Summer is a wonderful time to be outdoors, but it is also the time of year when dehydration becomes a real concern. Severe dehydration can land someone in the hospital, so it is important for every family to understand the basics.
Today, I want to focus on dehydration caused by hot summer weather. There are many other causes of dehydration and many lasting effects we could discuss another time, but for today, let's keep it simple.
Some people seem to handle hot weather without any trouble, while others are affected very quickly. Body type, genetics, and individual makeup all play a role.
Still, everyone will either experience dehydration at some point or know someone who has. Whether it comes from working outside, exercising, or simply spending too much time in the heat, it is something every family should know how to recognize.
When I was growing up in Michigan, my family baled hay every summer. Michigan summers were hot and humid, and we worked hard. My dad always carried salt pills for us kids and for anyone helping in the fields.
At the time, I did not think much about it. Looking back now, I realize he was replacing the minerals and electrolytes we were losing through heavy perspiration. Those minerals helped keep our bodies balanced while we continued working in the heat.
Water Is Important, But So Are Minerals
Many people think they can prevent dehydration simply by taking a few sips of water throughout the day.
Our bodies were not designed that way.
When you are working hard or playing hard in the heat, your body needs more than a quick drink while you keep moving.
Instead:
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- Stop and take a break.
- Let your body rest for a few minutes.
- Drink water.
- Give your body time to recognize what it needs.
This short pause allows your body to assess how you are feeling before you continue your activity.
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to drinking water. Some people like ice-cold water while others prefer it closer to room temperature. When you have been working hard and sweating heavily, I prefer water that is room temperature or only slightly cool. Extremely cold water can shock the system.
Replacing lost minerals is just as important as replacing fluids. One simple way to do this is by adding a little Himalayan salt to your water. It provides minerals and electrolytes without relying on expensive sports drinks. Another favorite summer food is watermelon.
When we were out baling hay, my mom would bring a large watermelon to the field every afternoon. We would eat sandwiches and as much watermelon as we wanted. Looking back, it was a wonderful way to replenish fluids and electrolytes while taking the break our bodies needed. God gave us wonderful summer fruits that are naturally rich in the minerals our bodies need during hot weather.
Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration
Sometimes we become so busy working that we ignore what our bodies are telling us. By the end of the day, dehydration can show up as:
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- Headache
- Tiredness
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Tenderness on the top of the head
- A sensation like little hammers tapping inside the head
These are all signs that your body may have become depleted from a lack of fluids.
When dehydration comes from simply not taking enough time to drink and replenish yourself, the remedy I think of first is Bryonia.
Take one dose in a low potency if that is what you have available. Wait a little while. If you notice improvement, you can repeat another dose if needed. Bryonia often helps bring the body back into balance after dehydration caused by not drinking enough fluids.
I had to remind myself of this one summer while I was working outside replacing railroad ties and laying bricks around my flowers. I wanted to finish the project, so I kept working through the heat without taking a break.
Before long, I felt absolutely miserable. It took me a while to realize what had happened. I had become dehydrated. I took Bryonia, and I was able to snap out of it. It is always easier to recognize dehydration in someone else than it is to recognize it in ourselves.
There is another remedy that is extremely important to know.
China, also known as Cinchona, is the remedy I think of when dehydration comes from the loss of body fluids.
Examples include:
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- Profuse sweating
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hemorrhage or bleeding
While Bryonia is my first thought for dehydration caused by simply not drinking enough fluids, China is especially valuable when fluids have been lost because of illness or excessive perspiration. These are two remedies every family should become familiar with because you will likely find yourself reaching for one or the other many times throughout your life.
There is one more remedy I want to mention.
If dehydration progresses into symptoms of heat stroke or sunstroke, I think of Natrum Sulphuricum.
As symptoms become more serious, you may notice:
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- A flushed face
- Heavy-looking eyes
- Burning or painful eyes
- Dry eyes
- Signs that the body is struggling with excessive heat
Natrum Sulphuricum is also well known for head injuries, but it is an excellent remedy to remember for sunstroke.
Once someone has experienced heat stroke, they often become more susceptible to it in the future. The body remembers that trauma and may react more quickly the next time conditions become similar.
I have seen Natrum Sulphuricum help restore balance in these situations. I know a little boy who developed sunstroke after playing outside on a very hot day. His mom gave him Bryonia, but afterward he continued to be especially sensitive to heat. Now she keeps Natrum Sulphuricum on hand. Whenever he begins looking flushed or his eyes start taking on that heavy appearance, she gives him the remedy and says he responds very well.
As moms become more familiar with homeopathy, they begin recognizing which remedies their children tend to respond to. Over time, they gain confidence because they know what works well for their own family.
A Simple Review
If you are spending time outdoors this summer, remember these simple steps:
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- Take regular breaks.
- Drink water while resting.
- Replace lost minerals with electrolytes.
- Enjoy foods like watermelon that naturally help replenish your body.
If dehydration still occurs, remember these remedies:
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- Bryonia for dehydration due to a lack of fluids.
- China (Cinchona) for dehydration caused by the loss of body fluids through illness, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage, or profuse sweating.
- Natrum Sulphuricum when dehydration has progressed toward heat stroke or sunstroke.
These remedies are included in the Homeopathy for Mommies Kit and are discussed in the Homeopathy for Mommies book.
Keep Learning and Keep Sharing
If you're ready to grow in your understanding of homeopathy, we'd love to welcome you into the Members Corner.
The Members Corner is a private community where we study Classical Homeopathy together, one remedy and one topic at a time. Each month you'll have access to live Q&A sessions, in-depth mini trainings, printable resources, a private podcast, and a community of families who are learning right alongside you.
Homeopathy becomes much less overwhelming when you learn it step by step. As your knowledge grows, so does your confidence in caring for your loved ones.
I invite you to join me inside the Members Corner and continue your homeopathy journey with the encouragement, support, and practical teaching that helps families use homeopathy with confidence.
May God bless you and yours,
Sue Meyer, ND, CCH, CST, spBAP, CEASE
