DEHYDRATION TREATMENT – HOW TO RECOVER QUICKLY

WHY IS HYDRATION IMPORTANT?

Our bodies consist of approximately 60% water, so as you might guess, water performs many functions that are crucial to our survival. First and foremost, water is a building material that is vital to the life of every cell in our bodies. It lubricates joints, regulates body temperature, provides shock absorption for the brain and spinal cord, helps metabolize and transport food through the bloodstream, and flushes waste out of the system via urination.

In general, an adult male requires about 3.2 quarts of water per day to survive. An adult female needs about 2.3 quarts per day. You may be thinking, “there is no way I drink that much water every day.” Well, first of all, this is the amount of water that is needed to survive, and second, we not only get the water we need by drinking it, but the food we eat contains a high content of water as well.

Many people turn to sports drinks in an attempt to prevent dehydration while exercising or performing activities out in the heat; however, these drinks have very high sugar content and processed minerals that have decreased nutritional value. Yes, drinking enough fluids is essential, but you need to drink quality fluids that have a positive impact on your body. You need healthy hydration.

WHAT ARE DEHYDRATION SYMPTOMS

Dehydration occurs when you are losing more water than your body is taking in. This means your body is lacking the water that it needs to perform vital functions. Not only can it be hazardous, severe dehydration can be life-threatening without proper medical attention. Dehydration is most critical in young children and older adults. Young children most commonly become dehydrated as a result of severe vomiting and diarrhea. Older adults have a lower volume of water in their bodies to start with and often have medical conditions or take medications that may increase their risk of getting dehydrated.

SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION IN CHILDREN

•     Listlessness or prolonged irritability
•     No tear production when crying
•     No urination in a diaper for three hours
•     Sunken eyes and cheeks
•     Dry mouth and tongue
•     Sunken soft spot on top of head

SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION IN ADULTS

•     Dizziness
•     Confusion
•     Fatigue
•     Dark-colored urine
•     Decreased urination
•     Extreme thirst
•     Headache
•     Poor sleep

What Causes Dehydration?

In some cases, dehydration is caused by something as simple as not taking the time to drink enough water, drinking too much RO/Filtered water without minerals   or being sick and not feeling like eating or drinking. Other causes of dehydration include:

•     A sudden and severe onset of nausea and vomiting – this can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance very quickly because large amounts of fluid are leaving the body very quickly.
•     A fever – the higher the temperature, the greater the risk of dehydration. This becomes most dangerous when a fever is present with vomiting and diarrhea.
•     Excessive sweating – when doing vigorous activity in very hot weather, it is imperative to replace the fluids that you are losing through sweat.
•     Frequent urination – this can be due to uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications such as blood pressure medications and diuretics.

If Left Untreated Dehydration Can Cause:

•     Decreased blood volume – can cause a decrease in blood pressure and reduced oxygen to the tissues, which can be life-threatening.
•     Seizures – due to electrolyte imbalance.
•     Heat Injuries – such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
•     Kidney Problems – such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections and eventually kidney failure

Treatment For Dehydration

The only effective method for treating dehydration is to replace the fluids and electrolytes that have been lost. For older adults drinking anoral rehydration solution is useful as well as the intake of additional fluids. Fruit juices should be avoided for those experiencing diarrhea, as fruit juices can make diarrhea worse.

For infants and childrenoral rehydration solution is recommended, starting with a teaspoon every five minutes and increasing the amount from there.

If the signs of dehydration do not resolve after sufficient fluids have been given, it is crucial to seek medical advice. In instances of severe dehydration, an intravenous drip of salt and fluids given at the hospital will act quickly to restore hydration in the body.

Preventing Dehydration

Of course, the best treatment for dehydration is to avoid becoming dehydrated in the first place. People often don’t drink enough water because they don’t like the way it tastes, or they just get busy and don’t realize that they aren’t drinking enough water or fluids throughout the day.

Sports drinks that are loaded with sugar are not the answer as they provide too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to keep your body in balance.Good quality drinks that have unprocessed minerals and electrolytes are the way to not become dehydrated from the start.

What Are Electrolytes?

A frequently asked question is what are electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, and calcium that the body requires to maintain hydration. Electrolytes also regulate muscle contractions, help maintain pH balance and control nervous system function.

The body gets electrolytes through eating a healthy balanced diet, and electrolytes are lost by sweating, urinating, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Signs of Low Electrolyte Levels

•     Fatigue
•     Headache
•     Nausea
•     Blood Pressure Changes
•     Low Energy
•     Not Feeling Well
•     Muscle Cramps

When you are sweating heavily, and you notice chalky rings on your clothing, this is a sign that you are losing salt. When hydrating, be sure to get enough electrolytes as well as enough fluids to maintain a healthy balance of fluids and electrolytes.

Drinking too much water can be about as dangerous as becoming dehydrated. Too much water can lead to water intoxication, which means salt and electrolytes in the body become diluted. This can lead to dangerously low levels of sodium called Hyponatremia.

Best Drinks to Stay Hydrated and Prevent Dehydration

1. Water – One of the best drinks to fight dehydration, and it is readily available.
2. Electrolyte Infused Water – The only thing better than water for the body to fight dehydration is water with electrolytes.
3. Coconut Water – In its natural state, it is 95% water and is rich in potassium, sodium, and chloride. But is too high in sugar to be my go to on a normal basis. 
4. HYDRATE – An organic formula that was formulated by former Olympic athlete, Kris Fillat-Buchanan, boasts just six clean ingredients with only 1 gram of sugar that comes from organic lemon juice. It restores hydration and prevents dehydration from some of the most natural minerals on the planet. 

A Final Word

It is essential to seek medical advice when figuring out how much water you should drink each day. It can be different from person to person. Certain prescribed medications may require you to drink more water in a day, and certain medical conditions may require you to limit fluid intake in a day. Only your physician will have the answer to these questions.

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.

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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

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

Why you need water

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 the normal functioning of the joints;

• 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 best 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.

Not only water is suitable for drinks, but also sour fruit drinks, decoctions of dried fruits. If a person has vomiting or diarrhea, it is better to drink in small portions: this way there is a chance that the liquid will be absorbed by the body.

The child can be given water by a teaspoon at short intervals. In the event that vomiting or diarrhea cannot be stopped, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

For dehydration caused by an intestinal infection, fresh fruits and dairy products can aggravate the condition. Therefore, it is worth consulting with your doctor about exactly what nutrition should be in case of fluid loss in this case.

What can be done?

Make a refreshing drink to keep you hydrated in the heat. Which one – read in our material.

Learn more about water and other drinks:

• Carbonated mineral water: good or bad. Myths and truth about mineral water

• Nutritionist dispelled myths about drinking water

• How to cook compote correctly. Easy Ways to Make a Vitamin Drink from Fruits

How do you escape the heat? Write in the comments!

Dehydration during colds and SARS: causes, symptoms and treatment

• Causes of dehydration during SARS
• Symptoms of dehydration
• Prevention and treatment of dehydration in SARS

The body of an adult contains up to 70% water – only with this amount of fluid is a normal metabolism possible. However, during illness, dehydration occurs in the body: the loss of only 1% of water leads to a deterioration in well-being, sharply reduces the body’s ability to fight the disease. And if a person has lost more than 20% of water, then even a fatal outcome is possible.

One of the most common symptoms of a cold is fever. It is she who is the main cause of dehydration. With a temperature increase of only 1 °C, the liquid loss increases by about 10%. Why is this happening?

1. When the body temperature is high, the body turns on defense mechanisms to lower the temperature.

Sweating is the fastest way to cool down. Together with sweat, excess heat leaves, energy is spent on the process of sweating itself. The higher the temperature, the more the person sweats. In addition, toxic waste products of viruses and bacteria are excreted from the body with sweat, which speeds up recovery.

2. Antipyretic drugs lead to fluid loss.

Antipyretics should be taken when body temperature rises above 38.5°C. This temperature is already dangerous for the body itself.

Antipyretic drugs block the production of pyrogens, active substances that are produced by the body in response to exposure to toxins from viruses and bacteria. Pyrogens irritate areas of the hypothalamus that are responsible for thermoregulation, resulting in an increase in body temperature. But at the same time, antipyretic drugs contribute to vasodilation, which also leads to increased sweating.

3. An increase in body temperature speeds up the metabolism.

This means that water is also actively consumed in the normal metabolic processes necessary to maintain the vital activity of the body, which means that it should be replenished more often.

Dehydration in the body can be recognized by the following signs:

• Thirst. A person is constantly thirsty.
• Pale, dry skin. For example, the skin on the back of the hand loses its elasticity. A simple test can be done: grab a fold of skin on the back of your hand and then release it. If the fold straightens immediately, there is enough water in the body, but if it is preserved, then you need to replenish the fluid supply.
• Dry lips, tongue, nasal mucosa.
• Rapid pulse.
• Confusion of consciousness.
• “Sunken” eyes.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Decrease in urine volume (person goes to the toilet less than every 8 hours or does not feel the need to empty the bladder).
• Drowsiness, tired feeling.
• Headache.

Dehydration can lead to serious consequences (this applies primarily to the elderly): lowering blood pressure, worsening of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.

When dehydration sets in, the person’s condition worsens dramatically. Treatment of severe dehydration is possible only in a hospital setting – with saline drip, control of heart activity and maintenance of blood pressure. That’s why it’s so important to stay hydrated when you have a cold.

To prevent dehydration in SARS, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm liquids. However, any drinks will not cope with the task of restoring water balance.

The drink should not irritate the mucous membrane of the throat (sore throat is a common symptom of a cold), should be easy to digest, have a pleasant taste (it is difficult for a sick person to force himself to drink a tasteless drink in large quantities). Therefore, carbonated, sour or too sweet drinks will not work. You should not drink liters of milk and dairy products: at high temperatures, they are poorly absorbed, create an additional burden on the liver. Coffee (increases blood pressure), black tea (large portions disrupt the functioning of the bronchi) and green tea (retains fluid, which means it prevents the process of removing toxins) will not work.

What can you drink with a cold? Ordinary boiled warm water, fruit or berry non-acid compotes, fruit drinks, juices will help restore the water balance. However, if a person feels bad, and there are no relatives nearby, then preparing such drinks will become a difficult task. In this situation, ready-made products can be used – for example, Dyshi drink ^® with ginger and lemongrass extract (more about the product can be found here). It contains natural ingredients: ginger, lemongrass, vitamin C and zinc. The drink has a pleasant taste, does not contain sugar, does not cause drowsiness (ginger extract, on the contrary, tones).