Simply put, when there is dehydration the goal is to remove the “de” in dehydration! Hydrate, that means drink water not soda, or coffee. Get water into a dehydrated person at all costs. Use a straw for those with mouth sores or who are injured in the jaw, for instance. Make it a treat for kids using juicy fruits like watermelon, pineapple juice, or celery.
The key is hydration, even in cases where the person has been vomiting or has diarrhea. Often people reduce water intake when they suffer diarrhea. On the contrary, the body loses a lot of water in the loose stool and so needs replacement. However, care should be taken not to drink a lot of water at once. It is a common error for thirsty people, athletes inclusive, to drink a glass or two of water in an attempt to quench their thirst.
This is not a good idea as the water saturates the bladder and eventually rids the body of vital mineral salts and other nutrients. Small sips in eight to 15 minute intervals are ideal. This gives the body ample time to absorb and utilize the water taken in without having to stress the bladder, kidneys and other organs.
In cases of heavy sweating such as during arduous exercise or extreme heat exhaustion, it is necessary to replace electrolytes. An excellent source is Recovery Drink Mix.
Dehydration can be addressed naturally: nothing replaces mineral salts lost in perspiration and cools the body like celery juice. However, care must be taken as celery is one, if not the most treated vegetable today. Organic celery is recommended because of this.
Did u know?
In early Olympic games, celery was awarded as winners’ prize? It was considered the best thing to rejuvenate athletes after a long run or some other strenuous competitive event. I wonder what second and third place winners got!
Celery juice is nature's most refreshing cocktail
Of course, here at Bushman Fitness, we do not subscribe to fancy sports drinks loaded with artificial sugars, sweeteners and dyes. Natural is what we recommend, just like the bushmen in Africa. Try these:
Celery and pineapple juice – cools body, fights pain and inflammation, plus replaces mineral salts.
Celery and gelatin – a high sodium and protein cocktail that eliminates thirst and is great for joints.
Black cherry or pomegranate juice – mixed with equal parts water “teaches” the body how to hold water. They both sort of deal with the problem before it is encountered. They should be consumed for extended periods of time for the body cells to “learn” to retain moisture.
These plants have mastered the art of using the least bit of water absorbed from the soil to grow. They go as far as having enough water for their fruits. The chemical compounds in their juices are absorbed into our cells and enable the cells mimic their actions.
Caution: only recommended for athletes, and those in arid areas with limited water supply. May constitute harm to person prone to edema.
Celery and cucumber – high sodium and silicon cocktail that cools the body like no other. Just remember “cool as a cucumber”!
Our herb of the month, Licorice is a terrific herb that helps the body deal with thirst. Chew on its sweet roots or take capsules to combat thirst. See more on Licorice on our herb page.
Potassium could be helpful to balance bodily fluids and support kidney function. Another helpful strategy is to enhance antioxidant function on a cellular level. Alpha Lipoic Acid can help with that. It has the ability to regenerate itself and other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E to fight free radicals and increase energy flow to the brain and muscles during exercise. Very handy for the physically active! Also useful during dehydration periods.
Cellular Energy also works in similar fashion, energizing the body in the cellular level. The Chinese formula, HY-C is especially helpful for fighting thirst. Formulated with herbs like Schizandra, Licorice and asparagus, HY-C treats symptoms associated with fluid loss due to frequent urination, night sweats, and also hot flash.
In cases of chronic dehydration, seek professional help as it could be symptoms of a more serious condition or underlying ailment. Contact an herbalist for more suggestions.