Dehydration: Prevention
Content provided by Healthwise
Prevention
The following tips may help you prevent dehydration.
- Prompt home treatment for illnesses that cause diarrhea, vomiting, or fever will help prevent dehydration. Review the home treatment recommendations for other symptoms you may have. Go to the following topics:
- To prevent dehydration during hot weather and exercise, drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids, such as water or rehydration drinks each day.
- Drink extra water before, during, and after exercise.
- Take a container of water or sports drink with you when you exercise, and try to drink at least every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a sports drink if you will be exercising for longer than 1 hour.
- Encourage your child to drink extra fluids or suck on Popsicles. Children between the ages of 4 and 10 should drink at least 6 to 10 glasses of liquids to replace lost fluids.
- Do not drink coffee, colas, or other drinks that contain caffeine. They increase urine output and make you dehydrate faster.
- Avoid high-protein diets. If you are on a high-protein diet, make sure that you drink at least 8 to 12 glasses of water each day.
- Do not drink alcohol, including beer and wine. They increase dehydration and make it difficult to make good decisions.
- Do not take salt tablets. Most people get plenty of salt in their diets. Use a sports drink if you are worried about replacing minerals lost through sweating.
- Stop working outdoors or exercising if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or very tired.
- Wear one layer of lightweight, light-colored clothing when you are working or exercising outdoors. Change into dry clothing as soon as you can if your clothes get soaked with sweat. Never exercise in a rubber suit.
| Last updated: | July 06, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Editors: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
