When you're severely dehydrated, your gut reaction may be to chug fluids or water-filled foods into the body as quickly as possible. However, you don't want to overdo it. It's possible to drink too much water, resulting in a condition called hyponatremia.
Chugging large quantities of water isn't hydrating you any more than if you sip it slowly. It can seem like you're being proactive by gulping down a large amount of water before beginning some extraneous exercise.
For mild dehydration, you can often treat the condition at home. If the dehydration is due to vomiting, start by sipping small amounts of water. Drinking too fast can cause you to bring it all back up again, so go slowly to avoid another trip to the bathroom. You can also try sucking on ice chips or popsicles.
Water is the ideal hydration choice because it moves quickly though your digestive system and into your tissues. Stay hydrated by sipping small amounts of water throughout the day; avoid chugging down fluids right before exercising to avoid stomach discomfort and bloating.
The researchers found that while water — both still and sparkling — does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer.
With beginning symptoms of dehydration, you can rehydrate by consuming fluids that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions. There are also foods available that have a high water content, such as fruits and vegetables. These will also help with rehydration.
Chugging water directly through a bottle causes water to run down the throat, missing out on carrying saliva to the stomach. Don't confuse thirst signals for hunger. If you drink water regularly, the body won't confuse thirst signals for hunger and prevent overeating.
According to a recent study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, your body can alleviate mild dehydration in 45 minutes with 20.3 oz (600ml) of water.
In general, however, it usually takes about two hours for your body to rehydrate fully after drinking a significant amount of water. As for how you should rehydrate, water is the best choice. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, can be helpful for athletes who need to replenish electrolytes.
Signs of severe dehydration include: Not peeing or having very dark yellow pee. Very dry skin. Feeling dizzy.
Consume water regularly before you feel thirsty. Thirst is a sign your body is already experiencing dehydration. When out in high temperatures, drink 8 ounces of water every 15 – 20 minutes. This means you should be drinking ¾ – 1 quart (24 – 32 oz) every hour.
It can take just 5 minutes to begin rehydrating your body. On the other hand, if you drink water while eating, your body will prioritize digesting food before water. This often takes up to 120 minutes to digest water and rehydrate your body.
If a person does not drink enough water, sweats profusely, or loses fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, it disrupts the body's fluid balance. If fluids are not quickly replenished, the blood thickens and the entire body goes into a state of alarm, and thus begins to cramp or shake.
To avoid hyponatremia, it is important not to outpace the kidneys by drinking more water than they can eliminate. The authors of the study report that hyponatremia symptoms can develop if a person drinks 3–4 liters of water in a short period, though they do not give a specific time estimate.
Avoiding gulping water quickly
But it's harmful. “If you are in a hurry, just do not gulp the water as the impurities in the kidney and the bladder can accumulate below. Just have small sips of water to aid digestion,” says Dr Moon. Therefore, it is advisable to have water slowly as it has various benefits.
Department of Agriculture recommends that the average adult consume 2. 7 litres of water per day. Surviving on only 1 litre of water per day can lead to dehydration, fatigue, mental confusion, and even death.
Mild, moderate, and severe dehydration have similar treatments and warning signs but at varying levels. For more mild or moderate cases of dehydration, expect your body to feel better after just a few hours, but full rehydration won't happen until about three days later.
The fastest way to hydrate is with an oral rehydration solution. These products are packed with electrolytes which are minerals found in your body that balance fluid levels and maintain optimal hydration. While you can hydrate fast with regular water, focus on electrolytes.
Best Overall: Gatorade
The levels of electrolytes (sodium and potassium) are moderate and sensible with 160 mg of sodium and 45mg of potassium per 12 fluid ounce serving. You can also find Gatorade varieties with higher sodium, zero sugar or no calories depending on your needs.
Drinking beverages that contain electrolytes can both rehydrate you quicker than plain water and it can keep you feeling hydrated longer than plain water.