Oral hydration remedies for dehydration from exhaustion, diarrhea and more

After moving to India, I am no stranger to dehydration from exhaustion, heat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach infections and environment in general. No longer are there neighborhood service stations from where a bottle of Powerade or Gatorade is easily available. Here are a few equally effective oral homemade remedies that can be use to rehydrate your body. These remedies to hydrate your body are based on my own experience and have been used by myself, friends and family members. You should consult a GP or an equally qualified doctor or medical practitioner before you try these for yourself.

Many people find freshly squeezed lemon juice an instant mood booster, let alone combating dehydration. Lemon, or for that matter many other citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient which is well known for its anti-oxidant properties. Freshly squeezed juices of such citrus fruits make for a great drink when the body is dehydrated. However you should know that Vitamin C has been known to induce diarrhea when consumed in extremely large amounts.

How much do I use?

Add sugar, salt, ice cubes and slightly less than a quarter of a small lemon to a large glass of water.

Tried and tested is what sugar and salt water is all about when it comes to rehydrating the body. For those of you who did not know, the combination of sugar, salt and water have been a part of oral rehydration methods for centuries. Salt mainly contains Sodium Chloride and we all know that Sodium is the kind of rehydration. The best part of this homemade remedy is that the two components are not things that you'd have to go out and buy from the supermarket because virtually all homes have salt and sugar lying around.

How much do I use?

About a quarter of a tablespoon of each sugar and salt mixed with a big glass of water.

To try this homemade remedy to fight dehydration all you need is some Yoghurt. Take a spoon or two of plain yoghurt, mix it with about half a glass of water and churn it. You can do it either in a blender, a handheld churner or even a quick whisk with a big ladle. Add some salt and sugar and you're all set for a rehydrating tonic that has fluid content, electrolytes and the added benefits of Yoghurt. If you are planning to give this concoction to someone suffering from diarrhea, tread with caution because not everyone's stomach favors Yoghurt.

How much do I use?

Take two tablespoons of Yoghurt and mix it with a glass of water. Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar.

Using oral rehydration salts mixed with water is a great way to rehydrate your body. They are available worldwide in powder form in sachets and contain a mix of electrolytes like Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Citrate, Dextrose etc. This concoction may not taste the best, but is definitely one of the most effective ways to rehydrate the body and also recommended by experts during bouts of diarrhea or vomiting which leads to excessive fluid loss from the body. As a general practice, many people prefer to keep a sachet or two of such oral rehydration salts in their kitchen drawers.

How much do I use?

A tablespoon of oral hydration salts with a glass of cold water.