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Dehydration is a symptom that occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, and as a result the body does not have enough water to function normally.
About 80% of people's total water comes from drinking water and the other 20% comes from the foods we eat. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends an adequate daily water intake from all beverages and foods of:
- 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of total water for women
- 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of total water for men
People who are physically active or who live in hot climates may need to consume more water.
9 Dehydration Remedies
The fastest way to cure dehydration is fluid intake.
Mild dehydration can be treated at home by drinking fluids such as:
- Water (the best fluid choice)
- Sports drinks
- Oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte
- Juices diluted with water
- Decaffeinated tea
- Milk
- Breast milk for babies
- Soups
- Jell-O and ice cream become liquid after eating, so they may be consumed as well
3 Tips When Rehydrating
What Are Symptoms of Dehydration?
Dehydration can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Mild dehydration might not always cause symptoms.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Thirst
- Decreased urination
- Dark yellow-, amber-, or brown-colored urine
- Dry mouth and mucous membranes (lips, gums, nostrils)
- Decreased skin elasticity
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Confusion
- Lack of tears when crying
- Eyes that look sunken in the face
- “Sunken fontanel” in babies
- Abnormal breathing (severe cases)
- Coma (severe cases)
What Causes Dehydration?
Causes of dehydration include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
- Health conditions or medicines that cause a person to urinate more than usual
- Inadequate intake of water (may occur especially in children such as when they have an upset stomach or sore throat)
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https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/emotional-physical-effects/dehydration.html
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dehydration-in-children-the-basics?search=dehydration&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2004/02/report-sets-dietary-intake-levels-for-water-salt-and-potassium-to-maintain-health-and-reduce-chronic-disease-risk