Staying hydrated is important in the prevention of many health risks and illnesses. Hydration helps you to remain both physically and mentally healthy. If your body doesn’t get the amount of water it requires, you will start experiencing dehydration symptoms that range from mild to severe. In that case, your physician may recommend hydration therapy as a medical intervention. In this post, we shall discuss hydration therapy, its types and importance in your body. But first, let’s take a look at what’s meant by the term hydration therapy.

What Is Hydration Therapy?

Hydration therapy is a simple treatment that helps replace lost fluids by rehydrating the body through oral fluid or subcutaneous fluid. This therapy is recommended by physicians for individuals finding it difficult to consume enough water throughout the day or those with little body fluids due to persistent vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or otherwise.

The Different Types of Hydration Therapy Treatments

There are different types of hydration therapy treatments available. Some of them include:

Oral Hydration Therapy

Oral hydration therapy is considered by most to be the easiest treatment option since you can easily replace enough fluids throughout the day by simply drinking water. The most commonly used oral hydration therapy is the oral rehydration solution (ORS), which is a combination of isotonic water, electrolytes, and salt added together with a sugar called fructose or glucose.

Hydration Therapy Supplements

As the name suggests, hydration therapy supplements aim to prevent dehydration by providing the necessary components of hydration directly into the body through oral tablets or powders with a high amount of electrolytes.

Intravenous Hydration Therapy

Hydration therapy intravenous (IV) is generally administered through a small catheter inserted directly into your vein. To prevent and reverse dehydration, the doctors may administer fluids by placing IV catheters and delivering fluids to the body. Intravenous hydration therapy comes in many forms such as hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy, and continuous venovenous hemofiltration among others.

Why Is Hydration Therapy So Important?

Water is the most important component of our body. Therefore, maintaining its right content helps in proper day-to-day body functioning such as digestion, circulation, and even waste removal. Besides that, hydration therapy also helps prevent various illnesses such as gastrointestinal problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Below are other key benefits of hydration therapy:

• Maintains Mineral and Electrolyte Levels
• Normalizes Body Temperature
• Reduces Health Risks
• Increases Energy Levels
• Promotes Healthy Skin
• Prevents Free Radicals and Improves Immune System
• Protects Your Heart

Precautions To Take During Hydration Therapy

The following precautions must be taken during hydration therapy: Take small sips of water slowly but regularly when doing oral hydration. You don’t need to gulp lots of water at once as it will only result in stomach upset and vomiting. Stay away from beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks when you have an IV drip. These beverages may cause complications during the treatment. Avoid participating in physical activities since this may cause fluid loss through perspiration and lead to dehydration. Keep in touch with a doctor before deciding on a hydration therapy plan. Since they know your medical history best, they can advise you better on what treatment option is right for you so that you can receive the right care at the right time.

Signs That You Need Hydration Therapy

If you are feeling dehydrated due to constant vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Below are the signs that you need hydration therapy:

• Frequent fatigue
• Frequent dizziness
• Muscle weakness and cramping
• Headache and confusion
• Confusion and disorientation

Side Effects of Hydration Therapy

As with any other medical treatment, hydration therapy has its fair share of side effects. While it is a generally safe treatment, some of the known side effects to be aware of include:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Irritation or swelling where the shot was given.
• Pain at the site of injection
• Seizures are also possible but rare with IV hydration therapy treatment

Final Thoughts

Hydration therapy helps you maintain the right amount of fluids in your body. Note that if you do not have enough water in your system, you can develop a number of very serious health conditions. For the best hydration therapy, visit Vital Force Therapy & Wellness. Here, you will find individualized hydration therapy treatment worth your needs. Get in touch today at 205-352-9141.