What to do when someone is dehydrated. Effective Dehydration Treatment: Oral Rehydration Therapy and Fluid Replacement Guide
How can you recognize the signs of dehydration. What are the best methods for treating dehydration at home. When should you seek medical attention for dehydration. How can you prevent dehydration in children and adults.
Understanding Dehydration: Causes and Symptoms
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting the normal balance of water and electrolytes. This condition can arise from various factors, including excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or the use of diuretic medications. Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial for timely intervention and treatment.
Common Causes of Dehydration
- Intense physical activity or exposure to hot weather
- Gastrointestinal illnesses causing vomiting or diarrhea
- Certain medications that increase urine output
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
Key Symptoms of Dehydration
Identifying dehydration early can prevent more serious complications. Here are some telltale signs to watch for:
- Increased thirst and dry mouth
- Decreased urine output or dark-colored urine
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Dry skin that lacks elasticity
- Rapid heartbeat and breathing
- Confusion or irritability, especially in severe cases
Can skin elasticity indicate dehydration? Yes, a simple skin pinch test can help assess hydration levels. Pinch the skin on the back of your hand and release it. If it doesn’t quickly return to its normal position, you may be dehydrated.
Oral Rehydration Therapy: The First Line of Defense
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a simple, cost-effective, and life-saving treatment for mild to moderate dehydration. This approach involves replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes through the consumption of specially formulated solutions or appropriate fluids.
Choosing the Right Fluids for Rehydration
While water is essential, it may not be sufficient on its own to treat dehydration, especially in cases involving significant electrolyte loss. Here’s a guide to selecting the most effective fluids:
- Water: Ideal for mild dehydration caused by exercise or heat exposure
- Oral rehydration solutions (ORS): Balanced electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte or Hydralyte
- Diluted fruit juices: Mix equal parts water and juice to reduce sugar content
- Clear broths or soups: Provide both fluids and essential salts
Are sports drinks suitable for treating dehydration? While sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes, they often contain high levels of sugar. For severe dehydration, it’s better to use specially formulated oral rehydration solutions or consult a healthcare professional.
Treating Dehydration in Children: Special Considerations
Children, especially infants and young toddlers, are more susceptible to dehydration and its complications. Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent serious health issues.
Rehydration Techniques for Infants and Young Children
- Offer small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution
- Use a spoon or syringe for infants who have difficulty drinking
- Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding alongside ORS
- Avoid fruit juices and sodas, which can worsen diarrhea
- Monitor urine output and overall condition closely
How often should you offer fluids to a dehydrated child? For mild dehydration, offer 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of fluid every few minutes. Increase the amount gradually as tolerated. Always consult a pediatrician for personalized advice, especially for infants or severe cases.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Dehydration
While many cases of dehydration can be managed at home, certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical intervention. Recognizing these signs can be life-saving, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly.
Red Flags Requiring Urgent Medical Care
- No urination for 8 hours or more
- Extreme lethargy or loss of consciousness
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Severe dizziness or inability to stand
- Seizures
- Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake
In children, additional warning signs include:
- Sunken eyes or fontanelle (soft spot on an infant’s head)
- No tears when crying
- Cold, mottled hands and feet
- Excessive sleepiness or irritability
What treatment can you expect at a hospital for severe dehydration? In severe cases, healthcare providers may administer intravenous (IV) fluids to quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. They will also address any underlying causes of dehydration and monitor vital signs closely.
Prevention Strategies: Staying Ahead of Dehydration
Preventing dehydration is far easier than treating it. By adopting good hydration habits and being mindful of fluid intake, especially during high-risk situations, you can maintain optimal hydration levels and overall health.
Effective Hydration Habits
- Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when thirsty
- Increase fluid intake during hot weather or physical activity
- Consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
- Monitor urine color as an indicator of hydration status
- Use a reusable water bottle to track daily fluid intake
How much water should you drink daily to prevent dehydration? While individual needs vary, a general guideline is to consume at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day for adults. Factors like climate, activity level, and overall health may increase this requirement.
Hydration for Special Populations and Situations
Certain groups of people and specific circumstances require extra attention to hydration needs. Understanding these unique requirements can help prevent dehydration in vulnerable populations and challenging environments.
Athletes and Active Individuals
People engaged in intense physical activity or endurance sports need to be particularly vigilant about their hydration status. Sweat loss during exercise can quickly lead to dehydration if not properly addressed.
- Hydrate before, during, and after exercise
- Consider electrolyte-rich beverages for prolonged activities
- Monitor body weight changes as an indicator of fluid loss
Elderly Individuals
Older adults are at higher risk of dehydration due to decreased thirst sensation, reduced kidney function, and potential medication effects.
- Encourage regular fluid intake, even in the absence of thirst
- Offer a variety of hydrating beverages and foods
- Be aware of medications that may increase dehydration risk
Individuals with Chronic Illnesses
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can affect hydration status and increase the risk of dehydration.
- Follow healthcare provider recommendations for fluid intake
- Monitor blood sugar levels and adjust hydration accordingly for diabetics
- Be aware of fluid restrictions for certain heart or kidney conditions
How can you encourage proper hydration in the elderly or those with chronic illnesses? Create a hydration schedule, use visual reminders like water bottles or charts, and incorporate fluid-rich foods into meals. Always consult with healthcare providers for personalized recommendations.
Advanced Hydration Techniques and Considerations
While basic hydration principles apply to most situations, there are advanced techniques and considerations that can optimize fluid balance and overall health, especially for those with specific needs or in challenging environments.
Electrolyte Balance and Hydration
Understanding the role of electrolytes in hydration can help fine-tune your approach to fluid replacement, particularly in situations of excessive sweating or illness-induced fluid loss.
- Sodium: Crucial for fluid retention and nerve function
- Potassium: Important for muscle function and heart rhythm
- Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function
- Calcium: Essential for muscle contractions and bone health
When should you consider electrolyte supplements? Electrolyte supplements or drinks may be beneficial during prolonged exercise, in hot environments, or when experiencing significant fluid loss due to illness. However, for most people, a balanced diet provides sufficient electrolytes for daily needs.
Hydration in Extreme Environments
Maintaining proper hydration in extreme conditions, such as high altitudes or very hot or cold climates, requires special attention and planning.
- High Altitude: Increased fluid loss through respiration and urination
- Hot Climates: Rapid fluid loss through sweating
- Cold Environments: Decreased thirst sensation and increased fluid loss through respiration
How can you adapt your hydration strategy for extreme environments? In hot climates, increase fluid intake and consider electrolyte-rich beverages. At high altitudes, consciously drink more water than you feel you need. In cold environments, use insulated containers to keep fluids from freezing and set reminders to drink regularly.
Hydration and Cognitive Function
Proper hydration is not just crucial for physical health; it also plays a significant role in cognitive function and mental performance.
- Even mild dehydration can impair attention, memory, and cognitive performance
- Adequate hydration supports brain function and may help prevent headaches
- Proper fluid balance is essential for mood regulation and stress management
Can improving hydration enhance mental performance? Yes, studies have shown that maintaining optimal hydration levels can improve concentration, reaction times, and overall cognitive function. This is particularly important in academic and professional settings where mental acuity is crucial.
Innovative Approaches to Hydration Monitoring and Management
As technology advances, new tools and methods for monitoring and managing hydration are becoming available. These innovations can provide more accurate and personalized approaches to maintaining optimal fluid balance.
Wearable Hydration Monitors
Wearable devices that track hydration status are emerging as valuable tools for athletes, healthcare providers, and health-conscious individuals.
- Non-invasive sensors that measure fluid and electrolyte levels through skin
- Smart water bottles that track fluid intake and remind users to drink
- Fitness trackers with hydration monitoring features
Personalized Hydration Plans
Advances in data analysis and personalized medicine are enabling the creation of individualized hydration strategies based on factors such as:
- Body composition and metabolic rate
- Activity level and type of exercise
- Environmental conditions and altitude
- Medical history and current health status
How can personalized hydration plans improve overall health? By tailoring fluid and electrolyte intake to individual needs, personalized plans can optimize performance, reduce the risk of dehydration-related issues, and support overall health and well-being more effectively than one-size-fits-all approaches.
Future Directions in Hydration Research
Ongoing research in hydration science is exploring new frontiers that may revolutionize our understanding and management of fluid balance:
- Genetic factors influencing hydration needs and susceptibility to dehydration
- The role of hydration in disease prevention and management
- Novel rehydration solutions with enhanced absorption properties
- The impact of hydration on longevity and healthy aging
What potential breakthroughs can we expect in hydration science? Future research may lead to more precise hydration recommendations based on genetic profiles, new treatments for dehydration-related conditions, and a deeper understanding of how optimal hydration contributes to overall health and disease prevention.
Dehydration Treatment – Oral Rehydration Therapy and Fluid Replacement
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- Is Drinking Water Enough?
- What to Do for a Dehydrated Child
You can become dehydrated for many different reasons. It could be from sweating too much. Vomiting or diarrhea can quickly remove fluids from your body, too. So can medicines that make you pee a lot.
All of these things can cause you to lose more water and electrolytes (essential minerals in your blood and body fluids) than are good for you. If you don’t have enough, your body has trouble doing the things it’s supposed to do.
There’s really only one way to treat dehydration — replace the fluids and electrolytes your body has lost.
For a mild case, it should be enough just to drink plenty of fluids. Water is your first choice, but there are lots of special drinks on the market that will help you replace your body’s lost water and electrolytes.
If you can’t get a pre-mixed rehydration solution, don’t try to make one yourself. Instead, replace lost fluids naturally with sips of water, fruit juice, crushed fruit mixed with water, or salty soups or broths.
Fruit juices may upset your stomach, so it’s best to dilute them with water. Avoid coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic drinks. They’re diuretics, which means they can dehydrate you more because they all pull water from your body.
If your dehydration is serious, you may need to see a doctor to get treated with intravenous (IV) fluids. Severe dehydration may require you to go to the hospital. You should get medical attention immediately if you:
- Haven’t peed in 8 hours
- Have had a seizure
- Are disoriented or confused
- Have a weak or rapid pulse
- Feel very tired
- Feel dizzy when you stand
- Are too sick (nauseated or vomiting) to take in fluids
If your baby or child becomes dehydrated (usually because of a fever, vomiting or diarrhea), treatment with an oral rehydration solution is your best bet. There are several over-the-counter options (Hydralyte and Pedialyte), which will give your child the right balance of electrolytes and salts.
Try giving small sips or by the teaspoon to begin with. You may even need to use a syringe if they’re having trouble drinking. For an older child, sports drinks diluted with water are the best treatment. Again, start with small sips and give them more as they show they can tolerate it.
For an infant, give plenty of breast milk and formula, but don’t give fruit juices if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. They can make it worse.
Dehydration can be serious in a baby or young child. If you notice these signs, see a doctor right away:
- Extreme sleepiness
- Less responsive than usual
- Few wet diapers
- Cold and blotchy hands and feet
- No tears when crying
- Dark yellow pee
- Very dry mouth
Usually, dehydration is easy to treat at home if you get out of the heat and drink plenty of liquids. But once you’re thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated, so it’s best to drink plenty of fluids regularly.
Top Picks
10 signs of dehydration you need to know
Studies show that more than 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to significant health problems, particularly for children or older adults.
Monitoring for dehydration symptoms is the key to proper dehydration treatment and can help prevent more serious, life-threatening conditions. If dehydration becomes more severe, it can lead to signs of mental and physical decline that will need immediate medical action for reversal.
1. Not urinating or very dark urine
An easy way to test and see if you’re dehydrated is by checking the color of your urine. Normal urine should be pale yellow, like lemonade. If your urine is a darker color, similar to apple juice, this could be a sign of moderate to severe dehydration.
If you’re not urinating, you’re most likely severely dehydrated. This requires immediate medical attention.
What to do: If you find your urine is dark yellow, start drinking more water immediately. It’s best to take frequent small sips of water that your body can adequately absorb.
If you feel you’re not getting enough fluids regularly, consider taking a large water bottle to drink throughout the day — at work, in the car and on the go.
2. Dry skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched
Lack of skin elasticity is another sign of dehydration.
Try this test: Pinch the skin on the top of your hand and see what happens. If it moves back slowly, this is an indication that you’re moderately dehydrated. If the skin seems to stick together (i.e., it “tents”), this is a sign of severe dehydration.
What to do: Just like with darker urine, you should increase your water intake and drink fluids if you’re experiencing mild to moderate dehydration. A glass of water is typically a good “go-to”.
If you are severely dehydrated and your skin tents, you may have to visit a healthcare provider who can help treat dehydration.
3. Rapid heartbeat and breathing
It’s natural to have an increased heart rate and rapid breathing while exercising. But if your symptoms don’t go away once you’ve cooled down or haven’t been working out, it could be a sign of severe dehydration. That’s because depleted blood volume can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood.
What to do: If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should visit a healthcare provider to assess for dehydration. You may need IV hydration to reverse severe dehydration that is impacting your breathing. IV hydration provides fluid and has salt and sugar like sodium chloride and potassium to aid in quick rehydration.
4. Dizziness or lightheadedness
Did you know that your brain is approximately 75% water? That’s why drinking water and eating water-filled foods can help your brain work better.
On the flip side, if you don’t get enough fluids, it can negatively affect your brain function. For example, if you are experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness or feel as if you may pass out, this may mean you are severely dehydrated.
What to do: Don’t take symptoms like these lightly. Properly rehydrate by slowing drinking water. However, if you’re experiencing dehydration dizziness or lightheadedness, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible to be checked out by a healthcare provider.
Consider eating more fruits and vegetables with high water content to prevent dehydration. These include cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, strawberries, apples and grapes. This will help replenish your body with minerals and electrolytes.
5. Unconsciousness
Unconsciousness from dehydration can result from low blood pressure or dizziness. When accompanied by other dehydration signs, this could indicate a severe fluid loss.
What to do: Call 911 immediately if you’re around someone who passes out or you’re alone and feel like you may pass out. This requires transportation to the emergency room right away for dehydration treatment.
Like with other severe signs of dehydration, you or the person affected will most likely receive rehydration therapy.
6. Fatigue
Another classic sign of dehydration is fatigue. Studies have shown those who sleep less tend to be more dehydrated and those who were well hydrated slept longer on average.
What to do: If you feel frequently tired shortly into your workouts or regularly fatigued, it’s likely a good time to evaluate your water intake. Call your healthcare provider or local urgent care if you experience extreme fatigue that affects your everyday life.
9. Sunken eyes or dry eyes
While perhaps not as obvious, having dry or sunken eyes is also a classic symptom of dehydration. This is because less fluid and tears are circulating, leading to dryness in the eyes.
In these cases, your eyes can burn. It may even feel like you have sand in your eyes, or they may become more sensitive to light.
What to do: If any of these symptoms occur, drinking water may help.
10. White tongue
Dehydration can also cause a physical symptom called the white tongue. This appears as a white coating on the tongue’s surface caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells that become lodged and inflamed. This can occur for many reasons, but the primary causes are dehydration and dry mouth.
What to do: While a white tongue is generally harmless, it can be an underlying sign that you’re dehydrated. Drink plenty of water and brush your tongue gently with a toothbrush. If it doesn’t go away in a few weeks, it’s a good idea to call a healthcare provider.
Causes of dehydration
There are several possible causes of dehydration, typically either due to not drinking enough water or from losing bodily fluids:
- Inadequate fluid intake: If you’re not drinking enough water or water-containing foods like fruits and vegetables, it’s easier to become dehydrated.
- Diarrhea and vomiting: These symptoms cause fluid loss, which can result in dehydration.
- Excessive sweating: This can result from strenuous or endurance physical activity or exposure to hot weather conditions.
- Increased urination: This can occur if you have diabetes or certain medications that can cause you to urinate more and lose fluid, such as diuretics or blood pressure medications. Also be mindful, that coffee/caffeine and alcohol can increase urination.
- Fever: Having a fever alone dehydrates you. That’s because an increase in body temperature increases your metabolism and breathing rate, leading you to breathe out more moisture. Fever can cause dehydration, especially in kids, due to increased insensible water losses. Dehydration doesn’t cause fever though.
- Hot weather: Overheating due to hot temperatures can also cause dehydration.
Tips to prevent dehydration
These tips can help you prevent dehydration, which is easier than treating it after it has already happened.
- Keep a water bottle by your side and in your line of sight.
- Add natural ingredients to your water, like fresh strawberries, cucumbers and orange or lemon slices. The flavor may encourage you to drink more water.
- Eat more water-filled fruit and vegetables. In fact, cantaloupe, watermelon, leafy greens and tomatoes all contain 90% water.
- Drink electrolytes or coconut water after a workout.
- Avoid alcohol consumption if you’re already feeling dehydrated, as this increases your fluid loss.
FAQs about dehydration
Here are some common questions about dehydration.
Does dehydration cause high blood pressure?
Yes, dehydration can cause your blood pressure to fluctuate, leading to blood pressure that is too high or too low.
What happens if you drink too much water?
Drinking too much water can dilute essential electrolytes, swelling the body’s cells and disrupting brain function. Common signs of too much water can be nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation. The kidneys are designed to urinate out the excess, so unless someone is purposefully drinking excessively, this isn’t a practical concern
What is the fastest way to cure dehydration?
The fastest way to cure dehydration is to drink fluids, particularly those that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions. People unable to drink properly due to medical conditions may require IV hydration for faster results.
What does a dehydration headache feel like?
Pain from a dehydration headache can vary. With mild dehydration, it can feel like a dull throbbing but can be sharp or pounding as dehydration worsens.
Visit an urgent care for dehydration symptoms
When you’re severely dehydrated, your gut reaction might be to chug fluids or water-filled foods into the body as quickly as possible. However, you don’t want to overdo it. It’s possible to drink too much water, resulting in a condition called hyponatremia. This is when sodium and electrolytes in the blood are so low that they can be life-threatening. As mentioned above, this is challenging to do and usually requires kidney or other medical problems.
Dehydration can be dangerous if left untreated, particularly for children or older adults. Understanding your fluid needs based on age, medical status and lifestyle can help you keep your hydration status balanced.
If you need help assessing the warning signs of dehydration and treating it, visit the experts at our urgent care centers through our healthcare provider partners. You can walk in without an appointment or save your spot online. We’ll have you back to feeling better in no time.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-signs-skin-hydration
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068860/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30395316/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25950246/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/white-tongue/basics/causes/sym-20050676
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dehydration-and-blood-pressure/
Written by Sarah Thebarge, Physician Assistant
11 signs that your body is dehydrated (and how to fix it)
The summer of 2021 turned out to be abnormally hot — in the central part of Russia, the temperature exceeded the norm by 5-7 degrees. In such heat, the body actively removes fluid, and it needs to be replenished. If you ignore this fact, you can face dehydration – a serious disease in both adults and children.
Signs of dehydration
Respiratory problems. Asthma and allergies are among the main symptoms of dehydration. This is because with the loss of a large amount of fluid, the protection of the mucous membranes decreases. Because of this, the child may choke, actively sneeze and cough.
High blood pressure. An insidious symptom that does not manifest itself actively at the beginning. It can result in headaches, darkening of the eyes, nosebleeds. This is due to the fact that the amount of water in the blood decreases, and it begins to move more slowly.
Weight gain. Cells especially need energy, which they can take from water filled with hydrogen. If the body lacks moisture, it has to replenish energy from another source – food, and very high-calorie food, because it contains the most energy.
High cholesterol. Cholesterol is actively released during dehydration and literally “freezes” the cells so that they stop losing water. Cholesterol levels can only be determined using a blood test, so do not forget about a systematic health check-up.
Skin diseases. The lack of the right amount of water affects the retention of toxins inside the body, which can cause problems such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis.
Digestive disorders. Ulcers, gastritis and acid reflux are the consequences of poor food processing. The body stops producing enough digestive juices because it contains little water and the digestive system cannot function fully ( read also : 5 Good Digestion Exercises You Can Do Every Day).
Problems with stool. Poor functioning of the digestive tract and, as a result, constipation and other disorders are also associated with a small amount of water in the body.
Refusal to drink quality water can lead to the immobilization of waste products inside the large intestine.
Pain in the joints. The cartilaginous pad that sits between the joints and prevents them from rubbing against each other becomes thinner due to lack of water. Then the friction increases, which leads to pain.
Bladder or kidney problems. As with the skin, the body is unable to remove toxins from the organs, which contributes to infections, inflammation and pain. Increasing the level of fluid in the body to the required rate will eliminate this problem.
Premature aging. This is what the older generation is facing. Skin discoloration and early wrinkles occur due to lack of moisture in the body. But this is also true for those who are expecting a baby. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of healthy water from natural sources or liquids filled with hydrogen.
Increased fatigue. Children’s activity in the summer, combined with the heat, can lead to dehydration.
This process occurs at the chemical level – the reactions in the cells slow down, the child simply cannot be active. Therefore, you should not blame the child for laziness in such a situation.
How to deal with dehydration?
It is best to avoid folk prescriptions from the Internet and consult a doctor immediately . But the first aid immediately after discovering the problem is drinking plenty of water. To enhance the benefits, it is better to drink hydrogen water: it improves metabolism and helps beneficial substances to penetrate quickly and in full ( see also : Filtered, bottled or boiled: what is the healthiest water).
Do not turn a blind eye to the above signs, the consequences can be serious – from loss of consciousness to hospitalization. Self-medication can be harmful to the child, since only a doctor can determine whether it is necessary to restore salt metabolism.
Dehydration is often experienced not only because of the use of small amounts of water, but also because of its poor quality. The indicators of bottled water do not correspond to the parameters of the body, do not make it useful and do not protect against dehydration. Thanks to hydrogen water, the body is filled with antioxidants that protect the organs from harmful bacteria, and the cell membrane works efficiently – through it, useful substances completely get inside. A full-fledged work of all organs will be the key to a stable emotional state of the child and his good mood.
Dehydration in children
Changes in mood and emotional “swings” are signs of dehydration (dehydration) in children, since the body does not receive enough fluid, physiological processes are of poor quality, the child feels discomfort. Children lose fluid much faster than adults, because their system of water-salt metabolism is not so well established. Therefore, experts advise monitoring how often your child drinks and whether he uses quality water.
Not all liquids will be good for children. The body tends to perceive water with the same parameters as its own: redox potential (ORP), surface tension and the amount of active hydrogen. These factors in bottled water will not be equivalent to our body fluids, so it is important to drink water from natural sources or hydrogen water. Store-bought juices and lemonades are best excluded from the children’s diet.
The child constantly asks for water – is it worth sounding the alarm?
The desire to drink is quite natural, especially in the heat. To identify dehydration, you need to identify more significant signs that many do not even notice. My patients admitted that they did not even suspect that they were suffering from dehydration, and did not correlate the symptoms with this disease.
Thirst and dehydration are different things: the first is the need of the body, dehydration is a violation of the normal functioning of our organs, the most important of which consist of more than 75% water. Reducing the volume of water even by 2% will affect the well-being and normal life processes of the child.
Does pregnancy increase the risk of dehydration?
When a woman is pregnant, her body expends energy not only to maintain its condition, but also to develop and protect the fetus. Frequent urination and toxicosis in the early stages accelerate the process of removing fluid from the body.
The consequences can range from minor ailments to more serious things: disruption of the position of the fetus and the formation of the placenta, thickening of the blood, and even premature birth if dehydration caught up with you at a later date. Therefore, women who are expecting a baby should pay special attention to the right amount of healthy water in the body, which can be obtained thanks to ionizers.
Therapist-nutritionist, author of the body cleansing and detoxification program, member of the PreventAge association of doctors of preventive and anti-aging medicine, co-founder of the Vione water ionizer brand.
Photo: Getty Images
Scientists: If you’re thirsty, it means you’re already dehydrated this may occur for a banal reason: you drink little water. How the body hints at this, and what insufficient fluid intake can lead to, nutritionists said.
July 27, 2019
- Source:
- pixabay
An obvious sign that the body does not have enough water is thirst. However, if you are thirsty, it means that the body is already beginning to experience dehydration. This condition is best prevented. It is believed that by default you need to drink 8 glasses of water per day (two liters). But experts say that there are no identical recipes for everyone. The main guideline is the color of the urine, which should be light yellow. If it’s darker, it’s time to drink.
See also
Insufficient water intake can lead to dry skin, headaches, dizziness, nausea and restless sleep. Craving for sweets may not be due to the desire for something tasty, but to the fact that the level of glycogen has decreased. This carbohydrate accumulates in the muscles and when dehydrated, the body consumes it more actively. Therefore, after sports training, you may suddenly want something carbohydrate – the usual sweet. But experts advise drinking water first: maybe you will crave candy later.
Another sign that you are not drinking enough water is bad breath. This is a consequence of the fact that little saliva is produced, which should clean the oral cavity and has a bactericidal effect. And if bacteria begin to multiply actively, the breath becomes stale.
Mood swings can also be attributed to lack of water. Dehydration causes irritability, an inability to concentrate, because water brings nutrients to the brain and flushes out toxins. If it is not there, then the brain has nothing to “reinforce itself”.
How do you remember to give your body enough water? You can set a timer, alarm clock or set a reminder on your phone, there are even special programs for smartphones. But if there is no water nearby, no bell will help.
Therefore, experts recommend placing a cup or bottle of water in the workplace and next to the bed. On the bottle, you can make serifs with time: how much water you need to drink by a certain time of the day. You can turn fluid intake into a game: linking to a specific action will allow you to develop a habit. A reliable way to maintain balance is to drink water immediately after going to the toilet.
If you do forget about the magic glass during the day, make sure you catch up at least at dinner. By the way, drinking before meals can save you from overeating.
To make the water taste better, it is recommended to add herbs such as mint or basil leaves. For a change, you can sometimes drink water with gas: purchased or carbonated at home.
See also
However, not all drinks are equally beneficial for hydrobalance. Alcohol is also served in a glass, but actually promotes dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, after drinking it, people begin to visit the toilet more often and believe that it is definitely not worth drinking additional water. But it’s not. Do not forget to drink water along with alcoholic drinks, without waiting for the morning “dry”.
Coffee, tea and energy drinks are weaker diuretics.