Staying hydrated is probably one of the most important things you can do while you’re here in PV.
When you are dehydrated, you can have a slight headache, fatigue and overall grouchy. Especially during the warmer months, you have to get into the habit of leaving your place with a bottle of water. You are going to need it. Once you have that feeling of thirst – you’re already on your way to dehydration. And it could end up with you in emergency care getting your fluids through an IV, so read on.
You’ll need to keep hydrated by drinking 2 things: water and electrolytes. Water alone won’t do the trick, you need to replenish the important minerals you’ve lost by drinking electrolytes. You can buy these almost anywhere here. Avoid Gatorade as this is full of sugar and it’s intention is to give energy to an athlete in training (is that you?). Go for the brand ‘Electrolyte’, which will set you back for less than 20 pesos. Be careful not to drink TOO much of these, as it will remove the enamel on your teeth. A little bit here and there will keep you well stocked full of minerals. You can also buy electrolyte powder in most pharmacies. Drink mostly water, throw in an electrolyte now and then and you’re good.
I’m no doctor, but if you have signs of dehydration – fatigue, thirsty, headache, dizziness – try to drink a ½ cup of electrolytes every 15 minutes. Don’t take any aspirin or acetaminophen as this can increase your risk of internal bleeding. If you don’t improve in an hour or so, it’s time to head to the emergency room to get an IV.
What do you do to stave off dehydration? What tricks do you have up your sleeve?
