Dehydration is a medical condition – dryness – of the physiology due to the loss of fluids from the body. Dehydration can be categorized in three categories: Isonatremic (loss of water and electrolytes), Hyponatremic (loss of electrolytes), and hypertonic (loss of water). Dehyderation disrupts the metabolism and if not treated properly and in a timely manner, can lead to the death of the patient.
Causes of dehydration
Dehydration is caused by prolonged exposure to heat from the sun accompanied by an insufficient intake of fluids. The condition may also be caused by illness where the patient cannot, or does not feel like, drinking or eating proper food. A healthy person should consume at least 2 liters of fluids, including water and fluids in meals. While drinking water is an option, water will not replenish all the electrolytes and salts lost due to dehydration.
Following are 10 ways to rehydrate daily
- Naturally, the first and best way to rehydrate is by drinking plain water, and if necessary take a couple of pinches of plain table salt with it.
- For bad cases of dehydration, a glass of water with two teaspoons of table sugar and three pinches of table salt mixed and taken will help replenish necessary electrolytes. This may need to be done twice or thrice for a day.
- Coconut water is a great way to rehydrate oneself. However, coconut water is much higher on potassium and very low on sodium. So, this may just be a stop-gap arrangement before proper rehydration methods can be accessed.
- Grab a fresh cucumber or two and eat it with or without the skin.
- A glass of lemon juice or any other fruit juice is also a great source of much needed electrolytes to rehydrate the body.
- Contrary to popular belief, latest research shows that the common cup of coffee or tea is a great way to rehydrate. In fact, coffee and tea helps retain fluids too. However, unlike any other rehydration fluid, coffee and tea should not be consumed by the liter.
- Watermelon is another way to rehydrate if you find that dizziness or hypotension coming on. A couple of large slices of watermelon will balance out the fluid levels even if temporarily.
- Some people, especially children, will get fussy when it comes to drinking a rehydration drink. For these people a chocolate milk shake will knock the fluid levels beck into proportion in not time at all.
- Eat water. Yes, it is possible, in the form of green vegetables that are more than 90 percent water and have a lot of soluble fiber too.
- Low calorie sports drinks are a great way to rehydrate especially when one is working out to burn calories.
The above mentioned rehydration techniques are the fastest ways to rehydrate. However, it is better to take precautions before setting out in the sun or to work out vigorously. Having a healthy diet with a lot of green vegetables, milk, tea, coffee, fruit juices or juicy fruit is a sure way to keep dehydration away. Drinking alcohol is a big mistake because it is one drink that can dehydrate anyone very fast. So, stick to the healthy drinks and food and avoid dehydration entirely.
