Food to Fight Dehydration
Dehydration is a condition in which the body’s water level falls below what is required to carry out its normal functions. Dehydration is caused not only by not drinking enough water or by increased sweating, but also by drinking too much caffeine and eating foods high in sodium. To avoid dehydration, avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks, artificial fruit juices, foods with high salt content such as bacon and ham, pickles, prawns, and soya sauce, and high-protein diets. Also, it is not advisable to engage in strenuous physical activities in the sun.
To stay hydrated, one should drink plenty of liquids, particularly mineral and glucose-based liquids, and consume plenty of water-rich foods. Fluid-rich meals keep the body hydrated and replenish sodium and electrolytes that have been lost.
The following foods have high water content. They’re also high in nutrients that can help you fight disease in some cases. So eat up and use your fork to beat the heat.
1. Cucumbers will hydrate and replenish your skin. Cucumbers are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that help remove waste from the body and reduce skin irritation, in addition to being 95 percent water. Cucumbers may also have anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties, according to preliminary research.
2. Celery is a fibrous vegetable that will satisfy your desire for crunch. It is also 95 percent water by weight, which it shares with cucumbers and iceberg lettuce. Celery is low in calories and high in vitamin K, folate, and potassium, so you can feel good about eating it.
3. Zucchini, a popular summer squash, has high water content — nearly 95%. Even better, zucchini is high in antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
4. Watermelon is composed of 91% water. This summer treat is also high in lycopene, which can help protect cells from sun damage and improve skin tone.
5. Strawberries are sweet enough to be eaten as a dessert. Strawberry benefits go beyond flavor and 91 percent water content. They are high in flavonoids, which have been linked to improved cognitive function.
6. Cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables contain nutrients that may aid in the reduction of cholesterol and the risk of cancer.
7. Coconut water is ideal for dehydration because it provides much-needed water as well as electrolytes and a few carbs. This is especially important if you’re dehydrated and can’t keep anything else down. It may also aid in the prevention of muscle cramps.
8. Broths and soups contain a lot of water and electrolytes. This combination is essential for rehydration.
9. Smoothies are a highly customizable way to rehydrate when you’re dehydrated. These are typically made with a liquid base, such as milk, juice, or unsweetened iced tea, as well as a handful of fruits and vegetables and, occasionally, yoghurt for added protein.
To sum up, if you’re dehydrated and feel nauseated, try melon, cucumber, coconut water, broth, milk, or other foods high in water. These deliver electrolytes, which can help replenish fluids lost to overexertion or overheating.
