The body becomes dehydrated if it loses too much fluid. The National Health Service states that an individual will start to feel the signs of dehydration if there is a one percent or more reduction in their body weight as a result of losing fluids.
To avoid dehydration, the Food Standards Agency advises individuals to drink 1.2 litres of water every day. Most cases of dehydration can be treated quite safely at home; however, more severe or ongoing cases will require medical attention.
It is important that individuals be aware of how their bodies feel as thirst is very often the first sign of dehydration. Drinking regularly throughout the day and avoiding regular feelings of thirst can help to avoid dehydration altogether.
Treating Dehydration
Mild to moderate dehydration can be treated quite easily by taking in more fluids. The easiest way in which the body can take in fluid is by having a drink. Water is a good choice for most people; however, some may feel they want to drink squash, fruit juice or milk, all of which are fine.
If a person is feeling unwell and is unable to keep fluids down, they are advised to drink small amounts at regular intervals. Vomiting and diarrhoea will dehydrate the body further; therefore, it is especially important to take in fluids in these cases.
It is not just water that is lost through dehydration but sugars and salts too. Drinking sugary fluids such as squash and fruit juice can help an individual replace lost sugars while eating a salty snack such as crisps or nuts can help replace lost salts.
Treating Dehydrated Children
It is best to treat dehydrated children with drinks of squash or diluted fruit juice, as giving them too much water in a short space of time can cause the levels of salt in their blood to become dangerously low.
If a child is unable to keep fluids down due to illness, they can be given sips of fluid on a spoon at regular intervals.
Treating Severe Dehydration
It is important that all cases of severe dehydration are treated medically. An individual suffering from severe dehydration will often require a drip either in the nose or in the arm to help replace lost fluids, salts and sugars.
The NHS states that it is important that babies, infants and elderly people receive urgent treatment if they are dehydrated. In all cases, anyone who is feeling unwell should consult with their doctor.
References:
Nhs.uk
Food.gov.uk
Dehydration.co.uk
Nacc.org.uk
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