How to detect and prevent dehydration to maintain your health

Two-thirds of the body is composed of water, which is about 46 liters for a person weighing about 70 kilos. Water is essential for maintaining the health of the body. To ensure a good water balance, it is recommended to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids per day (about 8 glasses of water) if you are healthy and do not sweat excessively. This helps prevent certain complications, such as the formation of kidney stones. Dehydration can occur when the body's water intake is insufficient.

Dehydration can affect anyone and is manifested by a significant decrease in fluid in the body. Diarrhea is one of the main causes of dehydration, resulting from poor hygiene, malnutrition or hydration with contaminated water. Young children and the elderly require special attention, as they may have more difficulty hydrating regularly.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration to watch for

There are some specific signs that can help identify dehydration: decreased need to urinate, lack of tears, dry tongue, dry lips and skin, "grayish" skin, sunken fontanelle in infants. Diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms can also accompany this condition, such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and abdominal cramps. Blood in the stool can be an alarming sign of significant dehydration.

Simple tests to detect dehydration

There are a few tests you can do to assess your hydration level. The skin pinch test is quick and easy: pinch the skin on the back of your hand between your thumb and forefinger. If the skin springs back into place right away, that's a good sign. If it takes longer to return to its original shape, it could be a sign of dehydration.

Another indicator is urine. In a well-hydrated body, urine is pale yellow and odorless. If it is dark or honey-colored, it can signal possible dehydration. Urinating infrequently can also be a sign.

How to stay well hydrated?

To prevent or treat mild dehydration, drinking plain water or fluid replacement products, such as electrolyte drinks, is recommended. Hydratis offers life-saving drinks in the form of effervescent tablets to be dissolved in a large glass of water, to be consumed up to 2 to 3 times per day as needed. During vigorous exercise or illness, drinking plenty of fluids and adding a little extra salt can be effective.

In cases of severe dehydration , an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention may occur. A solution such as Hydratis can be administered to restore fluid balance.

It is important to treat the underlying cause of dehydration. For example, if diarrhea is present, appropriate medications can be taken to treat it. Medical follow-up is necessary to ensure that hydration is maintained adequately after treating the cause.

In conclusion, to prevent dehydration, it is essential to drink enough water or replacement fluids, especially in conditions that are conducive to dehydration, such as hot, humid or cold weather, high altitude or intense physical exertion. Avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages is also recommended, as they can accelerate dehydration by increasing urine output. Daily consumption of 2 to 3 liters of fluids is recommended to maintain good hydration. If symptoms of dehydration occur in a child, it is important to consult a healthcare professional immediately.