Guide to Preventing Dehydration During Loose Stools

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Unveiling the Potential Risks 

Dehydration is one of the potential risks of Electrolyte imbalance. The signs of dehydration can be:

• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Thirst
• Lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Giddiness
• Chills
• Dry, wrinkled skin
• Dry lips/mouth
• Dry cough
• Inability to sweat
• Dark coloured urine
• Reduced frequency of urination
• Delirium/Confusion

These symptoms occur when your body is out of the water content it needs to function correctly. You can manage the absence of enough water by feeding your body with enough fluid, termed 'rehydration'. Now, let's explore how to manage dehydration with rehydration effectively after knowing the potential risks of electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Understanding the Symptoms and Risks

Dehydration, known to be a common cause of diarrhoea or loose stools, can be managed effectively with home remedies like hydrating your body through fluids. Still, when the episodes of diarrhoea become frequent and severe, it can lead to serious complications like:

• Heatstroke
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Kidney failure
• Kidney stones
• Shock
• Coma 

If not appropriately managed, the complications may affect your body severely, causing death.

What are Electrolytes? How Do They Get Imbalanced?

The charged minerals that help to regulate various functions in your body, like fluid balance, providing structural and functional support, and conducting and transmitting nerve signals in your body, are called electrolytes, which include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Phosphates
• Chloride
• Bicarbonate
• Calcium
• Magnesium

An electrolyte imbalance occurs when the amount of electrolytes in your body becomes too low/ high due to various causes like dehydration, kidney failure or intake of other medications. The common symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:

• Muscle cramps
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Disorientation
• Fluctuating BP
• Extreme thirst
• Numbness 

Who Falls Under the High-Risk Group of Electrolyte Imbalance?

• Older adults, especially the ones who are older than 60 years
• Children and infants
• People with memory issues/ cognitive disorders

Most of them who fall under the above category will not be able to recognize the symptoms of dehydration and may find it challenging to convey their needs if they can.

Risks and Complications of Electrolyte Imbalances

Electrolyte imbalances, if not treated properly, can cause various complications including:

• Kidney failure and kidney stones
• Heart failure
• Thyroid problems
• Adrenal gland problems
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures
• UTIs
• Cirrhosis
• Coma
• Death

Rehydration Strategies: What to Do and What Not to Do!

In most cases, the diarrhoea which causes dehydration cannot be stopped all at once, but you can replenish your body with enough fluids and salts. Now, let's explore the various methods to rehydrate your body effectively. 

Fluid Intake

Have enough water, as it is the primary way to treat dehydration. Ensure you nourish your body with fluids rich in electrolytes like coconut water, fresh fruit juices, lemon water, sports drinks, etc., once you suffer from episodes of diarrhoea. You can also consume ORS for immediate relief.

Include Water-Rich Foods in Your Diet

You can include cucumbers, watermelons, ice pops, gelatin, etc in your diet.

Switch to a Nutritious Diet

Add veggies and fruits rich in electrolytes like spinach, avocados, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, strawberries, etc.

Other Tips

• Try electrolyte-infused drinks for quick relief.
• Avoid chugging too much caffeinated and carbonated sugary drinks.
• Make sure that you drink eight glasses of water a day.

It is important to note that when you plan your fluid-electrolyte-rich diet, it is always better to consult a healthcare professional if you suffer from any medical conditions or have a history of kidney diseases.

Home Remedies and Practical Tips to Rehydrate Your Body During Loose Stools

While hydrating your body, it is always essential to remember that hydration isn't something that you should do only when you suffer from dehydration. Now, let us explore a few steps you can easily adopt to stay balanced.

• Drink enough water, at least eight glasses per day, but some people may need more.
   
• Drink water sip by sip; do not gulp in 3-4 glasses simultaneously.
   
• Make sure to hydrate your body even if you don't feel thirsty.
   
• Do not switch to salt-free diets because they are known to be healthy. Your diet ensures the sources of sodium that your body needs for proper functioning.
   
• Refresh your snack time with watermelons, unsweetened coconut water, barley water and buttermilk.
   
• Switch to flavoured natural drinks like lemon water if you don't feel like having water. 

Ushna Jalapana-The Ayurveda Way of Starting Your Day!

Ayurveda suggests starting your day by drinking a glass of lukewarm water, which instantly hydrates your body after hours of fasting and leaves your body dehydrated. Also, this helps improve your digestion and regulates your bowel movements, preventing constipation. It enables you to ignite your digestive fire/Agni, control your appetite and provide you with a daily dose of detoxification.

Effects of Overhydration: Why Should You Be Mindful About Fluid Intake?

Overhydration or intake of too much water can lead to water poisoning that causes electrolyte imbalances. Water toxicity occurs when your water intake goes so high that your kidney cannot excrete more water.

Water Poisoning: Causes and Symptoms

• You may suffer from overhydration, caused by various factors like increased intake of water, water retention in the body due to any underlying medical conditions or as the side effect of certain medications.
• It causes numbness, headache, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and muscle cramps.

It is always advisable to limit your water intake to 8-12 glasses of water per day, and not more than that, as it increases the risk of developing overhydration.

To Conclude

Hydrating your body is an inevitable part of balancing the fluids and electrolytes for the optimal functioning of your body. When you suffer from conditions like loose stools/diarrhoea, your body loses more water than normal. Therefore, you should take adequate steps to take care of the condition. Overhydration can be a complication of rehydrating your body if you are not mindful of the amount of fluid that you take in. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional if you suffer from any prolonged symptoms that leave your body uncomfortable, even after trying home remedies and basic rehydrating strategies. Feel like knowing more about a hydrating diet? Get connected to Nirva experts now!