Dehydration occurs when the body loses water much faster than its fluid intake. This condition occurs most commonly in individuals participating in outdoors sports and games, those hiking and camping under the scorching sun or any individual who spends long hours outdoors without sufficient intake of water. Young children and senior members are especially susceptible to dehydration. Some of the symptoms of dehydration are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, giddiness and muscle cramps. If you are suffering from this condition or know somebody who is, follow these tips below to administer fluids to the afflicted and restore the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body immediately. In case of severe dehydration it is advised to seek prompt medical attention. When an individual is dehydrated, he or she must be administered fluids immediately. Some other important things to take into consideration are to stop all physical activities and rest, stay indoors, wear cool and comfortable clothing; avoid alcohol, coffee or caffeinated drinks and rest for at least twenty four hours. For mild dehydration, follow these simple remedies to cure dehydration and restore one’s health.
10 Various Ways To Cure Dehydration
Fluids
If you are unsure what to do for dehydration, fluids are the best way to treat this condition. Fluids replenish the water and salt content in the body and restore optimal fluid balance in the body.
The simplest way to rehydrate the body is by drinking plenty of water, fruit juices, diluted squashes, butter milk or semi-skimmed milk. A solution of a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt in a glass of water rehydrates the body as well as restores the salt and electrolyte content that plain water does not accomplish. Electrolyte powder mixed in a glass of water also establishes a salt and sugar balance in the body after a moderate case of dehydration.
Bananas
As water is lost from the body, so are salts and sugar. Bananas are an excellent source of minerals and essential salts required by the body to restore fluid and electrolyte balance and make a great dehydration cure.
In extreme cases of dehydration caused by severe dysentery, long hours in the sun, vigorous outdoor activity and other medical conditions, a mashed banana is administered to restore salt and mineral’s lost due to dehydration to the optimum levels. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and relieve pain caused due to cramped muscles as a result of loss of excess water from the body.
Fruits And Vegetables Having High Water Content
Fruits like watermelon, tomatoes, grapes, peaches, cantaloupes, strawberries, cranberries, apples, blackberries and apricots must be mashed up and given to those suffering from severe dehydration.
These fruits are a rich source of essential sugars and salts and help to restore the electrolyte levels in the body immediately. These fruits are an effective dehydration treatment as they also have high water content and help in re-hydrating the body. Vegetables like cucumber, broccoli, and zucchini also have sufficient water content and help to restore the body fluids.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)
ORS is carried by experienced campers, trekking groups, physicians attending to players and athletes in sporting events and in general by individuals expecting rigorous physical activity outdoors.
ORS is a fast-acting cure for dehydration and is administered as a solution in which the ORS powder is dissolved in the directed quantity of water and administered orally to the afflicted. Oral Re-hydration Solutions as well as sports drinks like Gatorade, Pedialyte, Powerade and Kaolectrolyte contain necessary electrolytes in the required quantities to replenish the body fluid and electrolyte content.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is an effective remedy to cure dehydration. Decaffeinated tea beverages can be offered to the affected individual for fluid replacement.
Chamomile is a natural pain reliever and helps to reduce the pain caused by muscle cramping and stomach cramps that arise due to loss of water in the body due to dehydration.
Lemon Juice
A common and effective treatment for dehydration from generations past is to administer lemon juice to the dehydrated individual. Lemon and salt restore the electrolyte balance to the body and the juice mixed in water restores the fluid balance.
Add a teaspoon lime juice, a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt to a pint of water. The individual must sip lemon juice throughout the day to slowly restore body balance and re-hydrate the system.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is one of the best natural remedies and is a great cure for dehydration. It is rich in electrolytes, mineral content and contains large quantities of water.
Its high iron and potassium content helps to replenish fluids in the body. It cures dehydration quickly and more efficiently than plain water.
Watermelon
One of the most effective and quick acting remedy for dehydration is consuming small quantities of watermelon. One can eat the fruit or drink watermelon juice to restore body fluids and sugar content. Sugars present in the fruit are easy to absorb and release energy quickly, making it easier for the dehydrated individual to recover.
This fruit also contains small quantities of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium phosphorus, necessary electrolytes for the body and lycopene, a powerful natural anti-oxidant.
Yogurt
Yogurt helps to cure dehydration by restoring potassium and sodium levels lost due to dehydration.
Consuming one a cup of yogurt with a teaspoon of fenugreek powder is one of the best remedies for dehydration.
Ginger, Mint And Honey
A mixture of ginger, mint and honey in a glass of water is an excellent fix for dehydration. Mint is cooling and soothes the body after sunburn, ginger soothes the stomach and honey contains the necessary sugars to restore sugar levels in the body.
This remedy is very potent and especially effective when the individual is suffering from stomach cramps and nausea. A mixture of one teaspoons mint juice, half teaspoon ginger juice and a teaspoon of honey in half a glass of water restore the electrolyte balance of the body. If you are unsure how to cure dehydration, use the above fixes and remedies to relieve the afflicted individual of its symptoms. For severe cases, seek medical guidance immediately.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.