What are the most effective home remedies for dehydration. How can you prevent dehydration through self-care. What causes dehydration in adults and what are its effects. What are the key symptoms of dehydration to watch out for.

Understanding Dehydration: Causes and Effects on the Body

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, disrupting the normal bodily functions. Water makes up nearly 60% of the human body, playing crucial roles in joint lubrication, waste removal, digestion, and skin health.

What causes dehydration in adults? Common causes include:

• Excessive sweating due to heat or exercise
• Fever
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Increased urination (e.g., due to diabetes or certain medications)
• Alcohol consumption
• Excessive caffeine intake

How does dehydration affect the body? The effects can range from mild to severe:

• Decreased cognitive function and concentration
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Dry skin and lips
• Reduced urine output
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• In extreme cases, organ failure and shock

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dehydration in Adults

Identifying dehydration early is crucial for prompt treatment. What are the key symptoms to watch for?

• Increased thirst
• Dark yellow or amber-colored urine
• Dry mouth and lips
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Decreased skin elasticity (skin “tents” when pinched)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion (in severe cases)

Is there a simple way to assess hydration status at home? The urine color test is a quick and easy method. Pale yellow urine generally indicates good hydration, while dark yellow or amber urine suggests dehydration.

Effective Home Remedies for Treating Dehydration

1. Increase Water Intake

The most straightforward remedy for dehydration is to increase fluid intake. How should you approach rehydration?

• Sip water slowly and regularly rather than gulping large amounts at once
• Aim for clear or light yellow urine as a sign of proper hydration
• Consider flavored water or adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to plain water for variety

2. Replenish with Homemade Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)

ORS is an effective way to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. How can you make ORS at home?

Mix the following ingredients:

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

Consume 50-100 ml/kg of ORS over 2-4 hours or as recommended by a healthcare provider.

3. Consume Water-Rich Fruits and Vegetables

Eating foods with high water content can contribute to overall hydration. Which fruits and vegetables are particularly hydrating?

• Watermelon (92% water)
• Cucumber (95% water)
• Strawberries (91% water)
• Cantaloupe (90% water)
• Peaches (88% water)
• Spinach (91% water)
• Tomatoes (94% water)

4. Drink Coconut Water

Coconut water is an excellent natural source of electrolytes. Why is it particularly effective for rehydration?

• Contains potassium, sodium, and magnesium
• Low in calories and sugar
• Easily absorbed by the body

5. Consume Buttermilk

Buttermilk can help alleviate mild dehydration by replenishing essential minerals. How can you incorporate buttermilk into your rehydration routine?

• Drink 2-3 glasses of buttermilk daily
• Mix ½ teaspoon of dry ginger in 1 cup of buttermilk for added benefits

6. Suck on Ice Chips

For those who find it difficult to drink large amounts of fluid, sucking on ice chips can be a gentle way to rehydrate. Why is this method beneficial?

• Prevents overwhelming the stomach with large volumes of liquid
• Provides a cooling effect, which can be soothing
• Allows for gradual fluid intake

Preventive Self-Care: Strategies to Avoid Dehydration

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to dehydration. What are some effective strategies to maintain proper hydration?

1. Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when thirsty
2. Increase fluid intake during hot weather or when exercising
3. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these can promote fluid loss
4. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables with high water content
5. Carry a reusable water bottle to encourage frequent sipping
6. Set reminders on your phone or use apps to track water intake
7. Choose water-rich snacks like cucumber slices or watermelon

Understanding Electrolyte Balance in Hydration

Proper hydration isn’t just about water; electrolytes play a crucial role too. What are electrolytes and why are they important?

Electrolytes are minerals in the blood and other bodily fluids that carry an electric charge. They are essential for:

• Maintaining proper fluid balance in the body
• Regulating nerve and muscle function
• Balancing blood acidity and pressure
• Supporting tissue repair

Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate. How can you ensure a proper electrolyte balance?

• Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
• Consider sports drinks or electrolyte-enhanced water during intense exercise or in hot conditions
• Use oral rehydration solutions when experiencing fluid loss due to illness

The Role of Hydration in Overall Health and Wellness

Proper hydration is fundamental to numerous bodily functions. How does staying well-hydrated contribute to overall health?

• Supports cognitive function and mood
• Aids in digestion and prevents constipation
• Helps regulate body temperature
• Supports kidney function and toxin removal
• Promotes healthy skin and reduces the appearance of aging
• Lubricates joints and cushions organs
• Enhances physical performance and endurance

Can proper hydration help with weight management? While not a magic solution, staying hydrated can support weight management efforts by:

• Promoting feelings of fullness, potentially reducing overeating
• Supporting metabolism
• Helping the body efficiently use stored fat for energy

Special Considerations for Hydration in Different Populations

Elderly Adults

Older adults are at increased risk of dehydration. Why is this the case?

• Decreased thirst sensation with age
• Reduced kidney function
• Medication side effects that increase fluid loss
• Mobility issues that may limit access to fluids

How can caregivers ensure proper hydration in elderly adults?

• Offer fluids regularly throughout the day
• Provide easy access to water and other hydrating beverages
• Encourage consumption of water-rich foods
• Monitor urine color and output

Athletes and Active Individuals

Those engaging in regular physical activity have increased hydration needs. What strategies can athletes use to stay properly hydrated?

• Drink water before, during, and after exercise
• Use sports drinks for activities lasting longer than an hour or in hot conditions
• Weigh before and after exercise to gauge fluid loss and replace accordingly
• Pay attention to urine color as an indicator of hydration status

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

Hydration needs increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. How much additional fluid is needed?

• Pregnant women: About 300 ml extra per day
• Breastfeeding women: Approximately 700 ml extra per day

What are some tips for staying hydrated during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

• Keep a water bottle handy at all times
• Consume water-rich fruits and vegetables
• Limit caffeine intake
• Consider adding a slice of lemon or lime to water for flavor

When to Seek Medical Attention for Dehydration

While mild dehydration can often be treated at home, severe dehydration requires immediate medical attention. What are the signs that indicate a need for professional medical care?

• Extreme thirst
• Very dark urine or no urine output for 8 hours or more
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Confusion or irritability
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Fever above 103°F (39.4°C)

How is severe dehydration typically treated in a medical setting?

• Intravenous (IV) fluids to quickly replenish lost fluids and electrolytes
• Monitoring of vital signs and electrolyte levels
• Treatment of underlying causes (e.g., severe diarrhea or vomiting)

In conclusion, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for overall health and well-being. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dehydration, individuals can take proactive steps to ensure they stay adequately hydrated. Remember, prevention through regular fluid intake and a balanced diet is the best approach to avoiding the potentially serious consequences of dehydration.

Home Remedies and Preventive Self-Care

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.

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:

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.

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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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

References

1. McCartney D, Desbrow B, Irwin C. The Effect of Fluid Intake Following Dehydration on Subsequent Athletic and Cognitive Performance: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports medicine – open. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5357466/. Published December 2017.
2. Munos MK, Walker CLF, Black RE. The effect of oral rehydration solution and recommended home fluids on diarrhoea mortality. International journal of epidemiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2845864/. Published April 2010.
3. Binder HJ, Brown I, Ramakrishna BS, Young GP. Oral rehydration therapy in the second decade of the twenty-first century. Current gastroenterology reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3950600/. Published March 2014.
4. Montenegro-Bethancourt G, Johner SA, Remer T. Contribution of fruit and vegetable intake to hydration status in schoolchildren. The American journal of clinical nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23966431. Published October 2013.
5. Kalman DS, Feldman S, Krieger DR, Bloomer RJ. Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3293068/. Published January 18, 2012.
6. Lundgren-Kownacki K, Dahl M, Gao C, et al. Exploring how a traditional diluted yoghurt drink may mitigate heat strain during medium-intensity intermittent work: a multidisciplinary study of occupational heat strain. Industrial health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29057769. Published April 7, 2018.
7. Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE. No Evidence of Dehydration with Moderate Daily Coffee Intake: A Counterbalanced Cross-Over Study in a Free-Living Population. PLOS ONE. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0084154. Published 2014.
8. Arnaud MJ. Mild dehydration: a risk factor of constipation? European journal of clinical nutrition. https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14681719. Published December 2003.

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6 Signs of Severe Dehydration and How to Treat It

Chances are you suffer from chronic dehydration. After all, statistics show that over 75% of Americans do. That’s close to 246 million people.

While dehydration is common, it doesn’t look the same in everyone. Its signs and symptoms can vary depending on the person affected, as well as the severity of the condition. Infants and children, as well as the elderly, are at increased risk for dehydration. Plus, what doctors classify as a mild to moderate case of dehydration varies from severe dehydration.

Catching it early is key to proper dehydration treatment and prevention of a more serious case that could become life-threatening.

Dehydration occurs when an individual loses more fluid than they take in. Since the body is made up of two-thirds water, it’s essential for human life. In fact, water plays a large role in normal body functions, like facilitating digestion, lubricating the joints and eliminating toxins to keep the skin healthy.

Even if your body has only lost 1-2% of its water content, it can have adverse effects that present themselves in the form of dehydration symptoms. A fluid deficit from water loss can leave you feeling thirsty or sleepy, as well as having a mild headache, dry mouth with bad breath or muscle cramps, often referred to as “charley horses.” You likely won’t have the urge to use the bathroom as frequently, as you’ll experience minimal urine output.

What Happens to Your Body When It Dehydrates?

If you’re feeling thirsty, your body is likely already dehydrated. Why is this the case? Because your thirst mechanism lags behind your actual level of hydration.

Losing body water without replacing it results in your blood becoming more concentrated. This causes your heart rate to increase to maintain your blood pressure, and it triggers your kidneys to retain water (hence, decreased urination).

Less water in your system also hinders your body’s ability to regulate your temperature, which can lead to hyperthermia, or a body temperature that’s well above normal. And because fluid levels in the brain lower, they affect your mood, memory and coordination.

6 Signs of Dehydration

As fluid loss worsens from one being mildly to moderately to severely dehydrated, it can lead to signs of mental and physical decline that will need immediate action for reversal. If  symptoms of severe dehydration are concerning enough, they may also require the assistance of a medical professional.

1. Not Urinating or Very Dark Urine

An easy way to test and see if you’re dehydrated is checking the color of your urine. Normal urine should be pale yellow in color, like lemonade. If your urine is a darker color, similar to apple juice, this could be a sign of moderate to severe dehydration. Not urinating at all? You’re most likely severely dehydrated.

What to do: Should you find your urine is a dark yellow, be sure to start drinking more water immediately. It’s best to take small sips of water your body can properly absorb, rather than gulping down glass after glass of water that your kidneys will expel. If you feel you’re not getting enough fluids on a regular basis, consider taking a large water bottle with you to drink throughout the day—at work, in the car and on the go.

2. Dry Skin That Doesn’t Bounce Back When Pinched

Checking the color of your urine is not the only quick test you can perform to determine if you’re dehydrated. A person’s skin elasticity is also telling. Try this: 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 mildly to moderately dehydrated. If the skin seems to stick together (i.e., it “tents”), this is a sign of severe dehydration.

What to do: Like with darker urine, you should increase your water intake and drink fluids if you’re experiencing mild to moderate dehydration. While a glass of water is a good “go-to,” if you’ve just finished a strenuous workout, you can also try rehydrating drinks like a sports drink or coconut water. 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 you haven’t been working out and you experience these symptoms—it could be a sign of severe dehydration as depleted amounts of electrolytes can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood.

What to do:  Fluid intake is crucial for organs like your heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs to function properly. So, it’s important you visit a doctor for dehydration when you experience these symptoms. After thorough examination, if a medical professional determines you are dehydrated, you’ll likely be hooked up to receive intravenous fluid containing a concentrate rehydration solution (water with salts and sugars like sodium chloride and potassium) for quick delivery of fluids to the thirstiest parts of your body.

4. Confusion, Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Did you know that your brain is composed of 73% 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 have adverse effects. If you’re feeling like you might pass out at any moment, or you’re confused over where you are, how you got there or what you’re doing, it might mean you are severely dehydrated.

What to do: Don’t take symptoms like these lightly. Properly rehydrate by slowing drinking water and eating water-filled foods like cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, strawberries, apples, and grapes. Both options will help replenish your body with the minerals and electrolytes it needs to absorb into the brain and tissues. If you’re experiencing severe dehydration with confusion, you should go to the emergency room to be checked out by a healthcare provider.

5. Fever and Chills

Usually we associate a fever and chills with having an illness like the flu or an ear infection. But don’t let this warning sign fool you. It’s also a dangerous sign of severe dehydration. When your body doesn’t have enough fluids, it’s hard to maintain a regular body temperature and this can lead to hyperthermia and fever-like symptoms including chills.

What to do: Stop any sport or strenuous activity you’re involved in immediately. The stress you’re placing on your body and its systems is making your symptoms worse. To treat dehydration at home, drink more fluids and either apply a cold compress to your face or take an ice bath to cool down. If your temperature doesn’t improve, or it reaches above 103° indicating severe dehydration in adults, go to the nearest emergency room.  

6. Unconsciousness

If you or someone you know is feeling lightheaded or hot due to a high body temperature, they might be on the brink of passing out. Unconsciousness results from several factors, including low blood pressure, dizziness, etc. When accompanied with other dehydration signs, this could be indicative of severe fluid loss.  

What to do: Unconsciousness is a red flag that your body is in dire need of water. Call 911 immediately if you’re around someone who passes out. They’ll need to be transported to the emergency room right away for dehydration treatment. Like with other serious signs of dehydration, you or the person affected will most likely receive rehydration therapy. You’ll be monitored by doctors to ensure you’re stable and your fluid levels have returned to normal before you’re released.

One last thing to note: When you’re severely dehydrated, it’s key to get 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 Dr. Ben Stein of GoHealth Urgent Care stated in a CBS interview, “Some patients are just over compensating based on the information they’ve heard.” But this can result in more harm than good. Knowing how much fluid is adequate for your body’s weight and lifestyle can help.

Dehydration in Children

While all individuals can suffer from dehydration, infants and children are particularly prone. This is because their bodies contain more water than adults, so they’re more vulnerable to dehydration. Since their kidneys aren’t fully mature, they lose more water than they retain. Young children also often have difficulty recognizing and communicating their need for water.

In addition, infants and children are at higher risk for illnesses like fever, vomiting or diarrhea, which can be the cause of dehydration. What makes dehydration in children worse is that illnesses make it even more difficult to retain fluids when administered to reverse the effects of fluid loss.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends oral rehydration solutions for the treatment for dehydration. Such solutions can be purchased at your local grocery store or drugstore, and contain the right amount of salts and sugars needed to rehydrate infants and children. Because they don’t contain the proper salts and sugars, soda (including ginger ale), fruit juice, and chicken broth are not advisable.  

Dehydration in the Elderly

As with infants and children, elderly people are also at higher risk for dehydration. Some elderly people can become chronically dehydrated if they take certain medications (such as diuretics). They can also metabolically have a diminished sense of thirst or physically have a difficult time getting a glass of water.

Signs of dehydration you should look for in the elderly include low blood pressure, confusion, dizziness and constipation. Urinary tract infections, which are common in older adults, can also cause dehydration. If symptoms become severe, make sure you take your elderly relative to the emergency room.

Winter Dehydration

There’s a strong link between humidity levels and human health, according to a study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. But that doesn’t mean that dehydration is just a hot-weather concern. During the cold winter months, sweat evaporates quicker and this can lead individuals to believe they’re not losing fluids as rapidly as on a warm summer day. However, this is not the case.

Cooler temperatures can also reduce the body’s thirst response, meaning you might be less likely to consume water. And you know how you can often see your breath in the cold air? This is actually water vapor your body is losing that needs to be replenished.

The best way to avoid excessive fluid loss is to prevent dehydration in the first place. By following a few, quick tips, you can be one less American with chronic dehydration:

• Splurge on a reusable water bottle – When something’s right in front of you, it’s hard to ignore. Having a fun water bottle by your side can make it even more exciting to drink water morning, evening and night. Remember, it’s better to drink slowly than gulp it all down at once.

• Forget plain water – Not sure how you’ll come close to drinking your fill of fluids throughout the day? Try adding natural ingredients to your water, like fresh strawberries, cucumbers, or orange or lemon slices. There are also plenty of flavored seltzer waters out there for you to choose from.
• Eat more water-filled foods – While fruits and vegetables are good for you because of all their nutrients—including vitamins, minerals and fibers—they also contain large amounts of water. In fact, cantaloupe, watermelon, leafy greens, and tomatoes all contain 90% water!
• Switch up your snacks – Instead of reaching for pretzels, crackers or cookies, chose fresh or frozen fruits with yogurt or cut-up veggies with hummus when your blood sugar runs low. Paired with protein, these fruits and vegetables can give you the added boost to get through your afternoon.
• Make small lifestyle changes – If you exercise a lot, you might need more than water. Take a sports drink or coconut water for post-workout. Plus, avoid alcohol consumption if you’re already feeling dehydrated as this increases your fluid loss.

Want to test your knowledge of staying properly hydrated? Take this drinks quiz.

Need care today? Check-in online at a GoHealth Urgent Care center near you using the widget below, or just walk in.  

15 Home Remedies To Treat Dehydration

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

Table Of Contents

What Is Dehydration?

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

Back To TOC

Causes Of Dehydration

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

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

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

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Signs And Symptoms Of Dehydration

 In Adults

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

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

In Children

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

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

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

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Side Effects Of Dehydration

Dehydration may also cause some unusual side effects like

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

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

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How To Treat Dehydration Naturally

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

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Best Home Remedies For Dehydration

1. Bananas

You Will Need

1-2 bananas

What You Have To Do

Have a banana before indulging in any intensive physical activity.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice daily.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

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2. Buttermilk

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

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

How This Works

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

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

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3. Barley Water

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 3 to 4 times a day.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

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4. Soups

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

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5. Coconut Water

You Will Need

1 glass of young coconut water

What You Have To Do

Drink young coconut water throughout the day.

How Often You Should Do This

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

How This Works

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

Caution

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

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6. Essential Oils

a. Lemon Essential Oil

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

Drink the lemon-flavored drink once daily.

How This Works

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

b. Wild Orange Essential Oil

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this water at least once daily.

How This Works

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

c. Peppermint Essential Oil

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

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7. Homemade ORS

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

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

How This Works

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

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

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8. Pickle Juice

You Will Need

1/3 cup of pickle juice

What You Have To Do

Drink pickle juice before or after an intense workout.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

How This Works

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

Caution

Do not give pickle juice to your little one.

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9. Cranberry Juice

You Will Need

2 cups of cranberry juice

What You Have To Do

Drink at least 2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice daily.

How Often You Should Do This

Drink this juice twice daily.

How This Works

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

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10. Apple Juice

You Will Need

• 1 apple
• 1/2 glass of water

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

You can drink this juice twice daily.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

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11. Orange Juice

You Will Need

1 to 2 glasses of unsweetened orange juice

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

You must drink this juice once or twice a day.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

[ Read: Top 10 Health Benefits of Orange Juice ]

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12. Lemon Water

You Will Need

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

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

Drink lemon water two to three times a day.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

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13. Salt

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

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14. Yogurt

You Will Need

• 1 cup of yogurt
• A pinch of salt

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 1 to 2 times daily.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

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15. Epsom Salt Bath

You Will Need

• 1 cup of Epsom salt
• 1 bucket of water

What You Have To Do

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

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this 2 to 3 times a week.

How This Works

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

Caution

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

[ Read: 12 Best Benefits Of Epsom Salt ]

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

Preventive Tips For Dehydration

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

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

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Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Is milk good for dehydration?

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

What are the best drinks to treat dehydration besides water?

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

Which is the best electrolyte drink that can prevent dehydration?

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

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

Are you feeling dehydrated? Here are 7 natural home remedies that always work

Excessive thirst is also a sign of dehydration as our body demands for more water (Representational Image)&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspGetty Images

Key Highlights

• Excessive thirst is also a sign of dehydration as our body demands for more water

• If the colour of your urine is dark, then chances are that you’re suffering from dehydration as darker urine indicates dehydration

• No access to safe drinking water also leads to loss of water in our body

New Delhi: Dehydration is often termed as the loss of water in the body. It occurs when our body is incapable of retaining fluids and electrolytes and the amount of fluid entering the body is less than the amount leaving it. Dehydration can be fatal at times and must be treated well on time. It affects all organs including the brain, kidney, liver, etc. and can even hamper the metabolism in our body. Water plays a major role in the functioning of our body, thereby in order to stay fit and healthy, one must stay hydrated.

Causes of dehydration

There can be many different causes for dehydration and some of them are enlisted below:

– Too much of vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to excess loss of fluids from our body which thereby leads to dehydration.

– Diabetic patients are always at high chance of being dehydrated as high blood sugar levels cause fluid loss.

– Excess urination caused by certain infection, diabetes and increased intake of alcohol can also lead to excess loss of water from our body.

– No access to safe drinking water also leads to loss of water in our body.

– Severe injuries, such as skin disease, burns etc cause loss of water as it is lost through damaged skin.

Symptoms of dehydration

If you experience any of the symptoms enlisted below, you must definitely visit the doctor as you might be a victim of dehydration.

 Symptoms of dehydration in adults

– No urination or very dark colour of urine: If you are unable to urinate, this may be due to dehydration. Moreover, if the colour of your urine is dark, then chances are that you’re suffering from dehydration as darker urine indicates dehydration.

– Dizziness is a common factor of dehydration and if proper fluid food intake is not taken, you might suffer from dehydration.

– Excessive thirst is also a sign of dehydration as our body demands for more water.

 Symptoms of dehydration in children

Dehydration in children and that in adults may vary. Here are some symptoms of dehydration in children: 

-If you ever sense lack of energy in your child and he sleeps for more than normal hours, chances are that he might be suffering from dehydration.

– If your child has dry diapers from more than 3 to 4 hours, he might be undergoing dehydration and you might see a doctor.

– Loss of tears while crying is also an important factor to determine dehydration.

– At times, the child’s eyes, as well as cheeks, appear to be in a sunken state.

Other factors of dehydration may include an increase in heartbeat. If you sense an increase in heartbeat even after cooling down after a workout or exercise, you must knock the doctor’s door as you might be a victim of dehydration. Fever is also a sign of dehydration.

Home remedies of dehydration:

A normal human should consume some three litres of water every day as dehydration can be prevented by staying hydrated. You should further rely on water-rich food such as yoghurt, bananas, cucumber, etc. Apart from water, one can follow these home remedies listed below: 

1. Bananas: Bananas can be consumed once or twice a day as they help in regaining the potassium lost during dehydration.

2. Buttermilk: Buttermilk is rich in minerals and thus mixing dry ginger in a cup of buttermilk and consuming it at least 3 to 4 times a day can help combat dehydration.

3. Coconut water: Coconut water must be consumed 4 to 5 times a day as it is rich in sodium and potassium and thereby helps to compensate for the fluid loss as well. Coconut water is a powerhouse of electrolytes. 

4. Limit alcohol intake: A person should also limit his alcohol consumption as it increases water loss in the body.

5. Saltwater: Saltwater is the easiest way to cure dehydration and consuming three litres of saltwater daily will yield better results. One must add sugar and salt to a glass of water and drink it.

6. Water-rich fruits and vegetables such as orange, spinach, lettuce, papaya, cucumber must be taken as they contain hydration salts, sugars and minerals.

7. Yoghurt is one of the best home remedies for dehydration and consuming it once a day can prove to be beneficial for the body.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

DEHYDRATION TREATMENT – HOW TO RECOVER QUICKLY – GOODONYA® Organic

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 an oral 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 children oral 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.

10 Home Remedies for Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when the water levels in your body drop below permissible levels and disturb the intricate equilibrium of essential minerals found in the body. If you lose more fluids than you take in, it can disrupt many bodily functions. Excessive sweating, frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea and a high fever a just a few factors that can lead to dehydration. During hot summer days, if proper care is not taken and you do not drink enough water throughout the day, your body will lose a large volume of fluid and salts. This can lead to dehydration, especially if you are outdoors in the heat or performing strenuous exercise or activities. There are a variety of home remedies for dehydration, however, if you reach a critical and severe level, seek medical attention immediately.

Water

Water is the best and simplest remedy. Drinking plenty of water for someone who is mildly or moderately dehydrated is very beneficial. It is important to rest and drink water in small sips continually over a 24-hour period to replenish the body’s lost fluids. In severe cases, fluids may need to be transmitted into the body intravenously. Glucose water can also help remedy dehydration as it contains electrolytes. Low levels of electrolytes are common with dehydration and can be replaced by having sports drinks and glucose water.

Fruits

Fruits with high water content can help since they are so concentrated with water. These watery fruits include watermelons, bananas, strawberries, grapefruit, papaya, grapes, and cantaloupes. These fruits can be eaten so as to replenish hydration levels. Alternatively, they can be prepared as juice to replenish fluid levels in the body. Adding a pinch of salt and sugar to the fruit juice can also help to replenish the body’s electrolyte levels. Eating watery fruits to help dehydration is a great idea since it also contributes to replenishing lost minerals like potassium.

Vegetables

Vegetables with higher than average water content are also a good way to help replenish bodily fluid levels. Eat vegetables like cucumber, spinach, celery, eggplants, zucchini, radishes, and tomatoes to treat someone who is mildly dehydrated. Research has shown that watery fruits and vegetables are twice as effective at rehydrating the body compared to simply drinking water.
As a natural cure for mild dehydration, preparing a tasty salad with these vegetables can help restore fluid levels. Additionally, as with watery fruits, these vegetables also help to replenish lost minerals in the body.

Salt

Excessive sweating during an intense exercise routine or a rigorous activity can lead to mild dehydration. This can be remedied with salty food like crackers, pretzels or salted nuts, etc. The extra salt will help to regularize the body’s electrolyte levels. If you consume extra salt, you should drink plenty of clean, fresh water too. Adding a pinch of salt to your drinking water is a good way of getting enough extra salt into your system while drinking enough water.

Buttermilk

A cup of buttermilk mixed with a teaspoon of dry ginger and a pinch of salt is an excellent hydrator. Drink this mixture three to four times a day to help with chronic dehydration. Buttermilk is a great source of minerals that will help to replenish the body’s electrolyte levels while rehydrating the body thanks to its high water content. It is a great drink to prepare in the hot summer months  and to simply enjoy a delicious drink.

Yogurt and cottage cheese

An effective remedy to restore sodium and potassium levels in the body, yogurt, and cottage cheese, can help with hydration. Adding fenugreek powder to your yogurt is one of the best home remedies for dehydration. Yogurt is a good solution for a patient who is experiencing this condition as a result of diarrhea and vomiting. It is also easily digestible and soothing for the stomach. Try yogurt mixed with plain boiled rice and seasoned with a pinch of salt.

Baking soda and salt

Baking soda and salt combine to form a homemade oral rehydration solution. Boil one liter of water and allow it to cool before adding half a teaspoon of baking soda, a single teaspoon of salt and two heaped teaspoons of sugar. Mix the solution well and serve to the dehydrated patient several times a day. This solution is a great remedy to energize and revitalize anyone suffering from dehydration, as well as replacing lost electrolytes.

Coconut water

Coconut water is a quick solution to help remedy dehydration at home. It has high levels of electrolytes, as well as being high in iron and potassium. These characteristics allow the body to become hydrated a lot quicker than plain water. Similar to sports drinks, coconut water is ideal for replacing lost fluids and electrolytes during sports. It is best to drink fresh coconut water to get the best minerals from the coconut.

Rice Porridge or Congee

Congee is a traditional dish in South Asian countries. A thick rice porridge or congee is a popular treatment for dehydration. Brown rice is the best option with which to prepare the rice porridge at home. Prepared with a pinch of salt for the dehydrated patient, the rice gruel can also help normalize the body’s levels of electrolytes.

Epsom bath

A little-known home remedy for dehydration is taking a bath with Epsom salts. If you are suffering from a mild to moderate form, draw a bath, add some Epsom salts and lie and relax in it for ten to fifteen minutes. Epsom salts help the body by enhancing absorption of nutrients, helping the body get back to normal levels. Since the concentration of magnesium in Epsom salt is high, it is a helpful remedy for dehydration. The magnesium absorbs through the skin while you soak in the bath, counteracting many negative effects caused by an insufficient water intake. Additionally, an Epsom bath can also treat inflammation, sore muscles, and extreme fatigue.

Prevent dehydration with these easy home remedies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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90,000 symptoms, causes, nutrition for dehydration

Dehydration: identify and neutralize

Summer heat is a severe test for the body, which often leads to dehydration. And this is fraught with more serious ailments. How to recognize it in the early stages? What to do at the first symptoms? What should be the nutrition for dehydration? Let’s figure it out together.

Who is to blame

The most common cause of dehydration in the human body in summer is food poisoning with inevitable vomiting and diarrhea.Strenuous physical activity also causes profuse fluid loss. Overheating in the sun, violation of the drinking regime and frequent urination lead to the same result.

The first symptoms of dehydration are dry mouth, viscous saliva, high fever and nausea. They are accompanied by fatigue, drowsiness, poor appetite and unquenchable thirst. Why is dehydration dangerous? First of all, metabolic disorders. After all, water delivers vital elements to all organs.And with its lack, malfunctions of all systems begin, toxins are removed worse, cells are destroyed and immunity weakens.

Life-giving cocktails

The risk of dehydration is especially great for children and the elderly, as well as diabetes, kidney and heart disease. In the early stages, it is easiest to restore water balance. To do this, you need to drink at least 2 liters of plain or still mineral water per day.

What should be drunk when dehydration of the body, when it has become serious? Special saline solutions that are available in any pharmacy.However, they can be made at home. Dilute ½ tsp in a liter of boiled water. soda, 1 tsp. salt and 2-4 tbsp. l. Sahara. For another popular recipe, take 250 ml of orange juice, stir ½ tsp in it. salt, 1 tsp. soda and bring the volume to 1 liter with water. These drugs are taken in 200 ml small sips 3 times a day.

The Salvation Army

It is important to know not only what to drink in case of dehydration, but also what to eat. And here, ahead of everyone’s products – summer vegetables.For example, zucchini is 85% water, and its pulp is saturated with vitamins A, C, K, as well as potassium, magnesium, zinc and folic acid. Such a shock combination improves metabolism, nourishes the heart and normalizes sugar levels.

Cucumber contains even more priceless moisture. But its main advantage is the abundance of fiber and special enzymes that stimulate digestion. In addition, cucumber protects the skin from UV exposure. This is why it makes the healthiest summer salads and beauty masks.When you’re dehydrated, it’s also helpful to lean on spinach, celery, radishes, kale, and tomatoes.

Fruit Healing

Considering that the reason for dehydration of the body is a lack of fluid and vitamins, it is possible to replenish their loss with the help of fruits and berries. In this regard, the most useful watermelon, more than 90% water. In addition, it is rich in antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

Any citrus fruit is an invaluable gift for the body with a lack of moisture.Their juicy flesh gushes with vitamins A, C and E, indispensable for good health. To get them in full, it’s best to make a smoothie. Whisk in a blender 150 g pitted apricots, 200 ml yogurt, 250 ml orange juice and 1 tsp. vanilla sugar. And even if you are dehydrated, it is recommended to include apples, plums, kiwi and any berries in the diet.

Fermented milk therapy

Fermented milk products will help to heal in the shortest possible time and completely avoid dehydration of the body.The undisputed champion in this area is medium fat kefir. It quickly restores the disturbed intestinal microflora and tones the rest of the digestive organs. It has been proven that kefir is good at fighting fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps and excessive sweating.

Greek yogurt is not inferior to him in useful properties. Lactic acid bacteria are a powerful nutrient for a failed digestive system and a weakened immune system. A balanced combination of proteins and carbohydrates not only saturates the body with energy, but also normalizes metabolic processes.Ripe strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries will help to enhance their effect.

Worldwide

There are several other foods that can help prevent dehydration. First of all, these are beans with their very successful set of elements. Iron improves the flow of oxygen to cells, zinc improves the metabolism of carbohydrates, sulfur prevents intestinal infections.

Being a generous source of slow carbohydrates, buckwheat does an excellent job of reducing energy loss. Its active substances stimulate hematopoiesis and increase the elasticity of blood vessels.In addition, the body assimilates buckwheat easily, thereby obtaining a colossal supply of vitamins.

There are reasons to include eggs in the medical menu, which improve the functioning of the liver and bile ducts. The abundance of iron in conjunction with vitamin E helps to quickly recuperate. In addition, eggs protect the skin from UV rays, keeping it youthful.

Remember, the best treatment for dehydration is to prevent it. Drink plenty of fluids, eat well, and spend less time in the hot sun without protection.And if the alarming symptoms cannot be overcome, immediately consult a doctor.

90,000 Dehydration – how to determine? – ordering water for home and office

It’s hard to imagine our life without water! All life on planet Earth is associated with this substance.

The human world is like an accelerated movie – morning, children to kindergarten / school, running to work, hurrying up the career ladder, in the evening – children, sometimes friends and sleep … In such hectic we often forget how many times we ate, and what is proper nutrition.And the question: “How much water did our body receive?” – we ask ourselves even less often. And then, our body begins to demand increased attention to itself, slowing down our run in a circle.

Dehydration or “anhydrous stress” is often found in an ordinary metropolis, where the pace of life is off scale, people feel worse due to lack of moisture and their efficiency decreases!

The main symptoms that indicate that you need to drink more water:

• Dry mouth! This sensation is the first sign that it is time to replenish water supplies.Most often we are thirsty in hot weather, but it also happens that we dry out at night, while sleeping. A couple of sips of water relieve this unpleasant symptom.
• Sensation of dryness and pain in the eyes! Few people realize that the reason lies in the lack of water. We have three eyes and often blink, even more irritating the mucous membrane and injuring the blood vessels. But it is worth drinking a few glasses of water, as the unpleasant sensation will go away by itself in 5-10 minutes.
• Thirst! An uncontrollable desire to drink, like plain water, mineral water or tea / coffee.In this case, we can already say that dehydration begins. If you are constantly thirsty, this is a chronic lack of water in the body.
• Skin dry! The skin reflects all internal processes that are reliably hidden from prying eyes. Lack of vitamins, microelements, various chronic diseases – everything leaves its marks on it. If you have dry skin, this is a sign of metabolic disorders in the body. In this case, it is extremely important to take the established norm of water per day – 1.5-2 liters.
• Constant craving for a snack! Oddly enough, when we feel like eating, it’s not always hunger. Often the usual lack of water is hidden behind it. Therefore, before going to bed, before you look into the fridge and eat some “tasty”, drink a glass of water and check yourself. If the desire to eat has passed, then you just wanted to drink.
• Reduced muscle mass! If vital organs lack water, the body takes it from the muscles. The muscles become weak, flabby and the person feels a breakdown.
• Reduced immunity! Water carries nutrients throughout the body, nourishing our body, and also removes toxins and harmful substances. With a lack of water, this process slows down significantly.
• Chronic fatigue! If there is not enough moisture, the body puts us in a mode of economy – we become lethargic, we want to sleep, we quickly get irritated. Lack of energy is directly related to the amount of fluid consumed!
• Indigestion! With a lack of water, the gastric juice becomes thicker, and the digestion process deteriorates – hence the heartburn, bloating, indigestion. Even constipation can occur due to dehydration.
• Rare urination! If you go to the toilet less than 4 times a day, this is the first sign of a lack of water. And if the urine is dark, then the body has a lot of toxins and toxins. You just need to drink more!
• Pain and creaking in the joints! Without enough water, joint damping decreases and internal friction increases. Knees and back begin to “crunch” first, even if you lead a calm lifestyle.
• Headaches and dizziness! Feelings similar to a hangover, appear if other signs have not worked

If you carefully monitor the condition of your body, it will tell you that it lacks moisture! It is important to notice the symptoms in time and increase the amount of water consumed. This way you can avoid many problems. A glass of clean water in the morning and in the evening, in addition to tea and coffee throughout the day, will give you the energy you need for new achievements!

Water delivery company “Raiske Dzherelo” wishes you good health, and our natural water is always on guard for your health!

Intestinal infections

Infections of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the most common health problems encountered in the summer. Perhaps each of the adults at least once in their life met with an acute intestinal infection.

Many sick people carry the infection easily, recover at home, but there are groups of people for whom intestinal infection can be very dangerous. These are young children. At this age, dehydration develops rapidly and can be fatal. At risk are the elderly, people with immunodeficiency states, as well as those with chronic diseases of the digestive system.

Reasons for the rise in the incidence of intestinal infections: the established warm weather, favorable for the reproduction of pathogens, as well as neglect of personal hygiene rules, namely, dirty hands.Eating un-washed or slightly washed berries, fruits and vegetables, storing food without a refrigerator in field conditions, picnics, a cake with cream in the heat.

Infection is also possible when caring for a person with acute intestinal infections. It should be remembered that the sick person does not always have signs of the disease. An asymptomatic carrier of bacteria is especially dangerous as a source of infection.

During the warmer months, intestinal pathogens are more often bacteria, although intestinal infections can be caused by bacteria and viruses.

Bacterial: salmonellosis, dysentery, yersiniosis, botulism, staphylococcal infection, etc.

Viral: rotavirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, etc.

In addition, the causative agents of intestinal infections can be fungi and protozoa. There are more than 30 pathogens of acute intestinal infections.

The pathogen can enter either through the mouth (with dirty hands, unwashed vegetables), but an airborne transmission mechanism is also possible if the pathogen is a virus.

The clinical picture is usually similar.

Depending on the localization of the infectious process, signs of the disease may be vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea. Maybe all together. In most cases, symptoms of intoxication are present: fever, chills, sweating, weakness, possibly dehydration.

Depending on the cause (viral or bacterial), symptoms of intestinal infections can appear within hours or up to one to three days after infection and can range from mild to severe.Symptoms usually last for one or two days, but sometimes they can last for up to 10 days.

What if someone in the family has an intestinal infection?

The patient, first of all, must be isolated. This will reduce the risk of transmission of infection to healthy family members.

When caring for a patient, the rules of personal hygiene must be strictly observed: wash hands often with soap and water, especially after caring for a patient. Provide the sick with personal dishes, a towel.

It is important to clean the patient’s room with a disinfectant.

If you suspect an acute intestinal infection, consult a doctor. Especially quickly you should seek medical help if you cannot reduce the temperature, vomiting does not stop for more than 48 hours, if vomiting is bloody, stool is bloody.

The child should be seen by a doctor in any case. We call the doctor at home. It is necessary to seek emergency medical help if the body temperature is 39 * C or higher, it does not go well, there are signs of dehydration, the child is lethargic, the skin is dry, there is no urination.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor.

Basic measures for the prevention of acute intestinal infections.

If you have signs of an intestinal infection, take precautions to avoid spreading the infection.

Wash your hands after using the toilet and before preparing food. Don’t cook food for other people. Avoid close contact with other people during illness.

Basic measures for the prevention of intestinal infections:

– wash your hands after using the toilet, before preparing food, after touching animals and before eating

– keep the kitchen clean, do not store garbage

– avoid unpasteurized milk, – – do not eat raw meat,

– use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked meat when cooking.

– wash greens, fruits and vegetables thoroughly,

– avoid eating raw fish, seafood,

– meat, poultry subject to full heat treatment,

– keep prepared food in the refrigerator if you store them for more two hours,

– drink bottled water when traveling,

– do not drink iced drinks,

– do not swim in bodies of water where swimming is prohibited,

– when swimming in pools, rivers and other bodies of water, do not swallow water,

– do not buy food from your hands, especially canned food.

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is the basis for the prevention of intestinal infections.

Acute intestinal infections

Intestinal infections are rightfully called “diseases of dirty hands”, emphasizing their close relationship with non-observance of basic hygiene rules. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the gastrointestinal tract of a child with poor-quality food, dirty hands, infected nipples, spoons and, proliferating in it, cause diseases, the main symptoms of which are abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. The causative agents of intestinal infections are innumerable, as well as their clinical manifestations, which exist under different names: dyspepsia, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, enterocolitis, gastroenterocolitis, etc.

Pathogenic E. coli, salmonella, dysentery microbes, staphylococci and various viruses (most often entero-, rota- and adenoviruses) can deliver the most troubles to the child.

Often, adult family members have erased forms of the disease or the carriage of pathogenic pathogens, which contributes to the spread of infections.

Ways of transmission have been known for a long time: pathogens are excreted from the body with the feces of a patient and get to a healthy person through the mouth with food, water, through household items (doorknobs, switches, dishes, linen, etc.).

The baby, whose living space is limited by the bed, receives pathogens of intestinal infections from mother’s hands with a nipple, bottle, toy, contaminated with the mixture. Often the mother “disinfects” the nipple that has fallen to the floor, licking it with her tongue, adding her own from the nasopharynx to the microbes raised from the floor.And the absence of the habit of washing their hands in adult family members after visiting the toilet threatens the baby with endless diarrhea.

The main symptoms of acute intestinal infectious disease (AID) are known to everyone: abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, frequent loose stools, often accompanied by an increase in temperature. Younger children (up to 3 years old) are more likely to get sick.

High morbidity at this age is facilitated by the lowered resistance of the body and the behavior of the child: mobility and curiosity, the desire to get to know the world, trying it “for a tooth”, neglect of the rules of personal hygiene.

The period from the moment of infection to the onset of the disease can be short (30-40 minutes), then we can confidently name the cause of the disease, or long (up to 7 days), when errors in nutrition and behavior have already been erased from memory.

Often, the disease proceeds so violently that dehydration of the body can develop within a few hours due to the loss of fluid and salts with vomit and loose stools.

Signs of dehydration are easy to detect: the child is lethargic, the skin is dry, its elasticity is reduced, there is little saliva, the tongue and lips are dry, the eyes are sunken, the voice becomes less voiced, urination is rare and scarce.

This is a serious condition that indicates a malfunction of all organs and systems of the body and requires immediate medical attention.

In the first hours of the disease, it does not matter which pathogen caused the digestive upset – the main thing is to prevent dehydration of the body, therefore, the child should receive a sufficient amount of fluid to restore the lost one. With vomiting and diarrhea, not only fluid is lost, but also trace elements such as potassium, sodium, chlorine, acid-base balance is disturbed, which further aggravates the condition, and seizures often occur against the background of dehydration. Therefore, the child should not receive plain water, but glucose-salt solutions.

In the pharmacy, mixtures of salts with glucose are freely sold: Glucosolan, Regidron, Tsitroglucosolan, Oralit, etc. The contents of the package are dissolved in one liter of boiled and chilled water, and the medicine is ready. Unfortunately, children do not like the salty taste of the drink, so do not expect that the child will be happy to use the healing solution. Glucose-salt solutions “Gidrovit” with a pleasant strawberry smell and taste and “Humana electrolyte” with the smell and taste of banana have been created especially for children.One packet for a glass of warm boiled water, and the tasty medicine is ready.

Now you need patience and persistence to drink a sick child. For the first hour, give him 2 teaspoons of the solution every two minutes. Even if the child drinks greedily, you should not increase the dose, because a large amount of liquid can provoke vomiting.

From the second hour, the dose can be increased, and the child should be given two tablespoons every 10-15 minutes. During the day, the amount of liquid injected should be from 50 to 150 ml of solution for each kilogram of weight, depending on the frequency of vomiting, diarrhea and the severity of the condition.

The glucose-saline solution should not be boiled and a fresh portion should be prepared after 12-24 hours.

In addition to glucose-salt solutions, the child can be given plain drinking water, tea, rosehip decoction, mineral water without gas.

If the child drinks a lot and willingly, do not limit him.Healthy kidneys will cope with the stress and remove excess water from the body along with toxic substances.

Much worse, if the patient refuses to drink, then you have to resort to various tricks to get the stubborn drunk. The solution can be instilled into the infant’s mouth with a pipette or introduced into the oral cavity using a syringe (without a needle) or a rubber bulb. Ask a two-three-year-old to remember how he was small and sucked from a bottle. Nothing that he has been drinking from a cup for a long time, give him a bottle with a healing solution, let him play “little”.

According to the law of meanness, the disease occurs unexpectedly at the most inopportune time (at night) and in the most inappropriate place (in the country, in the village), when there is no medicine at hand, and to the nearest pharmacy, as they say, “seven miles to heaven and everything in the forest”.

Savvy and ingenuity will come to the rescue. After all, what is, for example, “Glucosolan”? It is a mixture of salts, consisting of sodium chloride (salt) – 3.5 g, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) – 2.5 g, potassium chloride – 1.5 g and glucose – 20 g.

In any house there is salt and soda, and we get potassium and glucose (fructose) by boiling a handful of raisins or dried apricots in one liter of water. For 1 liter of raisin broth, add 1 teaspoon of salt (no top), half a teaspoon of baking soda, here’s a glucose-salt solution.

If there are no raisins or dried apricots, take several large carrots as a source of potassium, cut into pieces, after washing and peeling, and boil in the same amount of water. Then add 1 teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of baking soda and 4 teaspoons of sugar.

If neither raisins nor carrots were at hand, simple boiled water will become the basis of the solution, in one liter of which you dilute 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of soda and 8 teaspoons of sugar.

Very often mothers complain that the baby does not want to drink “tasteless water”. And in this situation, you can, showing ingenuity, turn the medicinal solution into a drink that tastes good. Just dissolve a packet of “Regidron” not in ordinary water, but in raisin broth (1300 ml).We have already noted that raisin broth is rich in potassium and glucose, so after dissolving a packet of “Regidron” in it, you will receive a glucose-salt solution enriched with an additional amount of mineral salts. And the baby will be grateful to you for the delicious medicine.

For all its seeming simplicity, drinking is one of the main points in the complex treatment of a child with an intestinal infection. Remember this and do not neglect drinking, cherishing the hope of miraculous antibiotics, which should immediately stop the disease.

Vomiting and diarrhea are the body’s defensive reaction to a foreign agent entering the stomach. With their help, the body is freed from microbes and their toxins. It is necessary to help the body in this struggle. This is done by adsorbents – substances that bind microbes, viruses, toxins and remove them from the body.

The most famous adsorbent is activated carbon. Before use, the charcoal tablet should be crushed to increase the adsorption surface, diluted with a small amount of boiled water and given to the child to drink.A single dose of activated carbon is one tablet per 10 kg of the child’s weight.

For children, it is preferable to use “Smecta” – dilute one powder in 100 ml (half a glass) of boiled water and give the child from 2-4 teaspoons to 2-4 tablespoons per dose, depending on age.

Enterodesis – dilute one sachet in 100 ml of boiled water and give the child a few sips at a time. Enterodesis is especially effective for frequent loose, profuse stools.

Recently, the shelf of adsorbents has arrived: new effective drugs have appeared – enterosgel and polysorb.

It is necessary to take adsorbents 3-4 times a day. Do not despair if the adsorbent taken for the first time comes back soon after vomiting. During the few minutes that he was in the stomach, a significant part of the microbes managed to settle on it and leave the body. In the next reception, the adsorbent will be retained in the stomach and, having passed into the intestines, will continue to perform the function of a “cleaner” there.

It is not recommended to ingest a solution of potassium permanganate for the treatment of intestinal infections and food poisoning. After taking a pink solution of potassium permanganate, vomiting stops for a while. But this is an apparent and short-term improvement, after which the condition worsens and violent vomiting resumes. Why is this happening? The mucous membrane of the stomach is sensitive to the entry and reproduction of microbes, and, upon reaching a certain concentration, with the help of vomiting, removes the infectious agent from the body.

A solution of potassium permanganate has a tanning effect on the mucous membrane and reduces its sensitivity to microbes, which allows them to multiply and accumulate in the stomach in larger quantities and for a longer time. Consequently, more toxins will be absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach, and more microbes will pass into the intestines.

The same negative effect is exerted by a solution of potassium permanganate introduced in an enema. It causes the formation of a fecal plug, which prevents the removal of loose stools, which contains a large number of pathogenic microorganisms, and the rapid multiplication of the latter in the intestine contributes to the absorption of toxins into the blood and the development of severe inflammatory processes in the intestines.

No medications without a doctor’s prescription! Especially do not try to give pills to a child with repeated vomiting. Your efforts will not be rewarded, as any attempt to swallow the medicine will induce vomiting. Only glucose-salt solutions and adsorbents.

When giving the child medications prescribed by the doctor, do not combine them in time with the intake of adsorbents. A significant part of the drug, being deposited on the sorbent, leaves the body, therefore, its effectiveness decreases.There should be a break of at least two hours between the intake of adsorbents and medications.

Do not force-feed a child who is worried about nausea and vomiting. This will not lead to anything good, but will only induce vomiting.

For the first 4 – 6 hours from the moment of illness, devote to the intake of glucose-salt solutions and other liquids, which we have already mentioned. But do not delay fasting, so that later you do not fight its consequences. If the child asks for food, then you need to feed him, but often in small portions, so as not to provoke vomiting.

Lucky for the baby who receives mother’s milk, because it is not only food, but also a medicine, thanks to the presence of antibodies, lysozyme and enzymes in it. Attachments to the breast after a water-tea break should be short (3-5-7 minutes), but frequent – after 1.5-2 hours.

For the first meal of the “artificial”, offer children’s kefir, acidophilic “Baby”, “Bifidok” or any other fermented milk product. The lacto- and bifidobacteria contained in them have a beneficial effect on the inflamed intestines.A single dose should be halved, and the breaks between feedings should be halved. Then you can cook porridge, preferably oatmeal or rice, in diluted milk, mashed slimy soup, vegetable puree, omelet, curd soufflé, steam cutlets or meatballs, boiled fish. For several days, exclude fruit and vegetable juices, meat and fish broths, sweets from the diet.

It is advisable to accompany each meal with the intake of enzyme preparations that facilitate the digestion of food and help the digestive tract to cope with the disease.

If the disease is accompanied by an increase in temperature above 38 ° C, and the child continues to vomit, then taking antipyretic drugs by mouth will be useless, since the medicine will not stay in the stomach and will immediately be released at
ruzhu.

Start with physical methods of cooling: undress the patient, wipe him with 1 – 2% vinegar solution, or a mixture of equal parts water, vodka and 9% vinegar, create a “breeze” near him with a fan or fan.Use antipyretic drugs in the form of suppositories with paracetamol, nurofen for administration into the rectum.

If there is a threat of seizures (trembling of the hands and chin against the background of a rising temperature), call an ambulance, since the child’s condition requires immediate medical attention, especially since the continued loss of salts with vomiting and diarrhea contributes to the development of convulsive syndrome.

90,000 Dehydration with diarrhea in children and adults

Every person in his life now and then faces such an unpleasant problem as diarrhea (diarrhea).Diarrhea can occur in both an adult and a child, and the causes of diarrhea can be varied. In any case, with diarrhea (repeated and loose stools), the human body loses water and electrolytes (salts).

Continuing diarrhea leads to dehydration and disruption of the body’s water-salt balance. These violations often affect the general condition of a person and are especially dangerous in childhood.

Increasing dehydration can lead to serious consequences, posing a threat to health, and sometimes to human life.It is important not to delay in the fight against dehydration and, if possible, start drinking a person as early as possible. This is especially important for young children whose body is 70-80% water.

It is important to know that not all liquids are suitable in order to restore the water-salt balance.

1) Drinks must contain salt, because salts are lost during diarrhea and their lack leads to disruption of the functioning of organs and organ systems.

So the heart, blood vessels and the central nervous system are most sensitive to the loss of salts.

2) Drinks must contain sugars in order for the salts to penetrate from the intestines into the body

(the process of transporting salts from the intestines into the blood always occurs thanks to the energy that sugars provide).

3) The concentration of sugar and salts in the drinking solution should be such as to restore the loss of water and salts and not oversaturate the human body with excess water or salt and not sharply increase the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

The optimal solution in the prevention and control of dehydration with diarrhea in children is oral rehydration therapy (drinking with special glucose-saline solution), which is recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as leading pediatric organizations in the world and in Russia.

The Finnish company Orion is an expert in the development and production of glucose-salt mixtures for drinking.

The drug Regidron was registered in the USSR in 1986 and is suitable for use in adults. The Rehydron Bio product was created in accordance with new world standards and is intended primarily for use in children.

So, when the first signs of diarrhea appear in a child, Orion specialists recommend using Regidron Bio. It is a good, fast-acting and effective remedy that promotes the early recovery of the body during the period of diarrhea.

It is important to remember that you need to drink a person and especially a child throughout the entire period of diarrhea.

I would especially like to note that diarrhea and vomiting can be symptoms of a serious infectious disease that requires professional help, therefore, if they appear, you should consult a doctor.

Filters for drinking water for pregnant women

A pregnant woman needs to drink at least 1. 5 liters of liquid
per day, and it is better to give
preference to water, rather than juices, tea or, moreover, coffee.With
no edema and high blood pressure
, doctors do not restrict pregnant women in water – drink
to your health as much as you want!

In addition, water helps relieve heartburn
and nausea. For heartburn, I recommend that my patients
drink half a glass of water with each attack, and for
to relieve morning sickness, start the day with a glass of
water at room temperature, while adding
a few drops of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of
honey to it.

In the summer, always keep water with you: a small
bottle in your bag, in your car, in your office, if you are working.
This will make it easier for you to maintain the necessary
fluid balance in your body. Dehydration
can trigger contractions and premature labor.

Remember the quality of water – both the one that the future
mother drinks and the one she uses to make
drinks and food.The more toxins remain in it,
the more vulnerable the woman’s immunity becomes, the
the environment is more dangerous for her and the weaker the protection
of her future baby is.

It is better to drink without waiting,
until mouth is dry
or until you feel
intense thirst

Observe drinking
hot mode

Careful
to the degree of water purification

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

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

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

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

Causes of dehydration of the child’s body

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

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

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

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

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

How do you know if a child is dehydrated?

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

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

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

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

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

How is dehydration diagnosed in children?

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

What laboratory tests can be prescribed for dehydration:

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

Danger of dehydration in a child

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do in case of dehydration in a child

If you find symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration, you should call your pediatrician home.In case of severe dehydration or if a child is under one year old, calling an ambulance is compulsory!

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

Indicators of state stabilization during dehydration will be:

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

When you cannot drink water when a child is dehydrated

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

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

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

How dehydration is treated in a hospital

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

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

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

Diet with dehydration

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

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

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

How to prevent dehydration in a child?

Prevention is always better than cure.