As the name suggests, Dehydration is a condition characterized by considerable loss of water and fluids from the body. Depending on the extent of fluid loss, the condition can be classified as mild, moderate or severe causing symptoms ranging from dry mouth, headache, and lightheadedness to permanent organ damage, even death.
This problem can be caused by insufficient fluid intake or conditions resulting in excessive loss of fluid from the body. Dehydration can be hypotonic, hypertonic or isotonic. Hypotonic Dehydration is characterized by loss of electrolytes, Hypertonic Dehydration is characterized by loss of water and Isotonic Dehydration refers to Dehydration caused by equal loss of water as well as electrolytes.
The most obvious way of dealing with Dehydration is to control it in the beginning itself by rehydrating the body and restoring the normal electrolyte levels. This can be achieved by employing several home remedies for Dehydration natural treatment. In severe cases, however, the patient may need to be hospitalized.
Causes of Dehydration
Apart from inadequate intake of water, Dehydration can be caused by conditions like repeated episodes of Diarrhea, Vomiting, Excessive Sweating, Fever and other similar problems.
Moreover, frequent urination due to Diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption or prolonged intake of medicines like diuretics, antipsychotics, blood pressure medications etc may also contribute in causing Dehydration. Burn victims are also susceptible to this problem.
Individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as adrenal gland disorders, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis etc are more vulnerable to this problem. As the condition becomes more troublesome when left untreated, adequate steps to cure Dehydration should be taken as soon as possible, especially in case of children. It can culminate into a life threatening problem over a period of time if ignored.
Symptoms of Dehydration
The most common symptoms of Dehydration are increased thirst, lack of energy, headache, dry skin, skin flushing, irritability, difficulty in concentration, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, dark urine, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, muscle cramps, increased body temperature etc.
It can lead to breathing problems, unconsciousness, chest and abdominal pain, seizures etc moderate to severe cases. Additional symptoms such as sunken eyes and sunken fontanels (soft spots on the top of the head) are often indicate severe Dehydration in infants.
Natural Home Remedies for Dehydration
- Having a mixture of one teaspoon each of sugar and lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a pint of water is one of the most popular natural home remedies for Dehydration home treatment. Take this home remedy throughout the day from time to time to heal the problem.
- Consuming water mixed with apple juice or orange juice is highly beneficial in Dehydration natural cure. Sport drinks are also helpful but they should be taken in moderation as they tend to add empty calories and have side effects.
- Drinking a cup of buttermilk mixed with half a teaspoon of dry ginger three to four times in a day is useful in dealing with Dehydration.
- Sipping some pickle juice and then drinking water before going out in the sun is a common natural remedy for Dehydration prevention.
- Watery fruits and vegetables are regarded as highly beneficial natural home remedies for Dehydration cure. Green bananas, in particular are useful for rehydrating the body and restoring the electrolyte balance.
- A rehydration drink carefully prepared by adding half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of table salt, two tablespoons of sugar and a quarter teaspoon of preferably potassium–based salt substitute is one of the most effective Dehydration home remedies. However, this rehydration drink therapy is not suitable for kids less than 12 years in age.
- Simply sucking on popsicles helps reduce this problem to some extent, especially in case of children.
Diet for Dehydration
Diet for eliminating Dehydration should be aimed at the inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelons, strawberries, raisins, cucumbers, tomatoes and other similar foods.
You can include these items in the diet by way of salads. In addition, eat bland and easily digestible foods like potato, rice etc as far as possible to avoid further trouble. However, you can have salty peanuts or salty crackers.
Besides, avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they tend to make the condition worse. Instead, opt for milk, coconut water, barley water, unsweetened fruit juices such as pomegranate juice, papaya juice and herbal teas that do not contain caffeine.
Needless to add, drink adequate amount of water at regular intervals. This is the best natural cure for Dehydration in case of individuals suffering from High Blood Pressure as they are often advised against increasing salt intake.
Yogurt and cottage cheese also help relieve Dehydration by restoring the normal levels of sodium and potassium required by the body. In fact, having a cup of yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of fenugreek powder is considered as one of the most valuable natural home remedies for Dehydration.
Source :Speedy Remedies
Source :Speedy Remedies