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Dehydration is a common problem, which mostly occurs during summer months. It happens when the intake of fluid is less in the body in comparison to what has been excreted. Remaining hydrated is essential as the body cells need both water and oxygen to function properly.

Dehydration happens to almost everyone but infants, young children, older adults, endurance athletes, and people living at high altitudes and having illness are at a higher risk. Dehydration can occur due to various reasons, such as diarrhea, excessive exercise, vomiting, sweating and increased urination. A person suffering from dehydration can face symptoms like dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, less urination, dry skin, constipation, headache, muscle cramps and dizziness.

In case of severe condition, one can also face extreme thirst, sunken eyes, very dry skin and mouth, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and unconsciousness.

Experts suggest that it needs to be treated on time otherwise can lead to severe health complications. However, there are several ingredients available in your kitchen that can be an instant remedy to treat dehydration. Take a look at a few of them.

1. Bananas

Bananas are good for treating mild dehydration. When dehydration occurs, it results in loss of nutrients like potassium from the body. Owing to the high content of potassium, bananas cover up for the loss of this essential mineral. Moreover, it promotes normal functioning of cramped muscles, which occurs due to excess loss of water from the body.

Just consume two each day. You can also incorporate it in smoothies.

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water is quite a popular remedy to treat dehydration. It is because of the presence of electrolytes in it. Moreover, it is low on both sugar content and calorie count.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that coconut water is quite similar to sports drinks and therefore, is quite effective for providing hydration.

If you are suffering from dehydration, just drink a glass of coconut water a few ties in a day. Since it gets instantly absorbed by the body cells, it reflects quick results.

3. Homemade ORS

In case of dehydration, it is essential that the lost fluids and minerals are restored immediately. Therefore, ORS or oral rehydration solution is the best solution for it. Moreover, every doctor too would recommend it. However, it is best and even hygienic to prepare it at home.

To make it, mix half teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar or brown sugar to around four cups of water and stir well. Once all the ingredients get dissolved, drink it in small quantities throughout the day. An ORS prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) is also available in the market.

4. Water-Based Fruits and Vegetables

The solution to dehydration is just water. So, make sure you incorporate a water of water content in your diet too. It can happen by consuming fruits and vegetables rich in water content. A 2009 study conducted by the University of Aberdeen in Scotland suggested that fruits and vegetables rich in water content provide hydration to the body two times as effectively as a glass of water.

This is because of the presence of various hydrating salts, minerals and sugars present in it. Owing to these contents, it heals in a similar fashion as isotonic drinks consumed by athletes.

A few fruits and vegetables that are high in water content include watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries, cucumber, oranges, grapes, papaya, lettuce, celery, radishes, zucchini and tomatoes. Whether you incorporate them in your salads and soups or curries, but make sure that they are a part of your daily diet.

5. Barley Water

Barley water is another great option for treating dehydration. The nutrients present in barley aim at replenishing several minerals lost due to dehydration. Owing to its easy digesting and cooling property, it provides instant relief from the symptoms of dehydration.

All you need to do is soak one cup of barley in four cups of water. Boil it and then let it simmer for 45 minutes. Once it cools down, strain the solution.  Add some lemon juice and honey to it and then, consume a couple of times in a day.