How can you naturally cure dehydration at home. What are the most effective home remedies for dehydration. Which foods and drinks help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. How to recognize the signs of dehydration and when to seek medical help.

Understanding Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, and Importance of Hydration

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting normal bodily functions. This condition can result from various factors, including excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, and inadequate fluid intake. Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.

Common Causes of Dehydration

• Intense physical activity
• Hot weather conditions
• Illness (fever, diarrhea, vomiting)
• Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
• Certain medications

Symptoms of Dehydration

• Thirst
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Decreased urine output

Why is proper hydration essential? The human body comprises approximately 60% water, which plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions. Adequate hydration is necessary for lubricating joints, regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, and removing waste products. When dehydration occurs, these processes can be compromised, leading to various health issues.

Increasing Water Intake: The Cornerstone of Dehydration Treatment

The most fundamental and effective approach to combating dehydration is increasing water intake. While this may seem obvious, the method and timing of water consumption can significantly impact its effectiveness in rehydrating the body.

How should you increase your water intake when dehydrated? Start by taking small, frequent sips of water rather than consuming large quantities at once. This approach allows for better absorption and reduces the risk of nausea or vomiting, which can occur when drinking too much too quickly.

Strategies for Increasing Water Intake

• Set reminders to drink water throughout the day
• Carry a reusable water bottle
• Flavor water with fresh fruits or herbs to enhance taste
• Consume water-rich foods
• Drink a glass of water before each meal

Is plain water the only option for rehydration? While water is excellent for hydration, other fluids can also be beneficial, especially in cases of moderate to severe dehydration. Electrolyte-rich beverages, such as sports drinks or coconut water, can help replenish both fluids and essential minerals lost through sweating or illness.

Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution: A Powerful Remedy for Dehydration

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a simple yet effective remedy for treating dehydration, particularly in cases of diarrhea or excessive sweating. This solution helps replenish both fluids and electrolytes, making it more effective than water alone in severe cases of dehydration.

How to Prepare Homemade ORS

1. Mix 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of clean, boiled, and cooled water
2. Stir until completely dissolved
3. Add 1/2 cup of orange juice or mashed banana for flavor and potassium (optional)

How much ORS should you consume? The World Health Organization recommends consuming 50-100 ml of ORS per kilogram of body weight over 2-4 hours. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially for children or in severe cases of dehydration.

Hydrating Foods: Incorporating Water-Rich Fruits and Vegetables

Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables can significantly contribute to your daily fluid intake while providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These foods not only help hydrate the body but also offer additional health benefits.

Top Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables

• Watermelon (92% water)
• Cucumber (96% water)
• Strawberries (91% water)
• Cantaloupe (90% water)
• Lettuce (95% water)
• Zucchini (94% water)
• Tomatoes (94% water)

How can you incorporate these hydrating foods into your diet? Try adding them to salads, smoothies, or enjoying them as snacks. For example, a refreshing cucumber and watermelon salad can be both hydrating and delicious.

Hydrating Smoothie Recipe

1. 1 cup watermelon chunks
2. 1/2 cucumber, peeled
3. 1/2 cup strawberries
4. 1/4 cup coconut water
5. Ice cubes (optional)
6. Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy

The Power of Coconut Water in Combating Dehydration

Coconut water has gained popularity as a natural sports drink due to its high electrolyte content and hydrating properties. This natural beverage is particularly effective in replenishing fluids lost through sweating or exercise.

Why is coconut water so effective for hydration? Coconut water contains essential electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which are crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. It also has a low sugar content compared to many commercial sports drinks, making it a healthier alternative.

Benefits of Coconut Water for Hydration

• Rich in electrolytes
• Low in calories
• Contains natural sugars for energy
• Easily digestible
• May help lower blood pressure

How much coconut water should you drink? While coconut water is beneficial, it shouldn’t completely replace water in your diet. Aim for 1-2 cups of coconut water per day, especially after intense physical activity or in hot weather conditions.

Buttermilk: An Unexpected Ally in Hydration

Buttermilk, a fermented dairy product, can be an effective remedy for mild dehydration. Its unique composition of water, electrolytes, and probiotics makes it a valuable addition to your hydration arsenal.

How does buttermilk help with dehydration? Buttermilk contains essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and sodium, which are often lost through sweating. Additionally, its probiotic content can aid in digestion and support overall gut health.

Buttermilk-Based Hydration Drink Recipe

1. 1 cup of buttermilk
2. 1/4 teaspoon of dry ginger powder
3. A pinch of salt
4. 1/4 teaspoon of cumin powder (optional)
5. Mix all ingredients and drink chilled

Is buttermilk suitable for everyone? While buttermilk can be beneficial for most people, those with lactose intolerance should exercise caution. In such cases, lactose-free alternatives or other hydration methods may be more appropriate.

Ice Chips: A Gentle Approach to Rehydration

For individuals experiencing nausea or difficulty keeping fluids down, sucking on ice chips can be a gentle and effective way to stay hydrated. This method allows for slow, steady fluid intake without overwhelming the stomach.

Why are ice chips beneficial for hydration? Ice chips melt slowly in the mouth, providing a gradual intake of water. This approach can be particularly helpful for people recovering from illness or surgery, as well as those experiencing morning sickness during pregnancy.

Tips for Using Ice Chips

• Use clean, filtered water to make ice chips
• Suck on ice chips slowly throughout the day
• Avoid chewing ice chips to prevent dental damage
• Consider adding a splash of fruit juice for flavor and added electrolytes

How many ice chips should you consume? There’s no set amount, but aim to consume enough to keep your mouth moist and gradually increase your fluid intake. If ice chips are well-tolerated, you can gradually transition to small sips of water or other hydrating fluids.

Recognizing Severe Dehydration and When to Seek Medical Help

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 preventing serious complications.

Signs 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 or someone you’re caring for experiences any of the above symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if home remedies fail to improve symptoms of even mild dehydration within 24 hours, consult a healthcare provider.

Can dehydration be life-threatening? Yes, severe dehydration can lead to serious complications such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, kidney problems, seizures, and in extreme cases, death. This is why prompt recognition and treatment of dehydration are essential.

Preventing Dehydration

• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day
• Increase fluid intake during hot weather or physical activity
• Monitor urine color (pale yellow indicates good hydration)
• Consume water-rich foods
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption

By understanding the causes and symptoms of dehydration and implementing these natural remedies and preventive measures, you can maintain proper hydration and support your overall health and well-being. Remember, while these home remedies are effective for mild to moderate dehydration, severe cases always require professional medical attention.

7 Dehydration Home Remedies and How to Recover from It

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Nearly 60% of the human body is made up of water. Optimal water levels in the body help in the lubrication of joints and eyes, removal of waste and toxins, proper digestion, and maintenance of healthy skin.

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Extreme loss of water from the body is known as dehydration and is mostly accompanied by salt (sodium chloride) depletion as well.

Dehydration can happen due to various factors such as fever, diarrhea, alcohol intake, and caffeine consumption. Dehydration can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults, babies, and young children.

Home Remedies for Dehydration

Here’s what you can do at home to re-hydrate your parched body:

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1. Increase water intake

Increasing water consumption is the primary treatment for dehydration. Taking small sips of water or other clear fluids at regular intervals can help in maintaining water levels and rehydrating the body.

One study assessed the performance of athletes after fluid intake post dehydration. Results showed that the intake of fluids after dehydration could boost prolonged exercise performance under heat-stress situations.

Fluid intake helped the athletes, although the given amount of fluid was insufficient for complete rehydration and the water level of the body remained low. (1)

Do the following to manage dehydration:

• Consume electrolyte-rich or carbohydrate-rich beverages.
• Consume sports drinks.
• Drink flavored water, such as cucumber water.
• Drink lemon water to rehydrate, refresh, and energize your body.

2. Replenish with homemade ORS

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) contains a predefined mixture of dry salts that can be dissolved in sterile water and consumed. It quickly replenishes lost water and minerals.

A study supported the use of ORS for treating dehydration caused by diarrhea in community, home, or facility environments. (2)

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To prepare ORS at home, mix the following ingredients until dissolved:

• 6 teaspoons of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 liter boiled and cooled water or bottled water

ORS, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), is also available over the counter. (3) You may consume 50–100 ml/kg of ORS in a span of 2 to 4 hours or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

3. Feed on water-rich fruits and vegetables

Proper hydration of the body is vital as the water supports all 11 organ systems of the body. The body’s water levels can be maintained by drinking water and by eating water-rich vegetables and fruits.

The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise the consumption of 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruits daily. Another study stated that the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables might also help in improving water levels in children. (4)

Vegetables and fruits with particularly high water content also contain minerals, sugars, and hydrating salts. Thus, these foods act similarly to the isotonic drinks taken by athletes. By increasing your consumption of water-rich foods, you can get relief from mild dehydration.

How to use:

• Consume water-rich foods as snacks. Some of the best succulent fruits for this purpose are oranges, watermelon, grapes, blueberries, apples, and tomatoes. Similarly, water-rich vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, and Brussels sprouts can also help rehydrate your body.
• Add these fruits and vegetables to salads and use them to make smoothies.

4. Drink coconut water

Hot weather can make you sweat profusely and can increase your chances of heat exhaustion. While drinking water can help in this situation, coconut water may be more effective and quicker as it is readily absorbed by the body.

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Consumption of coconut water can help relieve dehydration. It has ample amounts of electrolytes, a low-calorie count, and low sugar content. It is also known to be extremely hydrating.

One study found a similarity of benefits between coconut water and sports drinks. (5)

How to use:

Consume a few glasses of coconut water daily.

ALSO READ: What Makes Coconut Water Good for Your Health?

5. Consume buttermilk

Buttermilk can help in relieving mild dehydration by supplying the essential minerals lost due to profuse sweating. A study showed that regular consumption of buttermilk by well-nourished individuals could help in alleviating heat strain. (6)

How to use:

• Drink 2–3 glasses of buttermilk daily for nourishment and rehydration.
• Mix ½ teaspoon of dry ginger in 1 cup of buttermilk, and drink this mixture a few times daily.

6. Suck on ice chips

Drinking copious amounts of liquids at once can make you feel heavy, bloated, and sicker than before, so it’s better to spread out your fluid intake. Take small sips of water, but if you feel unable to keep down the fluid, switch to ice chips instead.

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Sucking on ice chips will slowly supply you with minuscule amounts of water rather than flood your system. As the ice melts in your mouth, it keeps it from getting dry.

This technique is especially helpful for little children who can only stomach small quantities of water in their tiny bellies and don’t feel like drinking any more fluids after a point.

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7. Consume clear soup

You can also rehydrate and re-energize your body by drinking a steaming bowl of clear, nutritious broth. This can help diversify your fluid intake so that you don’t get fed up with just water.

But for the soup to have the desired effect, make sure it contains the right amount of salt and sugar to rectify your electrolyte imbalance. This dietary intervention carries a lot of anecdotal merits, but little to no scientific support. However, it is unlikely to go wrong, so there’s no harm in trying.

How to use:

Treat yourself to a warm bowl of vegetable soup every now and then.

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Note: Chicken broth may not be a good choice since it does not have the right sugar-salt content and can even worsen your diarrhea, leading to further fluid loss.

Caution: The above-stated remedies are safe for adults and older kids, but not for infants and toddlers.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Measures

A few measures and lifestyle changes can help in the prevention of dehydration:

• Drink optimum amounts of water daily (8–10 glasses of 8 ounces).
• Keep yourself hydrated, especially when sick.
• Increase your fluid consumption during hot and humid weather to replenish the water lost by sweating.
• Rest in cool places, and avoid exercising if you feel dehydrated.
• If you are suffering from an ailment such as gastroenteritis, avoid consuming coffee, soda, or any beverage with high sugar content when dehydrated. Caffeine may stimulate diarrhea, and soda may cause GI irritation. However, there is not much evidence to suggest that coffee or soda must not be taken if mildly dehydrated unless there is an underlying condition. (7)
• Eat bland foods during dehydrated conditions.
• Drink sports drinks if you feel dehydrated after strenuous physical activity.

Treating Dehydration in Young Children

Dehydration in younger children has to be handled more carefully and with a more conservative treatment approach. While sports drinks can be given to older kids to combat dehydration, they are not suitable for toddlers and infants who should only be administered simple ORS.

However, some kids with severe dehydration, explosive diarrhea, or frequent vomiting may not respond well to oral rehydration therapy as well and will require intravenous fluid administration after getting hospitalized.

All in all, children should not be given any fluid that does not have the right sugar-salt content as it can aggravate their diarrhea. This includes plain water, teas, soda, ginger ale, fruit juice, gelatin desserts, and chicken soup.

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Most-Asked Questions About Dehydration

Can dehydration cause headaches?

Headaches are a common effect of mild and moderate dehydration.

Dehydration headaches result from the momentary contraction of blood vessels in the brain due to fluid loss. They may range from mild to severe headaches, such as migraines.

Can dehydration lead to heatstroke?

Sweating is a mechanism of the body to control its internal temperature. A dehydrated individual cannot sweat, leading to an increase in body temperature. A very high body temperature, above 104°F, can cause heatstroke.

Does dehydration cause constipation?

Constipation is a common problem among all age groups. It is characterized by a change in the weight, volume, consistency, frequency, and ease of passage of stool.

A study showed that loss of fluid and restricted fluid intake, leading to dehydration, increased the risk of constipation. (8)

Can dehydration cause hallucinations?

Severe dehydration can lead to confusion, delusions, and, if untreated, coma. Severe dehydration can also lead to heatstroke, which further causes hallucinations. This is a rare complication associated with dehydration.

Can crying cause dehydration?

Crying in itself cannot cause dehydration but can contribute to low water levels if you have reduced fluid intake.

Can improper sleep cause dehydration?

Body water level and sleep are interconnected. During sleep, around 1 liter of water is lost through humidity in breathing, making you feel dehydrated upon waking up. Moreover, improper sleep can prevent the release of vasopressin, an important hormone involved in hydration.

Sleep disturbances can also make the kidney prone to disease, according to some studies. Kidney disorders promote dehydration. Thus, to maintain kidney health, the consumption of water is essential.

Is dehydration common in Alzheimer’s disease?

An aspect of Alzheimer’s disease causes significant and severe memory loss. Patients with this disease may forget to eat or drink fluids and thereby become seriously malnourished and dehydrated over time.

Also, patients with Alzheimer’s disease are on several prescription medications that include cholinesterase inhibitors and antipsychotic drugs, which can cause fluid loss. Additionally, the use of diuretics, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants can promote dehydration.

How is blood pressure related to dehydration?

Dehydration triggers the brain to pass signals to the pituitary gland for the secretion of vasopressin.

Vasopressin causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in increased blood pressure. This condition can result in transient hypertension. If dehydration persists and becomes severe, the blood pressure will fall, and this is a medical emergency.

Is dehydration common in patients with diabetes?

High levels of glucose in the blood cause a decrease in hydration levels of the body. Therefore, patients with diabetes mellitus are prone to dehydration.

Another disorder known as diabetes insipidus increases the frequency of urination and causes dehydration. Diabetes insipidus is due to an inability to concentrate the urine.

Is dehydration fatal?

If fluid and subsequent mineral loss is not promptly replaced, the body gets dehydrated. Prolonged severe dehydration can be fatal and can lead to death.

Final Word

Mild cases of dehydration can be prevented and treated by increasing the consumption of fluids. Moderate dehydration requires medical care and is commonly treated by administering fluids intravenously. However, severe dehydration can be fatal and should be treated urgently.

Continue ReadingDehydration: Reasons, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Top 7 Home Remedies For Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition when the body fails to retain fluids and electrolytes which in turn can affect the proper functioning of the body. Right from kids to the elderly, dehydration can affect everyone. While it is quite common during summers due to the hot weather outside, dehydration can occur at any time. It could be caused due to vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Dehydration causes symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, tiredness, dark colored urine, and less frequent urination. If left unattended, it can cause headache, bad breath, dry skin and in rare cases, lead to a medical emergency. So if you experience dehydration, consulting a doctor is the right thing to do. Additionally, you can even try out some simple and effective home remedies for dehydration to help restore mineral and fluid balance in the body.

Home Remedies For Dehydration

You can treat and manage dehydration by making simple dietary changes which include staying hydrated by increasing the intake of water and ensuring a nutrient-rich diet to keep up the mineral load. Here are certain foods that can help you to deal with dehydration at home.

1. Bananas

Bananas contain around 70 – 79% of water[1]. Moreover, dehydration can cause a deficiency in minerals such as potassium in the body. Hence, the intake of bananas, which are high in water and potassium content, can not only help to replenish potassium levels in the body but also prevent dehydration. The best way to reap its benefits is to have a banana before indulging in your exercise routine as it not only gives energy but also packs a mineral punch. You can even include one to two bananas as a part of your kid’s daily meal plan.

2. Barley Water

Barley water is a very popular drink which is mostly considered as a healthy drink for summers. This is because it not only helps to fight heat stroke but also aids in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body caused due to dehydration. Barley grains contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus in good amounts which helps to restore minerals and water when taken in the form of barley water.

Add a cup of barley to around 3-4 cups of water and bring it to boil. Allow the liquid to cool, strain and drink it throughout the day. You can add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of lemon water for added taste.

Buy Best Vitamin and Mineral Supplements at 1mg at Affordable Price

3. Buttermilk

Known to be one of the widely used home remedies for dehydration, buttermilk is packed with nutrients like magnesium along with being loaded with high water content. It is not only easy on the stomach but acts as a natural probiotic which aids in dealing with diarrhea and indigestion, which could be the reason for dehydration. A glass of buttermilk twice or thrice a day is all you need to drink to ensure your body stays hydrated and healthy.

Plain buttermilk works wonders for dehydration. However, you can crush a small piece of ginger and add it to buttermilk to improve its taste and benefits. Avoid drinking spicy buttermilk by adding loads of chilies or chaat masala as it might worsen your stomach woes.

4. Coconut water

Coconut water is one of the traditional home remedies for dehydration caused due to diarrhea. It is isotonic in nature which means that the electrolyte level in this water is similar to those found in the body thereby helping you to maintain the electrolyte and water balance. Coconut water has adequate potassium and glucose content along with chloride and sodium, which make it a perfectly healthy drink for dehydration and diarrhea. If you suffer from dehydration make sure you sip coconut water throughout the day. This can not only help you to replenish the lost minerals in the body but also keep you hydrated.

5. Lemon water

Known as nimbu paani, lemon water acts as a refreshing drink, especially during summers. It acts as one of the best home remedies for dehydration as it not only ups your water intake and helps you to stay hydrated but also prevents dehydration. The addition of salt and sugar to lemon water helps you to replenish the lost salts in the body along with increasing your vitamins and minerals level. Hence, if you ever feel thirsty or experience any symptoms of dehydration, drink lemon water to restore your fluid and electrolyte balance.

**Consult India’s best doctors here**

6. Orange juice

Oranges contain nutrients and water, which makes it one of the perfect home remedies for dehydration treatment and prevention. It contains Vitamin C, which flushes the toxins from the body and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium which help replenish the nutrient levels in the body. The presence of sugar in this drink provides an instant energy dose helping you to deal with dehydration. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to make it a perfect drink for dehydration. You can even dilute the drink to make it easy to drink and up its water content.

7. Rice water

Rice water, also known as rice kanji, is one of the conventional health drinks which is used to fight summer heat, heat stroke, diarrhea, and dehydration. This is because rice is loaded with B-complex vitamins which can help you to deal with nutrient loss. Also, water lost due to excessive sweating or dehydration can aid in maintaining the fluid balance in the body. As rice water contains salt, it also provides minerals such as chloride and sodium, thus restoring the lost nutrients in the body.

(The article is reviewed by Dr. Lalit Kanodia, General Physician)

Recommended Reads:

8 Signs Of Dehydration Everyone Must Be Aware Of!

5 Common Causes Of Excessive Thirst Or Polydipsia

References:

1. Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration, and health. Nutr Rev. 2010 Aug;68(8):439-58.

2. Nasir NH, Mohamad M, Lum LCS, Ng CJ. Effectiveness of a fluid chart in outpatient management of suspected dengue fever: A pilot study. PLoS One. 2017 Oct 4;12(10):e0183544.

3. Chauhan OP, Archana BS, Singh A, Raju PS, Bawa AS. A refreshing beverage from mature coconut water blended with lemon juice. J Food Sci Technol. 2014 Nov;51(11):3355-61.

4. White, Linda B., Barbara H. Seeber, and Barbara Brownell Grogan. 500 Time-tested Home Remedies and the Science Behind Them: Ease Aches, Pains, Ailments, and More with Hundreds of Simple and Effective At-home Treatments. Fair Winds Press, 2013.

5. Ho TF, Yip WC. Oral rehydration solution. Rice water is cheap and effective. BMJ. 2001 Nov 3;323(7320):1068.

Baby Care, Dehydration, Elderly care, Healthy Eating, Healthy Eating VITAMINS MINERALS NUTRIENTS, natural remedies, Oral Health, VITAMINS MINERALS NUTRIENTS

How to protect the body from the dangerous effects of summer heat

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07/03/2013 23:20

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Like summer protect yourself from blows to the body?

Tatyana Volodina

Summer is definitely a wonderful time. But gentle warmth can be replaced by merciless heat, and then it is important to be on the alert in order to protect yourself from summer dangers.

Water – 3 liters!

1 Dehydration. This is one of the most common negative effects of heat. A person is 60 – 80%, depending on age, consists of water. And on hot days, we begin to sweat more, and the water balance is disturbed. In the heat, you need to increase fluid intake to 3 liters per day. Preference is for non-carbonated alkaline mineral waters containing a small amount of salts, because in hot weather a person loses not only liquid, but also mineral salts with sweat. Medicinal mineral water (more than 10 g of salts per liter) should be used only on the recommendation of a doctor.

In summer, water, inside and out, is the best remedy for the insidious effects of heat on the body. Photo: REUTERS

An ideal drink to quench your thirst is lemon infusion: squeeze a quarter of a lemon into a glass of water.

Lightly brewed unsweetened tea is appropriate on a hot day, you can use lemon. Black or green – whatever. The best is herbal tea. Hot tea will quench your thirst faster than cold tea, which is absorbed after 20 minutes, and all this time a person is thirsty. Fermented milk drinks – yogurt, kefir, koumiss, matsoni and others will help to cope with thirst.

Juices, fruit drinks and nectars must be natural, freshly squeezed, preferably half diluted with water.

Sweet soda not only does not quench thirst, but, on the contrary, causes it. All alcoholic and caffeinated drinks (except weak tea) overload the heart and blood vessels, and can cause dehydration. In the heat, it is better to completely refuse even coffee or drink it only in the morning.

Drink more in the morning – this will help create a kind of fluid storage in the body. Then during the day it is better to drink water in small sips evenly.

But don’t overdo it with water. Excess fluid increases the load on the kidneys and heart. And during pregnancy, hypertension, heart failure, impaired kidney function, be especially careful. If you are thirsty, try rinsing out your mouth with salted water.

The sun hits the head

2 Sunstroke. If a person is under direct sunlight for a long time, and leaves his head uncovered, then the sun can “hit” on this very head, causing a sharp violation of cerebral circulation. Therefore, on hot days, try not to be in the sun from 11 am to 5 pm.

In mild cases, there is dizziness, weakness, headache, flickering in the eyes. In more severe cases, convulsions, vomiting may appear, the skin of the face first turns red, then it may turn pale, the pulse and breathing become more frequent, the temperature rises to 38-39. If no action is taken, loss of consciousness occurs, vomiting intensifies, the temperature rises to 42 or more, breathing becomes rare and intermittent, the pulse can become weakened, thready. Cardiac activity worsens. This condition is life threatening.

First aid: urgently remove the victim to a cool, shaded place, lay on his back, raise his head, unbutton his shirt, remove his tie, put ice on his head, give water, make cold lotions, rub down. In case of respiratory distress, slightly moisten a cotton swab with ammonia and gently bring it to the victim’s nose several times. Call a doctor at the same time.

Dangerous heat

3 Heat stroke. It is even easier to obtain than solar. Heatstroke leads to general overheating of the body, often not even in the open air, but in a stuffy room. Such a blow is provoked by overeating, drinking alcohol, too warm clothes (especially from artificial fabric), physical activity, overwork, dehydration.

Heat stroke occurs easily in children and the elderly. Newborns and children of the first year of life are especially at risk.

Does not caress, but burns

4 Sunburn. It is necessary to sunbathe gradually, in the morning or after 16 hours.

Sunburns are practically the same as normal burns, respectively, and their treatment is similar to the treatment of thermal burns. For a mild stage, use various pharmaceutical remedies for sunburn, essential oils (chamomile, rose), creams with vitamin E.

Hail sweat

5 Increased perspiration. If it pursues not only in the heat, there is reason to check with a doctor to rule out serious diseases that are characterized by hyperhidrosis. It accompanies diseases of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, disorders of the nervous system (neurasthenia, vegetovascular dystonia) and metabolism, tuberculosis, some oncological and infectious diseases, and diabetes.

But more often, excessive sweating is simply a feature of the organism. But it contributes to the development of skin diseases, especially fungal infections of the feet and dermatitis.

There are quite effective ways to cope with this disease. Try to start by following the most common, at first glance, the rules of hygiene and the use of folk remedies. Most people are pretty skeptical about them. But in vain.

Contrast shower at least twice a day, especially after physical exertion, stressful situations; a diet that excludes spicy, spicy and highly salty foods, coffee and alcohol; loose clothing made from natural fabrics will all reduce hyperhidrosis. You can not do without deodorants, antiperspirants, special ointments and powders that kill the smell emitted by bacteria and reduce the activity of the sweat glands. Dermatologists advise lubricating strongly sweating parts of the body with Teymurov’s paste – it is harmless and, as a rule, does not cause allergies or irritation.

Rossiyskaya gazeta – Nedelya – Federal issue: №144(6120)

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5 foods that will help with dehydration / And not only on a hot day – an article from the “Healthy food” section on Food .ru

What water is for

Water is important for health and well-being. It performs many functions in our body:

• participates in thermoregulation;

• is a natural solvent, without which reactions in cells are impossible;

• supports normal joint function;

• essential for digestion;

• important for the skin;

• contributes to normal sleep and supports cognitive abilities.

This is not a complete list, in fact, the role of water is great, and therefore it must be drunk during the day. It is necessary to consume about 2 liters of fluid daily. This includes not only clean water, but foods and dishes that contain it: vegetables, fruits, soups.

Why dehydration occurs

Intestinal viral infections and poisoning, which provoke diarrhea and vomiting, also lead to fluid loss. Dehydration can happen very quickly, especially in young children. In them, dehydration of the body can occur against a background of elevated temperature.

Another common situation that causes dehydration is too hot weather. In this case, we sweat a lot and thus lose fluid. In this case, it may not be enough to go into the shade or move to a cool room. Losses of water must be compensated by adjusting the diet and drinking regimen.

Foods to help you stay hydrated

You don’t have to drink huge amounts of water every day to stay hydrated. It is found in a variety of products that must be in the diet of everyone.

1. Watermelon

Watermelon is one of the leaders in terms of liquid content. It is more than 90% water, and therefore will be one of the best options to compensate for fluid loss in hot weather. It is sweet, but contains natural sugars, and in general, watermelon is low in calories.

The disadvantages of watermelon are quite obvious – it is a seasonal product that is problematic to get in the cold season.

2. Cucumber

Cucumbers are also rich in liquid, and it is much easier to get them at any time of the year than watermelons.

Cucumbers are even lower in calories than watermelons, which makes them a convenient product to compensate for fluid losses. They are suitable even for those who count every calorie.

3. Cottage cheese

Yes, cottage cheese can compensate for fluid loss. The water content in it is quite high and can reach up to 80%, and therefore pay attention to this dairy product.

Additional benefits include a high protein content, which ensures fast satiety for a long time.

However, you need to be careful when eating cottage cheese and other dairy products in the heat. It is important that all this is stored in suitable conditions and does not become a source of poisoning.

4. Carrots

Carrots contain a lot of water – up to 80% of the total mass. This is another option to prevent fluid loss.

Sticks of carrots, along with cucumbers and celery, which is also rich in water, can be taken with you and used as a snack. In addition to liquid, vegetables also contain vitamins and fiber, which makes their consumption even more beneficial.

5. Leaf lettuce

Leaf lettuce, such as iceberg or kale, is often overlooked as a food that can help prevent dehydration. But in fact, lettuce leaves have a lot of water.

Salads usually have a neutral or slightly pronounced taste, which is also important for some people. In general, a couple of large lettuce leaves can be a great option to refresh and get not only a portion of liquid, but also a vitamin boost.

What to do in case of dehydration

When dehydrated, the skin becomes less elastic and drier, the mouth feels dry, general weakness develops. The feeling of thirst increases, and urination becomes rarer. Children with dehydration often cry without tears.

If you notice signs of dehydration, you need to act quickly. It is important to compensate for fluid loss, for this you need to drink more and eat foods that also help to cope with dehydration. In the event that the situation is serious and the condition worsens, it is better not to try to cope only with food – you need to seek medical help. Severe dehydration will require drips and other therapy.

It is better not to try to compensate for fluid loss with soda, juices and other sugary drinks. Pay attention to clean water, mineral water, which contains salts and minerals – our body also loses them.