Dehydration is common when you do not drink enough water or lose fluids fast. Water is a basic need of life, but most of us forget to drink it regularly, and sometimes we even believe that drinking 4 glasses is an accomplishment! So, if you fit into this category, you should read this article to learn everything you need to know about dehydration and some simple ways to avoid it…

Watch out for these signs

If you are suffering from dehydration, you will likely notice these symptoms:

• Headache, delirium, and confusion.
• Fatigue, weakness and dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• High heart rate and low blood pressure.
• Loss of appetite but possibly a craving for sugar.
• Skin redness and muscle cramps.
• Intolerance to heat or chills.
• Constipation.
• Dark urine.

What is the treatment for dehydration?

Drinking water comes as the first savior. Oral rehydration solution, which are powders that you mix with water, are another option.

However, if you have severe or moderate dehydration, the treatment may alter dramatically. For example:

• Moderate Severity dehydration requires intravenous hydration. You’ll get this in urgent care or a hospital.
• In severe cases, you will need to see a doctor or go to the nearest hospital.

Tips to avoid dehydration

After knowing the cure, we must know how to avoid it. As they always say, prevention is better than cure:

• Definitely the first tip would be to drink enough water before you even feel thirsty! If you feel thirsty, this indicates that you are already dehydrated.
• Try to avoid soft drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
• You will need to increase your fluid intake when exercising.

The amount of water you need can vary based on many factors such as the weather and the clothes you’re wearing, but most people need eight glasses of water a day. However, you can make sure that you are getting enough water and fluids by checking your urine; if it’s straw-colored or light-colored, that’s fine, but if it’s dark or dark, you’ll need to drink more. You can talk to one of our pharmacists to get the help you need.

Any tips for remembering to drink water?

• Always carry a water bottle with you and keep it full!
• Replace sugary drinks with water, even when eating meals.
• If you do not like the taste of water, you can add a flavor by putting a piece of lemon with it to make it taste better!
• Eat foods that are high in water, such as soups, fruits and vegetables.
• Distribute the amounts of water you drink throughout the day.
• Download an app to remind you to drink water.

But is water really important?!

Of course, 60% of the adult human body is made up of water! Water plays an important role in many vital processes in the human body, for example, it helps in:

1. Regulating the internal body temperature by sweating and breathing
2. The metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins
3. Flushing wastes mainly by urination
4. Shock absorption for the brain, spinal cord and fetus
5. Balance your body chemicals that your brain needs to produce hormones and neurotransmitters.
6. Delivering oxygen throughout your body.
7. Maintain joint flexibility.