Tips to fight dehydration - Source TOI

To combat dehydration non-alcoholic drinks may be given in plenty. Coconut water, barley water, sugarcane juice or glucose-water are the best. — www.pragyatv.com

Dehydration is common in summer. It simply means shortage of water in the body. Every cell in your body needs water in order to function properly. An adult's body weight is 60 per cent water, while an infant's is up to 80 per cent water.

Causes

Insufficient liquid intake - Excessive loss of liquids due to diarrhoea, sunstroke or vomiting.

Symptoms

Furious thirst. Loss of elasticity of skin and wrinkling. Diminished muscular endurance Dizziness, nausea Drowsiness, headache Tachycardia (galloping heart rate) Increased body temperature Extreme exhaustion

Tips to combat

Non-alcoholic drinks may be given in plenty. Coconut water, barley water, sugarcane juice or glucose-water are the best. A pinch each of sugar and salt in a cup of water. Water flushes wastes from the body through urine. Take Nimbupani during prolonged exercise. Bel, Sauf water, Aam Ka Pana, Khas Khas Sharbat help curb appetite. Plump up wrinkles with frequent fluid and seasonal vegetable.
Watermelon, sweet melon quench thirst.
Bananas are recommended for water and potassium depletion.
Chamomile tea has the added benefit of being a natural pain reliever so it helps relieve the stomach cramps that often accompany dehydration.
Decaffeinated teas are also excellent.

Warning

In severe cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids are essential, and immediate hospitalization is a must.

Health tips:

Bring 2 cups of water to boil for 2-4 minutes in a stainless steel pan (do not use aluminium)and put it aside. Then add ½ tsp of whole coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp, whole fennel (saunf) , two 1 inch slices of fresh ginger root and let it soak. After 10 minutes strain out the spices and pour the water into a thermos flask. Sip throughout the day for quenching your thirst.