Healthy Hydration | Dioralyte

The importance of hydration

So what is hydration?

Hydration is the measurement of fluid in the body. The more hydrated we are, the better our body can perform vital functions.

Facts about water

Our body is made up of over two thirds water. This water is responsible for helping our bodies to perform such functions as:

Lubrication of the joints
Transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the cells via blood (which is made up of 83% water)
Removing toxins and waste from the body
Regulation of body temperature
Protection of our internal organs and tissues.

What is the impact of dehydration

Dehydration simply occurs when the normal levels of body fluid is reduced.

You may find you experience:

Dark coloured urine
Thirst
Headaches
Dizziness

In more extreme cases:

Confusion
Lack of energy
Loss of strength
Tiredness
Unable to pass urine
Weak or rapid pulse
Irritability
Reduced bowel movements

Take the test

Did you know?

Whenever we urinate, sweat, even when we breathe, we lose precious fluids from our body. This loss of fluids can lead to dehydration which, in turn, can upset the delicate balance of minerals in our body fluid.

Dioralyte can help restore your natural fluid and body salt balance

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Causes of dehydration

What is the impact of dehydration

The risk of dehydration can be drastically increased during bouts of illness, during exercise or when drinking alcohol.

Illness

Dehydration is often the result of an illness, such as gastroenteritis, where fluid is lost through persistent bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting. Gastroenteritis is often caused by the Norovirus and Rotavirus.

Norovirus (winter vomiting bug), is the most common stomach bug in the UK and each year it is estimated that between 600,000 and 1 million people in the UK catch the winter vomiting virus. See our infographic to find out more and for some tips on what you can do.

Those with an underlying medical condition, like diabetes, are also particularly vulnerable to dehydration.

Use Dioralyte a fast and effective rehydration treatment to help replace the loss of fluid and body salts lost when you have diarrhoea.

Or double action Dioralyte Relief, a fast and effective rehydration treatment that also helps to reduce your diarrhoea thanks to the rice powder.

Did you know?

It is important to replace the fluids and body salts lost as soon as you notice symptoms of diarrhoea.

Sport and Exercise

Sport and exercise is a common cause of dehydration. When you exercise or take part in a sporting event be it a triathlon, marathon or hot yoga session, your body heat increases making you sweat to cool you down.
If your body is dehydrated, your sweat levels can decrease, your body temperature rises and you could experience muscle cramps and dizziness.

Use Dioralyte Sachets, to help restore your natural fluid and body salt balance.

Please ask your pharmacist for details. Dioralyte Sachets shouldn’t be used regularly – only when you are dehydrated.

Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can cause dehydration, and is what causes many of the symptoms we attribute with having a hangover. Alcohol is a diuretic which means it causes excessive urination resulting in loss of water and, consequently, dehydration.

The best way to avoid this happening is not to drink alcohol. However, if you do, drink sensibly and stay within the recommended allowance and drink plenty of water.

HOW HYDRATED AM I?

Do you think you drink enough fluids?
Take our short quiz and find out?

1 Do I drink 6-8 glasses of water per day?

2 Is my urine light yellow (straw coloured)

3 Does my skin rebound immediately when pinched (skin turgor test)

4 Does my nail return to normal colour within two seconds after applying 5 seconds of pressure (capillary refill test)

If you have answered yes to all of the question, then you are hydrated. If you have answered no to two or more, it could indicate you may be dehydrated.

Scroll down for some top tips on how to stay hydrated.

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How to stay hydrated

Aim to drink the recommended 6-8 glasses of fluids, try to drink little and often through the day.

Keep a glass / bottle of water on your desk at work / home.

If taking part in a sporting event or exercise, ensure you are hydrated before you start and replenish your lost fluids when you finish.

Remember to increase your intake of fluids during hot weather.

Keep an eye on the colour of your urine (check urine colour test).

Keep children hydrated by ensuring there are always fluids available for them throughout the day.

Eat hydrating fruits and vegetables as they contain lots of water such as cucumber, celery and watermelon.

You should try to drink plenty of water when you have been drinking alcohol. The headache associated with a hangover indicates that your body is dehydrated.

Feeling thirsty? Remember that if you feel thirsty, you’re probably already getting dehydrated.

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