Dehydration
This page will help answer your questions about dehydration.
What is dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when your body does not have the amount of water and fluids it needs.
- What are the causes of dehydration?
- Certain chronic conditions that cause excessive urination such as diabetes and kidney disease.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Prolonged sun exposure (which may lead to heatstroke).
- Engaging in strenuous exercise in extremely hot weather.
- Taking certain medications like diuretics.
- How is dehydration managed, and what are the treatment methods? Tips to help you prevent dehydration.
Drink more water.
- Oral rehydration solutions are available without a prescription, or you can make a homemade version consisting of six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one liter of boiled water.
- Tips to help you prevent dehydration:
- Drink enough water every day. Adult men require 3.7 liters daily (about 15.5 cups), and adult women need 2.7 liters (about 11.5 cups).
Ensure you carry a water bottle with you everywhere.
Avoid drinks that contain sugar and caffeine.
Drink additional fluids when the weather is hot or when you are sick and during exercise.
Habits to help you drink more water:
Carry a water bottle with you at all times.
Try adding ice cubes to your water bottle.
Replace sodas with water.
Drink water with every meal.
