A glass of water is the most obvious solution to dehydration, but it's far from the only one. Look over all the possible home remedies to put some water back in your body when you're a bit low on fluids.
From the Home Remedies Cupboard
Bland foods. If you've experienced dehydration, stick to foods that are easily digested for the next 24 hours, because stomach cramps are a symptom of dehydration and can recur. Try soda crackers, rice, bananas, potatoes, and flavored gelatins. Gelatins are especially good since they are primarily made of water.
Decaffeinated tea. Just another tasty way to get fluids in your body. Don't drink caffeinated tea, however, as caffeine is a mild diuretic.
Raisins. They're packed with potassium, a body salt lost during dehydration.
Salt. If you're experiencing symptoms of mild dehydration or heat injury, or you're just plain sweating a lot, make sure you replace your salt. Don't just chug salt straight from the box, however. Try eating pretzels, salted crackers, or salty nuts.
And to slough off the dry, flaky skin that comes from dehydration, try this: After you bathe and while your skin is still wet, sprinkle salt onto your hands and rub it all over your skin. This salt massage will remove dry skin and make your skin smoother to the touch. It will also invigorate your skin and get your circulation moving. Also, if your skin is itchy as a result of dehydration, soaking in a tub of salt water can be a great itchy-skin reliever. Just add 1 cup table salt or sea salt to bathwater. This solution will also soften skin and relax you.
Vinegar. Since achy muscles are a side effect of dehydration, this can bring relief. Add 8 ounces apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of warm water. Soak in tub for at least 15 minutes.
From the Home Remedies Freezer
Ice. Suck on it, or rub it on your body when you're overheated. This will help cool you down and prevent excess evaporation, which may lead to dehydration.
Popsicle. Eating one is a great way to restore water to your body. It's an easy way to get fluids into kids, too.
Water bottle. If you drink bottled water, freeze some in the bottom of an empty bottle, then top if off with cold water when you're ready to go. You'll have cold water ready to drink for hours. If you know you'll need more than one bottle of cold water, grab another full bottle, drain about an inch from the top and freeze the whole thing. By the time the first bottle is empty, you'll have plenty of cold water in the second.
From the Home Remedies Refrigerator
Bananas. They have great water content and are especially good for restoring potassium that has vanished with dehydration.
Bottled Water. Easy to take along wherever you go.
Fruit juice. This liquid has essential vitamins and minerals, which you need to replenish.
Lime juice. Add 1 teaspoon lime juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar to a pint of water. Sip the beverage throughout the day to cure mild dehydration.
Sports drinks. Not only will they add water back into your system, they'll restore potassium and other essential electrolytes (a salt substance, such as potassium, sodium, and chlorine found in blood, tissue fluids, and cells that carry electrical impulses). For children, these adult drinks may be too harsh, so talk to your pharmacist about pediatric rehydration drinks now on the market.
Watery fruits. While bananas are the number one fruit for rehydration, watery fruits are a delicious and nutritious way to restore fluids. Try cantaloupe, watermelon, and strawberries. Watery vegetables such as cucumbers are good, too.
Yogurt or cottage cheese. These have both sodium and potassium for replacing electrolytes.
From the Home Remedies Sink
Water. Drink your daily requirement at home or on the go. Start your day with 16 ounces, and end your day with 16 ounces. That's a great way to prevent mild dehydration.
Do's & Don'ts
DON'T cut back your water intake if you're retaining fluids. Water retention that's caused by salt needs to be addressed by increasing water consumption to flush salt from the body. If water retention persists or becomes worse, however, be sure to check with your doctor. When water retention causes noticeable swelling, it's called edema, which can be a symptom of a serious medical condition.
DO drink water, even when you're not thirsty. You're losing body fluids every second of the day, and they must be replaced.
DON'T depend on sport drinks or soft drinks for all your fluid requirements. They can come with side effects and calories. Plain old water is the best choice.
DON'T skip water just because your tap water tastes terrible. Bottled brands are available everywhere.
DO humidify your home in the winter. It will keep your body hydrated.
