Dehydration is most common in Summers- not only for children and elderly, but in everyone. In today’s busy lifestyle, people often neglect their health and water consumption, and hence dehydration and weakness is the most common feature almost everywhere during summers. Here are few tips to combat dehydration in Summer.
Signs and Symptoms:
Decrease in urine output or dark or deep yellow urine possibly accompanied by cramping in limbs, weakness, inability to sweat or headaches, sunken eyes, and irritability. All of these are earlier indications of dehydration. If left untreated, it can lead to low blood pressure, rapid but weak pulse, severe cramping, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Tips on Preventing Dehydration:
Vary juices and try infused water. Do not depend on only water for hydration- try juices, barley, infused water, fibrous fruits and other foods and drinks having high water content.
Choose fruits & vegetables that are high in water content. Fruits coming in at the top of that list are watermelon and strawberries at 92%, followed closely by grapefruit and cantaloupe. Oranges, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple and peaches are also good choices, with bananas having the lowest water content. The winning vegetable is cucumber at 96%, and rounding out that list are zucchini, celery, tomatoes, spinach, peppers, eggplant, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Reduce incontinence worries by ensuring the heaviest fluid intake is earlier in the day rather than close to bedtime.
Avoid diuretics like caffeinated drinks, and remember that some medications cause water to move through the body at a faster rate. Take this into consideration when determining appropriate level of daily fluid intake.
At the first sign of dehydration, offer a sports drink to help boost water and electrolyte levels in the body.
Stay hydrated, drink lots of water and liquids, consume fibrous and high water content fruits, avoid dehydrating foods and stay cool!
Happy Summer!
By: Archa Dave
