Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration is a very serious complication of illnesses associated with high fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Preventing dehydration when sick is an easy way to prevent a trip to the hospital for an IV of fluids. The first sign of dehydration in most people is typically a headache.

I would say that most individuals complaining of a high fever and headache, usually just have a headache because they are dehydrated, although meningitis and other conditions are of course a concern. Simply ensuring that hydration levels are optimal typically resolves a headache in these scenarios rather quickly.

I always feel like such a miracle healer when I cure someone’s headache with a glass of water! They say that 80% of headaches are caused by dehydration, and a high fever is simply burning off a person’s fluids at a faster rate than usual.

Aside from headaches, dark colored urine is also an easy indicator of dehydration, you can pinch the backside of your hand, and if the skin does not rapidly flatten you are dehydrated. If you have dizziness from standing you are most likely dehydrated.

If you are experiencing the stomach flu be sure to drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes such as Emergen-C, Recharge, chicken broth, or you can even make your own by adding a large pinch of sea salt to a diluted juice of choice. Hydration is not just about water, you have to have sodium, potassium, and trace electrolytes.

Dr. Nicole Sundene

Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor at Fountain Hills Naturopathic Medicine 16719 E Palisades Blvd, Suite 205, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.

She believes we should utilize natural medicines to treat the root cause of disease rather than just treating symptoms, as symptoms are a message of imbalance sent from the body and will persist until they are properly addressed.

For appointments please visit http://FHnaturopathic.com for more information about Naturopathic Medicine services.
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