By Dr.
Ritu Krishnatreye, B.H.M.S.
Home remedies for dehydration
As most of us know, our bodies are made up mostly of water. Water helps maintain essential body functions, including:
Dehydration is a condition characterized by a considerable loss of water and salts from the body. It may be classified as mild, moderate or severe.
Dehydration is characterized by:
Treatment for dehydration should begin as soon as you observe any of the above symptoms. In case of severe dehydration, hospitalization is required.
Besides drinking more water, there are a number of foods that are loaded with water. I will also mention other home remedies that can help to rehydrate the body.
During dehydration, the body loses essential minerals and trace minerals. Sea minerals help to replace these electrolytes, and help in re-hydrating the body. The four primary electrolytes needed by the body are magnesium, chloride, potassium and sodium.
Sea minerals contain all four of these electrolytes, plus they contain trace mineral electrolytes.
All of these electrolytes are helpful for restoring electrolyte balance to the body. This remedy may be helpful for rehydrating patients with chronic dehydration.
Each time you drink water or any other drink, Just add 6 to 12 drops of sea minerals. You can get them in a 1.25 oz. dropper bottle that may be carried in pocket or purse.
Apart from taking it internally, sea minerals can be added to bath water.
This is a little known remedy for dehydration. Both electrolytes
and water are absorbed by the skin directly into the body, helping
to counteract the numerous negative symptoms
of dehydration, including muscle weakness and fatigue.
Vegetables like carrots, zucchini, cucumber, cabbage and cauliflower are a good source of water.
If you have a hard time drinking a lot of fluids, there is another method for re-hydrating. Just munch on fresh fruits and vegetables. Watery fruits and veggies are a good way to re-hydrate the body.
Fruits such as watermelon, muskmelon, grapes, peaches,
blackberries, and cranberries contain a good amount of water to
help in restoring body fluids. Pomegranate juice is also effective
when looking for home remedies for dehydration.
Vegetables like carrots, zucchini, cucumber, cabbage and cauliflower are a good source of water.
A salad prepared from fresh vegetables can be fed to someone
exhibiting the initial symptoms of dehydration to help them
restore body fluid levels.
Water loss can also lead to a loss of electrolytes. When body water content and electrolytes get low, it can lead to muscle cramps.
Bananas, known for their high potassium content, also contain
sodium, magnesium and chloride, all needed for re-hydration.
Restoring electrolytes can help in raising energy levels.
Another of the home remedies for dehydration treatment is coconut water.
Coconut water provides energy and leaves you feeling refreshed. This natural home remedy is rich in natural sugars that are easily absorbed by the body.
Coconut water is nature's own sports drink, containing potassium
and iron that can help in restoring electrolyte balance in the
body. Natural coconut water is best. When this is not available, a
brand like Zico or Goya can do.
Lemon or lime juice are good for helping to re-hydrate the body.
Mix with water for a refreshing drink. Lemons and limes contain
natural electrolytes.
Squeeze a lemon or lime into a glass of water, add a pinch of full
mineral sea salt and a teaspoon of sugar or a bit of Stevia.
Sipping this refreshing drink is a great way to restore energy
levels.
Rice water is a great rehydrating agent. Put some rice in a bowl, then rinse 3 or 4 times with water.
Then drink the water used for rinsing the rice. For added flavor,
add a pinch of sea salt and sugar to it. This rehydrating solution
helps in replenishing electrolytes and fluid levels in the body.
As soon as you feel dehydrated, stop whatever you are doing, drink a glass of water and recline. Getting some rest is the first thing to do when you feel your body is getting dehydrated.
When you are dehydrated and do physical
work it causes the body to heat up. So kick up your feet, get some
rest and let your body cool off.
Buttermilk is a healthy source of fluids and nutrients. Many find it to be a refreshing drink. Add a teaspoon of dry ginger and a pinch of sea salt and powdered cumin to make it even more delicious.
Drinking a glass of this spiced version of buttermilk three to
four times a day can be helpful in dealing with dehydration.
Rinsing barley and drinking the rinse water can help to replenish lost minerals and fluids.
Drink it four to five times in a day to help in reducing cramps
and fever caused by dehydration, and to counteract excessive
sweating.
Prepare a re-hydration drink by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of sea salt, and two tablespoons of sugar into a glass of water.
This is one of those home remedies for dehydration that is
effective, plus easy to make.
Some traditional herbal and Chinese remedies can work wonderfully to relieve the symptoms of dehydration.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your health care
practitioner before taking these herbal remedies. Do not give
these herbal remedies to children.
Staying hydrated is critical to overall health. Every cell of the body needs water in order to function properly.
The above home remedies for dehydration are a good place to start whenever you feel you are suffering from symptoms of dehydration.
During the hot summer months, home remedies like fruits, veggies, buttermilk, coconut water can be used on a regular basis to help avoid dehydration.
