When your body has lost more fluid than you have taken in, then you have dehydration. It is important for your overall health to stay hydrated. Every cell in our body needs water along with oxygen because, in this way, it can function properly. If you have severe dehydration, then you should ask for medical help as soon as possible. Every single person can become dehydrated, but also there are some people who have increased chances of getting dehydration, such as older adults, children, people living at high altitudes, endurance athletes, and people with chronic illnesses.
There are many causes of dehydration, but the most common are increased urination, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and vigorous exercise in hot weather. The symptoms of this condition depend on if the dehydration is mild or severe. Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration are lightheadedness, dizziness, muscle cramps, constipation, headaches, dry skin, less urination, thirst, and a dry mouth. Symptoms of severe or chronic dehydration are rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, dry skin that lacks elasticity, very dry mouth, sunken eyes, little or no urination, confusion, extreme thirst, and even unconsciousness or delirium. You should treat this condition as soon as possible because it can lead to several complications. If you have severe dehydration, then you should talk with your doctor. If you have mild dehydration, then you should treat it at your home.
12 natural treatments for dehydration
Coconut water
If you take a glass of coconut water, then this can help you to treat dehydration. It has electrolytes in high amounts, which makes it a very hydrating drink. Also, it has low amounts of sugar and calorie. There was one study about coconut water in which was said that coconut water has a positive effect which is similar to sports drinks [1]. You should drink a glass of tender coconut water a few times per day because, in this way, you will rehydrate your body. As the coconut water is rapidly absorbed by your cells, and then you will notice quick results. [2]
Drinking of freeze bottled water
You can sip frozen bottled water at frequent intervals because, in this way, you will get relief from the dehydration, and also it will cool your body. You can have many bottles of Lemon, Lemon juice, Lemon water, Soup, Zucchini, Fruit & Vegetables, Chicken soup, Meat & Fish, Barley, Honey, Ayurveda, Ginger root, Buttermilk, Yogurt, Vinegar, Apple cider vinegar, Tomatoes, Spinach, Papaya, Grapes, Cucumber, Strawberries, Orange, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Banana, this water from time to time because this will help your body to be cool during dehydration.
Bananas
If you have mild dehydration, then you should eat bananas because they are a very effective home remedy for this condition. When we are dehydrated, then we can lose minerals in our bodies which can also include potassium. We know that bananas are rich in potassium. They can help you to restore this important mineral in your body. Also, this home remedy will help you to restore the normal functioning of cramped muscles, which is caused by excess water loss in your body [3]. You should eat one to two bananas during the day. Also, you can drink banana smoothies.
Watery fruits and vegetables
When you suffer from mild to moderate dehydration, then you should increase the intake of fruits and vegetables that are rich in water. There was one study in which it said that the fruits and vegetables which are rich in water are hydrating your body twice as effectively as a glass of water [4]. There are some fruits and vegetables which contain sugars, minerals, and hydrating cells, and they work in a very similar way to the isotonic drinks which are used by athletes. Here are some fruits and vegetables that are rich in water: tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, radishes, lettuce, celery, papaya, grapes, cucumber, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, cantaloupe, and watermelon. You should eat these fruits and vegetables as your snacks. Also, you can add them to your smoothies and salads.
Taking a warm vinegar bath
There are some cases in which muscle aches and cramps are caused by dehydration. In this case, vinegar is the best natural cure for you. You should add 8 ounces of apple cider vinegar to the warm water. This is a very soothing and relaxing natural treatment for your muscles.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a very effective home remedy for dehydration which is caused by vomiting or diarrhea [5]. Also, it is rich in electrolytes. This home remedy soothes your stomach, and it is easily digested. You should eat a cup of plain yogurt a few times per day. Also, you can add a small amount of cottage cheese to your yogurt. Also, there is another natural cure that you can use as your natural treatment for dehydration. You should eat plain boiled rice with yogurt and a small amount of salt.
Homemade ORS
It is very important for all people who suffer from dehydration to have prompt restoration of lost fluids and minerals. Homemade oral rehydration solution (ORS) is one of the easiest natural cures in which you can restore the lost minerals and fluids in your body. In 4 cups of drinking water, you should add 6 teaspoons of sugar or brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir this natural cure thoroughly until you have noticed that the sugar and salt have dissolved completely. You should drink this home remedy several times per day until you have noticed that you have completely recovered from this condition. Also, if you do not want to make this homemade ORS, then you should buy ORS, which is approved by WHO (World Health Organization).
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is one of the best natural cures for mild dehydration, according to Ayurveda. It can provide you with the minerals which are required by your body that are lost during excessive sweating, which is one of the most common causes of dehydration [6]. You should drink a glass of buttermilk a few times per day because, in this way, you will help your body to recover. Also, there is another option which you can make. You should mix ½ teaspoon of dry ginger in a cup of buttermilk. You should drink this home remedy a few times per day.
Increase your water intake
One of the most important ways to treat dehydration is to increase your water intake. Water, in most cases, is enough to rehydrate adults. Every single person should drink a lot of water during the day even if he or she does not feel thirsty. You should sip small amounts of water and clear fluids throughout the day. You should drink drinks that have electrolytes or carbohydrates. You should suck on popsicles that are made from juice and sports drinks. You should suck on ice chips or freeze bottled water at frequent intervals. There was one study in which is shown that healthy adult med who lives in a temperature climate need an adequate intake of 3 liters (13 cups) of total beverages in a day. Healthy adult women need to drink about 2.2 liters (9 cups) of total beverages a day.
Barley water
One of the best natural cures for keeping your body hydrated is to use barley water as your natural treatment. It has nutrients that will help you to replenish the minerals which you have lost with dehydration.
Barley water is easily digested by our bodies, and it will keep our bodies cool. This home remedy can provide us quick relief from dehydration symptoms. You should add one cup of soaked barley to three to four cups of water. You should bring this home remedy to boil. Then, you should cover it for 45 – 60 minutes. You should allow this remedy to cool. Then, you should strain this natural cure. You should add a small amount of honey and lemon juice to this mixture. You should drink this home remedy at regular intervals. [7]
Soups and broths
Broths and broth-based soups can also be used as a natural treatment for hydrating your body. This home remedy will help you to replenish the lost minerals and fluids in your body. You should add celery, radishes, and zucchini which are vegetables that are rich in water, to your soup, and in this way, you will get the hydrating benefits. Also, you should eat a bowl of chicken soup or broth. Also, you should eat soup pre-workout because this will help you to boost your performance and avoid dehydration.
Lemon water
This is one of the best home remedies for dehydration. This is a soothing drink that will help you to hydrate your body, and also it will keep you refreshed and energized. In one glass of water, you should add ½ lemon. You should add a pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper powder one teaspoon of raw honey. You should drink this natural cure at regular intervals.
References:
[1] Kalman DS, Feldman S, Krieger DR, Bloomer RJ. Comparison of coconut water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte sport drink on measures of hydration and physical performance in exercise-trained men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2012;9:1.
[2] Ismail I, Singh R, Sirisinghe RG. Rehydration with sodium-enriched coconut water after exercise-induced dehydration. The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. 2007;38(4):769-85.
[3] Nieman DC, Gillitt ND, Henson DA, et al. Bananas as an energy source during exercise: A metabolomics approach. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e37479.
[4] Stephens A. The vegetables that can hydrate you more than a glass of water. Mail Online. 2009. Retrieved from www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1200531/The-vegetables-hydrate-glass-water.html.
[5] Fox MJ, Ahuja KDK, Robertson IK, et al. Can probiotic yogurt prevent diarrhoea in children on antibiotics? A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. BMJ Open. 2015;5(1).
[6] Yeragi VS, Maske AH. Effects of buttermilk on health. International Journal of scientific research and management (IJSRM). 2016;4(11):4936-40.
[7] Zeng Y, Pu X, Yang J, et al. Preventive and therapeutic role of functional ingredients of barley grass for chronic diseases in human beings. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2018;2018:3232080.