How do you know if you are dehydrated?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a depletion of water and electrolytes. 

Causes: 

  • Insufficient fluid intake

  • Excessive sweating (e.g., during exercise, hot weather)

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Fever

  • Certain medications (e.g., diuretics)

  • Diabetes

Symptoms: 

  • Thirst

  • Dry mouth and throat

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Lightheadedness

  • Confusion

  • Decreased urine output

  • Dark-colored urine

  • Increased heart rate

  • Rapid breathing

  • Decreased coordination

  • Hunger can often be a sign of dehydration

  • Side effects of dehydration

    • headaches

    • stress

    • back pain

    • weight gain

    • high blood pressure

    • allergies

Treatment:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, electrolyte solutions, or juice. 

  • If severe, seek medical attention immediately for intravenous fluids. 

  • In mild cases, home remedies include:

    • Sipping small amounts of fluids frequently 

    • Eating foods with high water content (e.g., fruits, vegetables, soups) 

    • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration 

Prevention: 

  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even when you don't feel thirsty. 

  • Pay attention to your fluid intake during hot weather or exercise. 

  • Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption. 

  • Treat underlying conditions that can lead to dehydration, such as diabetes. 

How much water is optimal to drink?

- typically 64 oz a day: opt for getting a lot of water through juicy fruits-the best water for the body

-drink coconut water

- do not drink ice cold water (it isn't the best for digestion)

- drink water 30 minutes before and after a meal, do not mix water with eating

- drink lemon water first thing in the morning