Home Remedies for Dehydration

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 bodily functions, including:

• Digestion
  
  
• Regulation of body temperature
  
  
• Maintaining blood pressure

Symptoms of dehydration

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:

• A rapid heart rate
  
  
• Low blood pressure
  
  
• Drowsiness
  
  
• A sudden loss of energy

Treatment for dehydration

Treatment for dehydration should begin as soon as you observe any of the above symptoms. In cases 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. 

12 Home Remedies for Dehydration

1. Stop all activities and take a rest

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.

2. Juicy fruits

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 bodily fluids. Pomegranate juice is also effective when looking for home remedies for dehydration.

3. Juicy vegetables

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.

4. Bananas

Water loss can also lead to a loss of electrolytes. When body water 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. 

5. Coconut Water

Another home remedy 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. 

6. Lemon or lime juice

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.

7. Rice water

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.

8. Concentrated sea minerals

During dehydration, the body loses essential minerals and trace minerals. 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 them 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. 

9. Buttermilk

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. 

10. Barley water

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. 

11. Rehydration Drink

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.

12. Herbal medicines

Some traditional herbal and Chinese remedies can work wonderfully to relieve the symptoms of dehydration.

• Elderflower helps in reducing body temperature. When body temperature comes down, bodily fluid retention increases and the symptoms of dehydration are reduced. 
  
  
• Willow bark may help to reduce headaches and higher temperatures associated with dehydration.
  
  
• Chamomile tea is another old time remedy to treat dehydration. This green tea is a wonderful solution to replenish bodily fluids and salts. Unlike beverages containing caffeine, decaffeinated drinks do not act as diuretic.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your health care practitioner before taking these herbal remedies. Do not give these herbal remedies to children.

Conclusion, home remedies for dehydration

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, and coconut water can be used on a regular basis to help avoid dehydration. 

(Return from Home Remedies for Dehydration to Chronic Dehydration Symptoms)