It's easy to get caught up in the flow of your day-to-day activities and forget to stay hydrated. Whether you are hanging out in the sun or just keeping busy, it's crucial to drink water every day.
According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily, and women should drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) daily. While that may seem like a lot, water is needed for all of your body's cells, tissues and organs.
Water makes up 50% to 70% of your body weight. In other words, you need to drink a lot of water to stay healthy. Continue reading to learn about dehydration and the fastest way to cure it.
What is the fastest way to cure dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluids than you take in, meaning your body does not have enough water to complete its normal functions, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Mild to moderate dehydration can be cured by simply rehydrating your body with fluids. Eating foods with a high water content will also help with rehydration, such as fruits and vegetables. Strawberries and watermelon are 91% water, while lettuce can contain 96% water and celery 95%, according to My Food Data.
What drinks hydrate the fastest?
Water will rehydrate your body perfectly fine, but drinks with infused electrolytes can also help. Medline Plus reports that electrolytes balance the amount of water in your body, as well as move nutrients into your cells and wastes out of your cells.
That said, drinking liquids with electrolytes, like electrolyte-infused water, Pedialyte or Gatorade can all help cure your mild to moderate dehydration.
If you have severe dehydration, the Mayo Clinic advises you to seek immediate medical treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?
According to Medline Plus, the symptoms of dehydration in adults include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Dry mouth
- Less urination and sweat than usual
- Dark-colored urine
- Dry skin
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Symptoms of dehydration in infants and young children include:
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Tearless crying
- No wet diapers for 3 hours or more
- High fever
- Unusually sleepy or drowsy
- Irritable
- Sunken eyes
If dehydration symptoms worsen, they can become life-threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Lack of urination
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Shock
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