Dehydration
is caused by excess sweating, insufficient fluid intake and excessive heat.
Fluid is also lost through diarrhoea, vomiting and excess urination. If you are
diabetic or drink a lot of alcohol, you can dehydrate much more easily. In
addition to losing water, when dehydrated the body also loses salt and sugar.
To help restore salt and sugar levels you should drink water, fruit juice or
squash and salty things like soup.
Symptoms
of dehydration include excess thirst, dark yellow or strong smelling wee,
feeling dizzy or light-headed, tiredness, dry mouth/lips/eyes, weeing little (less
than 4 times a day), headaches and muscle cramps. Long term results of dehydration are diuretic
conditions (eg. urinary tract infections) and severe edema.
Dehydration
occurs due to a low number of electrolytes and mineral salts in the bloodstream
and nervous system. Water and other beverages on their own often aren’t enough
to combat dehydration on their own. You should replenish properly by drinking
something with the right balance of sodium, potassium and glucose (such as celery
and apple or celery and cucumber juice) to replenish electrolytes. Mineral
salts keep the kidneys and adrenals functioning properly: this is why we often
get swollen ankles when we are low in mineral salts. When dehydrated the body
retains what little fluid it has. Mineral salts regulate body temperature –
they prevent you from over-heating as well as getting too cold. It is essential
therefore to stay hydrated in hot weather so that you don’t overheat.
In
hot weather we should all increase the amount of water, fruit, veg and salt we
consume. All fruit and veg have a high water content but the following ones are
particularly beneficial:-
Celery
- Provides mineral salts to the central nervous system; strengthens the
digestive system and provides a fantastic health boost.
Cucumber
– Strengthens kidneys and adrenals; cooling effect; reduces bloat, hydrates at
deepest cellular level possible.
Melon
(especially Watermelon) – The water in melon in nearly identical to our blood
and provides an abundance of sodium, potassium and glucose; one of the most
hydrating foods.
Coconut
Water – Supports neurotransmitters; high in electrolytes and trace minerals.
Lemons
and Limes – Great source of mineral salts and trace mineral salts so
ultra-hydrating and electrolyte producing. Great for thirst, dry mouth,
headaches, fluid retention and blood sugar imbalances. Drink lemon or lime
water first thing in the morning.
Here
are some simple recipes for you to try!
Celery and Cucumber Juice
In a blender blend 4 sticks celery, ½ a large cucumber and 1 cup water.
In a
juicer juice 4 sticks celery and 1 large cucumber.
Celery and Apple Juice
In a
blender blend 4 sticks celery, 1 chopped apple and 1 cup water.
In a
juicer juice 4 sticks celery and 1 sliced apple.
Watermelon Salad
4
cups diced watermelon
Juice
from 1 lime
1
handful finely chopped mint leaves
Put
the watermelon in a serving bowl. Squeeze lime juice over and sprinkle with
mint leaves. (You can also add small chunks of feta cheese to make it more of a
lunch dish.)
Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Healer/Teacher,
Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at 15 Wheeler Gate in
Nottingham city centre. She is currently
studying Raw Food Nutrition to find out more about the healing power of natural
food. Helen offers several healing treatments such as Reiki, Angelic Reiki,
Faery Reiki, Angel Therapy and Fairy Blessing Guided Journey, as well as Usui
Reiki and Faery Reiki training courses. She has been on the spiritual path for
15 years and has extensive knowledge of healing and the healing journey. For further information about her Reiki courses, therapies and
workshops, please visit her website http://helenshortland.com or visit and ‘like’ her Facebook page Helen Shortland Holistics & Enchantment.
