Dehydration is a problem that has affected the population due to high temperatures. Learn how to make a homemade serum to keep the whole family hydrated.
The human body is composed mainly of water. This liquid is responsible for regulating body temperature, joint lubrication, saliva production, and sweating, among others. It reaches the body through two main sources: the intake of liquids and food or it is synthesized in the body as a result of the oxidation of carbohydrates.
It is important to take into account that water intake varies between people, depending on the climate, habits, and degree of physical activity, among others.
Dehydration
The World Health Organization defines dehydration as the result of excessive loss of water from the body. In clinical settings, dehydration refers to the loss of body water, with or without sodium, greater than the body can replace.
An adult can show three degrees of dehydration:
Mild dehydration:
- Mild thirst
- Concentrated urine—usually dark yellow—
Moderate dehydration:
- Significant thirst
- Oliguria (low urine output)
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mucous membranes
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Severe dehydration:
- Significant thirst
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Cold extremities
- Decreased skin turgor
- Marked hypotension
- Confusion
According to physician and surgeon Enrique Quijivix Alonzo, fortunately, most adults only have mild or moderate dehydration, but water is not enough for rehydration; oral salts must be consumed. “We must not confuse serums with energy drinks, since these are not optimal for hydration.”
Quijivix recommends consuming the serums sold in the pharmacy or preparing a homemade oral serum.
How to prepare a homemade serum
Quijivix recommends the following preparation:
Ingredients:
- 4 – 5 liters of water
- 10 oranges
- Sugar to taste
- Salt
- Baking soda
Preparation:
- Boil the water. Even if it is purified, Quijivix recommends boiling it.
- Sweeten the water to taste.
- Squeeze the juice from 10 oranges and add it to the sugar and water mixture.
- Add a teaspoon of salt and another of baking soda.
- Stir the water until all the ingredients are combined, chill and enjoy.
“This preparation is quite easy to make, tasty, and has water, and glucose (which is included in the sugar) with the orange we are adding potassium and vitamin C, the bicarbonate provides sodium, and the salt provides sodium chloride,” said the doctor.
Quijivix indicates that this preparation can be stored in the refrigerator and kept for a couple of days, in addition to being suitable for children and adults.
The doctor also recommends eating fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, papaya, melon, and any fruit that has a lot of liquid.
