MOH: Eat These Foods To Prevent Dehydration During Water Cut
Young children and the elderly are especially at risk.
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As dehydrated Klang Valley inhabitants eagerly await for their water supply to return, the Health Ministry has released a helpful infographic of foods that are good sources of water for the body.
Among the list of recommended foods include, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, celery, grapefruit and yoghurt.
Selain tembikai, banyak lagi makanan yang membekalkan air untuk keperluan badan kita. pic.twitter.com/NSnMFFq8t5
— KKMalaysia🇲🇾 (@KKMPutrajaya) September 5, 2020
While many made jokes on the timing of the tweet, dehydration is no laughing matter as Klang Valley residents are well into the third day of water cuts combined with Malaysia’s infamous hot weather.
Berapa kg tembikai diperlukan utk membekalkan air utk 1 flush?
— JT Loh 🇲🇾 (@palmoswince) September 5, 2020
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than you take in and anyone can become dehydrated, although it is especially dangerous for young children and older adults.
Prolonged dehydration, especially among vulnerable groups can lead to urinary and kidney problems.
Other severe complications include seizures when the body’s electrolytes are out of balance or even hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening complication that occurs when low blood volume causes blood pressure to drop, leading to a drastic decrease in the amount of oxygen in your body.
When to see a doctor
According to the UK National Health Society (NHS), oral rehydration sachets that you can buy from a pharmacy are a good source of immediate hydration in non-severe cases.
However, there are some signs to look out for in infants and young children that require a visit to the doctor, such as:
- Seem drowsy
- Fast breathing
- Very little or no tears when they cry
- Have a soft spot on their head that sinks inwards (sunken fontanelle)
- Dry mouth
- Dark yellow urine or have not had urinated in last 12 hours
- Hands and feet are cold or blotchy
Meanwhile, signs of serious dehydration in adults that require medical attention are:
- Feeling unusually tired
- Confused and disorientated
- Dizziness when you stand up that does not go away
- Have not urinated all day
- Pulse is weak or rapid
- You have fits (seizures)
So, remember to stay hydrated!
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She puts the pun in Punjabi. With a background in healthcare, lifestyle writing and memes, this lady's articles walk a fine line between pun-dai and pun-ishing.