At times we all experience symptoms of dehydration like headaches, dark colored urine, lightheadedness etc. If you have experienced such symptoms of dehydration then you must surely want to know the immediate cure for the condition, so as to keep away from dehydration again. Well! To cope up with the symptoms of dehydration you need to have extra fluids. However, this is the case if you have been dehydrated in a mild way. In case you have severe problems in dehydration then you surely require immediate medical treatment. In this article, we will know about what to drink when dehydrated. So, this would help you get rid of mild dehydration at home in an effective manner.
What to Drink When Dehydrated?
-
Water:
The very first step in treating dehydration is increasing the quantity of water intake. Usually for adults, it is enough to rehydrate with water. So, you need to drink plenty amount of water even if you are not feeling thirsty. You can sip small amounts of water and clear fluids all throughout the day. You can also suck on freeze bottled water at frequent intervals to rehydrate self.
It is known that healthy adult males living in a temperate climate requires drinking about 13 cups of water or total beverages in a day, while adult women require drinking 9 cups so as to keep self away from dehydration.
-
Smoothies:
You can combine all your favorite flavors into one nutritionally packed glass of smoothie and keep self away from being dehydrated. You can prepare green smoothie with fresh fruits and vegetables and drink that to get rid of dehydration.
-
Home-Made ORS Solution:
One of the most effective drinks for overcoming symptoms of dehydration in a homemade ORS or Oral rehydration solution. This would help you restore the lost fluids and minerals caused due to dehydration. Below are the steps to prepare a homemade ORS:
- Add half teaspoon of salt and 6 teaspoons of sugar to 4 cups of water.
- Stir it thoroughly until the salt and sugar completely dissolves in the water
- Drink this homemade ORS several times in a day till you recover completely from the symptoms of dehydration.
-
Fat Free or Skim Milk:
We all know that because of the calcium present in milk, it is good for our bones. However, research have found that milk is really better than water and sports drinks for rehydration and recovery after over training. You just need to be sure that you choose a slimmed down carton as the fat in whole milk can delay replacement of fluids in the body.
-
Coconut Water:
Coconut water is also one drink you can have when dehydrated. It is low in carbohydrates, yet rich in potassium. The unsweetened varieties of coconut water can be really hydrating.
-
Sports Drink:
Sports drinks are loaded with good things like sodium and sugar which helps to bring your body back to balance at a much faster rate than water can do it.
-
Coffee:
Coffee is one more drink which can contribute to your daily water needs. You can take one cup of coffee daily to keep away from dehydration and it is also known to be beneficial in improving your endurance and memory
-
Barley Water:
Drinking barley water is one of the best remedy to keep your body hydrated. The nutrients present in barley aid replenish minerals lost due to dehydration. As it is easily digested and also keeps the body cool; you can drink barley water for quick relief from symptoms of dehydration.
Follow the below mentioned steps to prepare barley water at home.
- Mix 1 cup of soaked barley in about 3 to 4 cups of water.
- Let it boil and then simmer for about one hour.
- Allow it to cool and then strain it.
- Now, add a little honey and lemon juice to it.
- Drink the barley water at regular intervals when dehydrated.
Infant Care: What to Give to Drink When Your Baby is Dehydrated?
It is very important to take care of infant in the best possible way if dehydrated. You can consult your paediatrician and may follow his or her suggestions. Usually paediatrician would recommend you to use an oral rehydration solution or ORS for reducing the risk of developing an electrolyte imbalance in your dehydrated child. You can start giving your child about one or two teaspoons of the ORS with a spoon every few minutes.
Call your paediatrician for keeping your baby safe from getting hold of serious symptoms of dehydration. Make sure you take your baby to doctor in case of any emergency.