a long tube so you don’t have to take your water bottle out of your backpack every time.
- Use isotonics and other sports supplements. A little later we will talk about them in more detail.
- Monitor urine color. In its normal state, it should be almost colorless. If the color darkens, then you are dehydrated. The exceptions are if you are taking any vitamin course or other medications, or if you have a specific disease with similar symptoms.
Isotonics
We have repeatedly talked about isotonics in other articles and mentioned their importance. However, in this article, we decided to explore this topic in more detail, as many people believe that any supplements, drugs or vitamins are “chemicals” and unhealthy. But what is their harm? How do they harm? Due to what? Nobody can give a solid answer.
Isotonic
Performing active physical work, along with sweat, the body loses a large amount of minerals and electrolytes. Their presence in the blood plays a very important role. Thanks to them, water is absorbed faster and more efficiently into the cell membrane. They also regulate the work of nerve nodes, muscle contraction, metabolism. Their deficiency causes the body to tire quickly, uncontrollable spasms, loss of coordination and, eventually, even loss of consciousness occur. The fact is that dehydration occurs even if you drink water. In some cases, ordinary water is not enough to make up for the lack of fluid. Often, while hiking, you may experience dizziness, headache, and a feeling of a hangover. This is dehydration.
The body needs help to fight it. This is where isotonics come to the rescue. They are presented in the form of powder or tablets that dissolve in water. The main components are: salts, various minerals, electrolytes, soda. Some isotonic drinks also contain additional vitamins, simple carbohydrates, and amino acids. All this helps the body stay in good shape before you have a thorough dinner at the evening camp.
Isotonic drinks should be drunk about 20 minutes before the start of physical activity, continue to drink in small sips throughout the time. After completing the activity, you need to continue to drink isotonic so that there is no loss of trace elements and fluid in the body.
If you follow these simple rules, your body will not be in danger of dehydration. It is very easy to follow these rules.
This article is copyrighted by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other sites only with an active link to the source.
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