July 3, 2025

Dehydration can stem from various reasons. Our body loses fluid regularly through sweat and urine, but when this fluid isn’t replaced with more water, it can lead to dehydration. High temperatures, excessive physical activity, and diarrhoea are also some of the other reasons that cause dehydration. Approximately over 60% of the human body is made up of water, and maintaining that percentage is crucial for one’s health and well-being.

Excessive dehydration leads to headaches, dizziness, weakness and much more. The article below covers everything you need to know about dehydration, its signs, causes, and remedies to rehydrate your body quickly and effectively. By recognizing its effects and ways to address them at the earliest, you can avoid severe complications and ensure timely care and protection for you and your loved ones. 

What Is Dehydration?

Dehydration is a state wherein your body loses more liquid than it intakes. This results in a lack of fluids needed to perform several routine bodily functions. It can affect blood pressure and nerve function and also cause electrolyte balance disruption. The body’s natural response to dehydration is thirst, and it is crucial to hydrate yourself instantly, preferably with water or electrolytes.  

Additionally, spotting signs of dehydration can be really challenging. It is commonly found among adults who are often caught up with loads of work, new parents, or athletes who often forget to consume sufficient amounts of water throughout the day. Hydrating adequately is crucial to ensure your body performs functions such as digestion, regulating body temperature, nerve function, etc., smoothly. 

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration can occur when you fail to consume enough water or lose large amounts of fluids, either due to sickness or climatic conditions. Some of the common causes of dehydration include:

Sweating: As the weather changes into summer, the body automatically produces sweat. It helps in releasing heat and keeping the body cool. The sweat glands get activated to create and release sweat when heat increases. This not only helps maintain an electrolyte balance in the body but also hydrates the skin in the process. However, sweat consists mainly of water and salt, and excessive sweating can cause dehydration, especially when you fail to rehydrate the body. 

Insufficient fluid intake: Failing to consume enough water, especially during hot weather or when indulging in excessive physical activity, can cause dehydration. 

Illness: Being affected with diarrhoea or vomiting can cause dehydration. This occurs because diarrhoea or vomiting leads to the loss of essential fluids and electrolytes from the body, affecting organ processes and overall health. When illnesses lead to severe dehydration, doctors might recommend hospitalization and IV fluids to help restore the body’s fluid levels. 

Increased urination: While urination is the body’s natural method of releasing toxin fluids, certain health conditions, such as diabetes or urinary tract infections, can lead to increased urination. This, in turn, can put you at a risk of developing dehydration. Therefore, it is crucial to continually drink water or ORS (oral rehydration salts) to ensure the fluid levels in the body remain stable. 

Burns: Though rare, when people experience severe burns that damage the skin, it often leads to fluid loss through the injured area. 

What is the Treatment for Dehydration?

Dehydration treatment includes rehydrating methods, home remedies, medical intervention through intravenous fluids, etc. Medications or treatments to manage vomiting or diarrhoea may also be needed. 

Rehydration: The first and foremost treatment option for dehydration involves filling the body back with the lost fluids and electrolytes. However, the means used for rehydration depend on the severity of the dehydration. For instance, if a person is mildly dehydrated, drinking fluids like water, ORS, or clear broth can help restore the bodily fluids. On the other hand, if someone is severely dehydrated, they might require immediate medical care and support. Intravenous fluids may be administered to help restore fluid levels in the body. Depending on the condition, hospitalization may or may not be needed for further monitoring and care. 

Homemade Rehydration Solution: Mild dehydration can be treated by consuming a homemade ORS solution by mixing six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt into one litre of water. It is a simple yet highly effective dehydration treatment that not only rehydrates the body but also balances hydration levels, making you feel more energized and active. 

Things to Avoid During Dehydration

Certain food items and practices have the potential to worsen your condition, and therefore, it is important to avoid them as much as possible, especially while treating dehydration. 

• Caffeine and alcohol: Drinks like tea, soda, caffeine, and alcohol lead to an increase in the body’s urine production. Therefore, avoiding the consumption of such drinks while being dehydrated is important. 
• Sugary drinks: High amounts of sugar trigger the body to draw out water from the cells and into the bloodstream in order to help in the sugar dilution process. This, in turn, leads to excessive urination, which causes dehydration. 
• Excessive physical activity: Indulging in excessive physical activities while already experiencing dehydration can worsen the condition, as it leads to sweating and loss of fluids. 
• Ignoring symptoms: Your body gives you signs and symptoms when it needs attention. Ignoring them can lead to major problems. If your dehydration symptoms worsen and continue to persist for a long time, it is ideal to seek immediate medical intervention at the earliest. Book an ambulance with Zenplus Private Limited and access quick and reliable medical transportation services during emergencies.

Final Thoughts

To sum it all up, dehydration can affect anyone at any moment; therefore, it is important to keep yourself and your loved ones hydrated at all times. Just like oxygen, your body also requires water to function effectively, and preventing it from adequate water can not only cause dehydration but also lead to severe health conditions. Seek immediate medical intervention if you experience severe dehydration and take the necessary steps to prevent it from worsening. Your health is in your hands. Stay safe, stay hydrated!

FAQs

1. Is it possible to drink too much water while trying to stay hydrated?

Yes, it is possible and doing so can put a lot of pressure on your kidneys, leading to severe health problems. 

2. How does dehydration affect skin appearance and health?

Dehydration affects organ function, which directly impacts health and well-being. Additionally, a lack of essential electrolytes and bodily fluids can make the skin look pale and dry, affecting one’s overall appearance. 

3. Are certain foods helpful in staying hydrated?

Yes, certain foods such as fruits and vegetables that have a high water content are highly helpful in staying hydrated.