1. Why is it important to rehydrate quickly?
Since water is essential for the body to function, dehydration can cause several uncomfortable symptoms. The impact on your health will be primarily physical, with fatigue, cramps, and dry skin, and then on your brain, with decreased concentration and confusion. Finally, on the kidney side, there is a risk of kidney stones and even kidney failure if dehydration persists.
The time required for rehydration depends on the severity of the dehydration. Mild dehydration can take a few hours, with regular hydration. More severe dehydration can take a full day, requiring electrolyte drinks, for example. In more severe cases, intravenous rehydration is necessary and can take several days.
2. What are the signs of dehydration?
The various solutions for rehydration vary depending on the cause of dehydration. Some situations require simple fluid intake, while others involve specific electrolyte rebalancing to compensate for mineral losses and maintain proper cellular function.
3. What is the best drink to hydrate?
To effectively rehydrate, simply drinking water isn't enough. It's essential to replenish mineral stores such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Dehydration is not only a loss of water but also an electrolyte loss!
Here are the main options available for rehydration:
Water alone is the most logical and accessible option, but it does not contain enough electrolytes.
Diluted fruit juices provide potassium and glucose, but their sugar content should be monitored.
Electrolyte drinks are particularly effective because they contain water and minerals.
Oral rehydration solutions, recommended by health professionals, are the most effective in combating dehydration but are primarily intended for young children.
Each electrolyte plays a key role in hydration: sodium helps retain water, potassium regulates fluid balance, and magnesium supports muscle and nerve function.
4. How to rehydrate properly depending on the situation?
The various solutions for rehydration vary depending on the cause of dehydration. Some situations require simple fluid intake, while others involve specific electrolyte rebalancing to compensate for mineral losses and maintain proper cellular function.
4.1 In case of gastroenteritis or fever
During gastroenteritis, diarrhea and vomiting lead to a rapid loss of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride). These losses are particularly critical in children and infants, as their small body mass makes them more vulnerable to dehydration.
In infants and young children, it is essential to administer oral rehydration solutions (ORS), recommended by the WHO. These solutions contain a precise mixture of glucose and electrolytes that allow for effective rehydration via sodium-glucose transport in the intestine.
In adults, except in cases of severe dehydration, ORS is not always necessary. An electrolyte drink or salty broth may be sufficient to replace fluid and mineral losses.
Fever causes excessive sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration. Water alone may be sufficient for mild fever, but if sweating is significant or nutrition is limited, a mineral-containing drink (broth, diluted fruit juice, electrolyte drink) may be beneficial.
4.1 In case of gastroenteritis or fever
During gastroenteritis, diarrhea and vomiting lead to a rapid loss of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride). These losses are particularly critical in children and infants, as their small body mass makes them more vulnerable to dehydration.
In infants and young children, it is essential to administer oral rehydration solutions (ORS), recommended by the WHO. These solutions contain a precise mixture of glucose and electrolytes that allow for effective rehydration via sodium-glucose transport in the intestine.
In adults, except in cases of severe dehydration, ORS is not always necessary. An electrolyte drink or salty broth may be sufficient to replace fluid and mineral losses.
Fever causes excessive sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration. Water alone may be sufficient for mild fever, but if sweating is significant or nutrition is limited, a mineral-containing drink (broth, diluted fruit juice, electrolyte drink) may be beneficial.
5. How to make a homemade hydration solution?
Here's a quick and effective recipe so you can make your own drinks to stay optimally hydrated.
Here are the ingredients:
- 1L of water
- 10 to 30g of sugar (according to your taste)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- Lemon juice
Simply mix all the ingredients together and keep your drink chilled. Consume within 24 hours.
6. When should you seek medical help?
Medical attention is essential if the person loses consciousness, does not produce urine for more than 8 hours, or shows symptoms of severe dehydration.
In babies, it's a cause for concern if they don't cry, refuse to drink, or don't urinate at least three times a day. A consultation is also necessary in cases of high fever, diarrhea, or persistent vomiting. In all cases, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional.
