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6 Effective Ways To Deal With Dehydration

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri

4 Min Read

Have you been feeling a lot more thirsty than usual of late? Do you feel that your trips to the washroom have suddenly become lesser? Does your skin feel too dry? Well, if these signs seem familiar to you, you are certainly not hydrated enough. When your body loses large amounts of fluids (mainly water) and this loss is higher than the amount of fluid intake, it is known as dehydration.

With major amounts of fluid loss, the body also loses its ability to function efficiently. Though dehydration is more common in newborns and children, even adults and the elderly people can face dehydration at any given point of time.

What causes dehydration?

In adults, the possible causes of dehydration include drinking very little water on a daily basis, too much exercise, overexposure to heat, vomiting and diarrhea, chronic conditions like diabetes, infections and skin injuries wherein there’s a loss of water through damaged skin.

On the other hand, in babies, their inability to suck sufficient breast milk or formula milk is the prime cause of dehydration.

How does dehydration occur?

Primarily, our bodies tend to lose fluids like water, electrolytes, and salts, in the form of urine and sweat. In fact, the moisture in our breaths contain water vapour as well. With our constant intake of water and other fluids, there’s a well-maintained balance between the fluid loss and fluid intake. However, when this balance is disrupted, dehydration comes to the fore.

Categorically, dehydration is divided into three types: Mild, moderate, and severe. While the first two can be taken care of with the intake of oral fluids like water, salt, and electrolytes, severe dehydration needs further treatment as it can cause more complications if not treated on time.

Symptoms of dehydration:

Before we delve into the tips that can help us deal with dehydration, let’s quickly understand some of the most common symptoms associated with dehydration:

Dry mouth
Increases thirst
Fatigue
Dry skin or reduced skin elasticity
Decreased urine output
Urine that looks yellowish than normal
Headache and dizziness

Other than these, in case of severe dehydration, one may experience symptoms like increased heart rate, low blood pressure, lethargy, as well as lightheadedness.

Top tips to deal with dehydration

In case you feel like you are not hydrated enough or someone close to you is displaying symptoms of dehydration, these tips will definitely come in handy:

Increase your water intake

Make sure to drink at least 2-3 liters of water on a daily basis. In case you suffer from chronic conditions like kidney disease, your doctor will give you the exact amount of food and fluid intake that you should abide by. When you have a fever, you must consume eight to 10 cups of fluids without fail.

Drink lots of water

Drink fluids that contain electrolytes

Dehydration meddles with the body’s electrolyte balance. So, make sure you drink fluids that are loaded with electrolytes. Some of the healthiest drinks that contain electrolytes include coconut water, watermelon juice, cow’s milk, as well as sports drink.

coconut water for dehydration

A balanced diet is a must

Your diet should contain a fine blend of vegetables and fruits. They contain sufficient amounts of vitamins, salt, and water, and can help in preventing as well as managing dehydration.

Balanced diet dehydration remedy

Follow a health routine when you workout

Drink at least one full glass of water at least an hour before you start exercising. Drink at least half a glass of water between every 15 to 20 minutes that you exercise. Once you’re done with the workout, drink sufficient amount of water again.

healthy workout routine

Keep a watch on the color of your urine

When your urine looks clear—you have done a good job with keeping yourself well-hydrated. However, if the color is more on the yellowish side, it’s your body’s way of telling you that you need to increase your fluid intake.

Check colour of your urine dehydration symptom

Avoid skipping meals

Your meals not just fill your tummy but also contribute to your daily fluid intake. Skipping your meals means losing out on adequate fluids.

Don't skip meals during dehydration

So, the next time you feel you’re not hydrated enough, make sure you follow these tips religiously. Let us know in the comments below how you manage to keep yourself hydrated.

If your dehydration symptoms persist for a long time, then do not delay. Consult a doctor immediately on the MFine app.

Request a Call Back

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+91 80619 70525

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Written by

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri is an Internal Medicine Physician Diabetologist with over 10 years of experience in treating lifestyle disorders like Diabetes, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, etc. She has worked previously at Columbia Asia, Sunshine Hospitals, and Apollo Group of Hospitals. Currently, she is working as a Senior Manager and Diabetologist at MFine.

6 Effective Ways To Deal With Dehydration

What causes dehydration?

How does dehydration occur?

Symptoms of dehydration:

Top tips to deal with dehydration

Request a Call Back

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