Dehydration is a condition in which a balance between the excretion of fluids and the intake of fluids is not appropriate. Excessive loss of water from the body leads to dehydration. It affects the body’s functioning, and our working system is compromised. Even a slight imbalance can cause significant effects on body systems.

What are the causes of dehydration?

Vomiting- It leads to excessive loss of water, and in addition, it creates a problematic situation for sufferers to combat the situation by drinking more water.
Physical workload- Increased sweating may adversely affect those who cannot maintain hydration during heavy workouts. They may suffer from dehydration.
Diabetes- Increasing the frequency of urination leads to excess fluids lost from the body, and this is a prime situation diabetics have to face.
Diarrhoea- It’s one of the primary causes of dehydration. A sufferer’s body eliminates too much water by preventing water absorption in the body.
Alcohol- An increase in alcohol consumption can also hamper your fluid balance in the body.

What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?

Increasing thirst
Dryness in mouth
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Reduction in urine output
Dry skin
Dizziness
No Tears
Bad breath
Sunken eyes

How much is water consumption in a day necessary?

Depending on the person’s lifestyle, their daily need for water varies. For an average individual, working in full air-conditioning requires at least eight glasses of water per day which equals 2 to 2.5 litres of water. Those who do heavy workouts and physical work training in extreme conditions need about 3 litres of water in a day. Drinking regularly during summers is essential to stay away from dehydration.

How to prevent dehydration?

Prevention is better than cure. This line is widespread and heard by every person, but only a few apply it. For preventing dehydration, we need to drink more water, and it’s safe to carry a water bottle with us wherever we go. In addition to it, try drinking water before and after every meal. We eat lots of water content fruits, such as watermelon, strawberry, grapes, pineapple, etc. Go for vegetables like cucumber, cabbage, and spinach.

What are the treatments for dehydration?

To treat dehydration, we can start by consuming more fluids to balance the fluid level in the body—intake of more watery fruits and vegetables. For severe conditions, proper medical treatments are essential, and this may include over the counter drugs to treat the causes like vomiting and diarrhoea.

Who is affected the most by dehydration?

The extreme effects of dehydration are felt.

Older people- It’It’sproblematic situation for older people to adjust to the changing temperature. Their bodies are not efficient to adapt to the changes quickly and absorb fluids.
Children- They are more prone to diseases like diarrhoea and vomiting. So excessive loss of fluids can cause severe conditions.
People suffering from diseases- Those with compromised body systems are most likely to suffer. People with kidney disorders or diabetes are at more risk to get dehydrated.
Sportsperson- Increasing the loss of fluids in the form of sweating is also a chance in the case of the sportsperson. Therefore drinking water is a must condition for the sportsperson.
People working outside in the extreme sun- People working in the sun are at the highest risk of dehydration. If you are in the sun for long, try adjusting fluids by more water intake.

What to do in summers for optimum hydration?

Drink water before you feel a need. Try carrying a bottle with you, set the alarm for water, and foremost, drink after and before every meal, after you wake up and before going to bed every day.
Do not skip your food- try to avoid skipping your meal to stay rich in fluids and mineral content.
Drink juice- if you don’t have time or dondon’tke to add veggies and fruits to your meal, you can make juice and consume the best of it to maintain fluid balance during summers.
Eating a diet that balances every essential component is essential. Eat a balanced diet and stay healthy.
Avoid intake of excessive caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and tea.
Alcohol consumption may lead to dehydration. Therefore avoid excessive alcohol intake.

Summers is no less than a festival season for children. They are all set to enjoy their summer vacations in summer camps and family gatherings. But extreme temperature conditions may pose a problem for your children. So, drink more water and indulge your children in the same habit, especially in summers.