Do you ever feel like your thirst is never-ending? Do you often feel unsatisfied with water, even if you’ve drunk a lot of it? If your answer to these questions is yes, then there is a high chance that you are experiencing dehydration. When the body loses a lot of water –more than what it takes on, this may lead to dehydration. This condition is very common condition across all age groups, but it can be more dangerous to children and older adults. Don’t worry, though. There are some treatments available. If you want to learn more, give this article a read!
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is a condition wherein the body is not able to maintain fluids and electrolytes. We continuously lose water throughout the day as we defecate, urinate, sweat and breathe, but we can replenish it by drinking fluids. The body can move water throughout itself into the parts that need it the most. A decrease in the body’s water content will through its salt and sugar balance off. This can affect bodily functions. Dehydration commonly affects people who use physical strength and exertion in their daily activities, such as athletes.
What Causes Dehydration?
Dehydration can be the result of various underlying conditions, as well as:
- Weather: extreme weather (hot or cold) may cause excessive loss of fluid in the body.
- Chronic illnesses: individuals suffering from various chronic illnesses, like kidney diseases and diabetes, are more prone.
- Age: infants and the elderly are more prone.
- Excess sweating: losing body fluid excessively may cause dehydration.
- Recurrent urination: urinating frequently without replenishing the fluids may also cause dehydration.
- Fever: having a high fever may increase the risk of dehydration.
- Omitting or diarrhea: both of these may lead to a loss of water.
Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration
The signs and symptoms of dehydration depend on what age group you fall into.
In adults…
The condition may have mild to severe effects on the body, such as:
- Fatigue
- Discoloration of urine
- Dizziness
- Urinating less frequently
- Excessive thirst
- Sticky and dry tongue
In children…
The symptoms of dehydration in children vary from those of adults and include:
- No tears when crying
- Dry diapers for no less than 3 hours
- Increased tiredness or sleep
- Lack of energy
- Sunken eyes and cheeks
- Dry mouth
It is very important to attend to children when they have dehydration, because they are not able to replenish their body’s water content as easily as adults.
Side Effects of Dehydration
Here are some of the more unusual side effects of dehydration:
- Dry skin
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Cravings for sweet foods
- Frequent chills
- Bad breath
If left untreated, dehydration may become serious and even result in a medical emergency. Therefore, it is very important to cure the condition as soon as possible. If you would like to treat dehydration at home, you can try using some of the following home remedies for the condition.
Treatments for Dehydration
Here are some of the best treatments for dehydration:
Coconut water. The high levels of potassium and sodium in coconut water are beneficial in getting rid of dehydration. In fact, coconut water is one of the best natural treatments for dehydration.
Green tea. There is an ample amount of antioxidants in green tea, making it helpful for preventing the onset of dehydration and its underlying symptoms.
Soups. Soups, as we know, are rich in nutrients that can help treat the symptoms of dehydration. Furthermore, their high mineral content helps restore lost nutrients.
Barley water. This is one of the most effective treatments for dehydration, and it is because the drink is rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that help restore fluids.
Buttermilk. This natural probiotic is rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium. These minerals are often depleted with excessive sweating.
Bananas. When you are dehydrated, you also experience a deficiency in potassium. Since bananas are rich in potassium, they can replenish the body’s potassium level and help combat dehydration.
