Know what is silent dehydration and how to prevent it this summer

It is normal for you to feel like drinking chilled cold drinks and artificial juices during the summer season. However, it is natural, plain water that you need the most to stay hydrated all through the day during summer.

According to the latest study, more than 75% of Indians are dehydrated and they are simply unaware of it. And this is called silent dehydration.

Most of the Indians go through dehydration sometime or other during summer due to the humid and hot climate. However, people simply do not realize that they are suffering from dehydration.

Symptoms and problems caused due to dehydration

When you do not balance the intake of water in comparison to the loss of water due to perspiration then your body suffers from dehydration. It can also occur when due to heatstroke you suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, and excessive sweating. Loss of water due to these symptoms should be immediately covered by increasing the intake of water.

During dehydration, there is an imbalance in important electrolytes like chloride, potassium, and sodium which should be replenished immediately. These electrolytes are extremely essential for the proper functioning of the cell and can be fatal if immediate action is not taken.

How to prevent dehydration?

Drinking plenty of water all through the day sip by sip is the first step towards preventing silent dehydration. Health experts recommend drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. However, the intake also depends upon health status, activity level, age, and weight.

It is a common belief that alcohol and fizzy and sugary drinks are good to keep the body hydrated. However, they can further dehydrate the body. So it is better to avoid them or just take a few sips.

To prevent dehydration this summer you must keep an eye on the signs and symptoms that cause it. In case you are feeling thirsty or have a dry mouth, suffering from headache or fatigue then you must immediately start drinking water. You should also eat food items that are high in water content like watermelon, musk melon, or cucumber as they help you stay hydrated.

If you have suffered from extreme water loss then it can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes. You can balance the electrolytes by drinking sports drinks or eating food items like avocado, leafy greens, and bananas that have electrolyte content.

In the case the symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention.

Disclaimer: This piece of article is for basic information purposes only. It's always advisable to consult a doctor for any type of health issue.