Check if you're dehydrated
peeing less often than usual. feeling dizzy or lightheaded. feeling tired. a dry mouth, lips and tongue.
With beginning symptoms of dehydration, you can rehydrate by consuming fluids that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions. There are also foods available that have a high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. These will also help with rehydration.
Mild dehydration can cause problems with blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Severe dehydration can also cause weakness or confusion. In extreme cases, it can lead to kidney damage, brain damage and even death. For mild dehydration, you can drink fluids (but not alcohol or caffeine).
In general, however, it usually takes about two hours for your body to rehydrate fully after drinking a significant amount of water. As for how you should rehydrate, water is the best choice. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, can be helpful for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.
The person loses consciousness at any time. There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures). The person has a fever over 102°F (38.8°C). You notice symptoms of heatstroke (such as rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
Milk is more hydrating than water
For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period.
If dehydration is not treated through increased consumption of water, or in some cases, the consumption of electrolytes, the dehydration can last indefinitely. If it progresses and becomes sever enough, it is possible to die from dehydration.
You might have an electrolyte imbalance: Electrolyte imbalances are one of the most common reasons you might feel dehydrated even after drinking tons of water: “Sometimes if we drink a lot of water but we don't take in enough fruits and vegetables, our electrolytes—sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, etc.—can get ...
Symptoms like lightheadedness, muscle cramps, and general weakness are indications that the body is failing to compensate for dehydration. Nausea and vomiting are particularly bad because they can cause the situation to get worse.
When signs you're dehydrated get more severe, you might experience dizziness, mental confusion, rapid heartbeat, seizures, and the inability to cry, urinate or sweat.
Here is one more reason to enjoy that morning cup of joe: “Coffee counts toward your daily water intake,” says Lauren DeWolf, MS, RD, a registered dietitian with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers. The water in coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages helps us meet our daily fluid needs.
Best Overall: Gatorade
The levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) are moderate and sensible with 160 mg of sodium and 45mg of potassium per 12 fluid ounce serving. You can also find Gatorade varieties with higher sodium, zero sugar or no calories depending on your needs.
During work or exercise in the heat: • Drink 8-12 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes. Drinking more than 1.5 liters per hour is not recommended and may increase the risk for developing hyponatremia (low sodium).
Hibiscus, rose or chamomile are great options because they're caffeine-free and will have less diuretic effects. “All herbal teas are great for hydration,” Giovanni says. “The main thing to look for is that it's a decaffeinated tea – a tea like black tea, for instance, wouldn't be hydrating.”
Whether it's green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, or tisanes, all tea has been known to help keep you hydrated. At its core, a cup of tea is 98% water and 2% tea, making it a great way to hit your daily water intake goals.
Lemon water is beneficial for hydration.
Some people might find it difficult to drink plain water, especially if they do not like the flavor of local tap water. So adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to a liter of drinking water and drinking lemon water throughout the day can make it easier to drink.
A person needs IV fluids when they become dangerously dehydrated. Serious dehydration may occur when you: Are sick (vomiting and diarrhea). Exercise too much or spend too much time in the heat without drinking enough.
Moderate cases of dehydration may require you to visit the hospital and receive fluids intravenously of through an IV. Severe dehydration should be considered a medical emergency as it can be fatal when it is not treated. If necessary, go to the nearest hospital, quick care clinic or urgent care center for treatment.
Severe Dehydration Treatment
If necessary, your doctor can treat dehydration by giving you intravenous (IV) fluids. This may take place in a hospital or outpatient care facility. While your body is rehydrating, you will be monitored for low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, or abnormal kidney function.