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General Medicine
Question #17540
149 days ago
230

IV Fluids - #17540

Mia

I’ve been feeling quite off lately, and after a recent visit to my doctor, I was advised to get IV fluids because my hydration levels were really low. I wasn’t feeling well for a couple of weeks, experiencing dizziness, fatigue, and even some headaches. At first, I thought it was just because I wasn’t drinking enough water, but then the symptoms worsened. That’s when I was told my electrolytes were out of balance, and my body wasn’t absorbing water properly. After being given IV fluids, I started feeling a lot better, and the symptoms reduced drastically. However, I’ve been thinking more about this, and I’m now wondering if this is something I should rely on more frequently, or if there’s a better, more natural way to manage my hydration and electrolytes. I’m already trying to drink more water, but I feel like it’s not enough. I’m not sure if the IV fluids were just a temporary fix or if they address the root cause of my issue. I’ve read that IV fluids can be really effective in treating dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, but I want to understand if Ayurvedic medicine offers any natural solutions that could help me prevent this from happening again. Are there herbs or practices in Ayurveda that can improve my body's ability to hydrate itself without needing IV fluids? I know Ayurveda emphasizes balance, and I’m hoping to restore balance in my body naturally instead of relying on IV fluids when I’m feeling sick. Also, I noticed that since I’ve started taking IV fluids, I feel like I’m more energized and my skin looks better. Could Ayurveda provide natural ways to achieve similar results? I’ve been curious if there’s a long-term solution from an Ayurvedic perspective, rather than getting the IV fluids regularly. Additionally, I’ve heard that some Ayurvedic practices, like panchakarma or specific detox diets, might help restore hydration levels and balance electrolytes. Do you think these treatments might help me stay hydrated and boost my health naturally without relying on IV fluids? Could I take something like ashwagandha or amla to improve my body’s hydration or mineral absorption? I’m open to trying Ayurvedic approaches, but I really need something that’ll work well for me in the long run. What would you recommend based on my symptoms and concerns? I want to find a sustainable way to manage my hydration and improve my overall health.

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Doctors’ responses

Since you’ve experienced severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, it’s important to focus on long-term hydration strategies rather than relying solely on IV fluids. Ayurveda views hydration as more than just water intake—it emphasizes proper digestion, electrolyte balance, and cellular absorption. Drinking warm water infused with herbs like fennel, cumin, and coriander can improve absorption, while coconut water, buttermilk, and herbal teas naturally replenish lost minerals. Adding rock salt (Saindhava Lavana) and lime juice to water can also enhance electrolyte balance, preventing imbalances that lead to dizziness and fatigue. To improve your body’s hydration capacity, Ayurveda suggests strengthening the Agni (digestive fire) so that nutrients and fluids are better absorbed. Amla (Indian gooseberry) is excellent for cellular hydration, while Ashwagandha can help manage stress, which sometimes contributes to dehydration. Additionally, Shatavari is beneficial for maintaining fluid balance, especially if dehydration is linked to excessive dryness in the body. Avoiding excessive caffeine, processed foods, and overly salty meals can also help maintain electrolyte stability. Regular oil massage (Abhyanga) with coconut or sesame oil can improve circulation and prevent dehydration at a cellular level. For long-term hydration and overall well-being, a balanced diet, proper digestion, and daily lifestyle practices play a key role. If you’re prone to dehydration, pranayama (breathing exercises) like Sheetali and Anulom Vilom can support cooling and hydration at a deeper level. Panchakarma treatments, such as Basti (medicated enemas) and Nasya (nasal oil therapy), might also help balance fluids in the body, especially if dehydration is due to a Vata imbalance. By incorporating these Ayurvedic principles, you can naturally maintain hydration, improve energy levels, and reduce the need for IV fluids in the future.
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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
148 days ago
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Since your hydration levels and electrolytes were low, leading to dizziness and fatigue, IV fluids provided a quick fix, but Ayurveda focuses on long-term balance through diet, lifestyle, and herbal support. Dehydration often signals an aggravated Vata or Pitta dosha, so Ayurveda recommends warm, hydrating drinks like coconut water, fresh fruit juices, and herbal infusions with fennel, cumin, and coriander to maintain electrolyte balance naturally. Adding a pinch of rock salt and lemon to your water can enhance absorption. Foods rich in natural electrolytes, like soaked raisins, dates, ghee, and seasonal fruits, can help sustain hydration. Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari support overall energy and mineral absorption, while Amla strengthens digestion and rejuvenates the body. Ayurveda also emphasizes daily oil massage (Abhyanga) to prevent internal dryness and enhance fluid retention. Rather than relying on IV fluids frequently, try incorporating hydrating Ayurvedic tonics like Shatavari kalpa or Guduchi-based preparations. If dehydration persists, consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner for a deeper assessment of your dosha balance and digestive strength would be beneficial.
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Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns; it's clear that you're seeking a comprehensive, natural approach to your hydration and overall well-being. Based on your symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and headaches, combined with the need for IV fluids, it sounds like there may be an underlying imbalance, likely relating to Vata dosha and possibly Pitta as well, regarding your hydration and energy levels. 1. Herbal Support: Start by incorporating Amla (Indian gooseberry) into your daily routine. This herb is excellent for hydration and supports the absorption of nutrients while balancing electrolytes. You can have it as a powder in warm water, ideally taken in the morning. Aim for 1 teaspoon daily. 2. Hydrating Drinks: Make a simple electrolyte drink using coconut water, which is saturated with electrolytes, and add a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon. This combination will ensure better hydration. Drink 1-2 cups daily, especially after physical activity. 3. Herbal Infusions: You can prepare herbal teas with Lemongrass or Hibiscus, which cool the body and support fluid balance. Sip these throughout the day, limiting caffeine intake as it may lead to dehydration. 4. Diet: Include more hydrating fruits and vegetables in your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges. These are high in water content and also contain minerals to aid in rehydration. 5. Daily Routine: Balance your Vata with a steady routine. Regular meal times, adequate rest, and gentle exercise like yoga or walking can help regulate hydration levels and energy. 6. Panchakarma: If possible, consider a Panchakarma session to detoxify and rebalance the doshas. It can help in enhancing your body’s natural hydration mechanisms. 7. Ashwagandha: This adaptogen not only helps with energy but also supports adrenal health and stress response—essential for proper nutrient absorption and hydration. You may take 1 teaspoon of the powder mixed with warm milk or water in the evening. 8. Skin Care: To enhance skin hydration naturally, incorporate ghee into your meals. It is great for skin health and overall hydration from within. Get adequate rest and monitor how your body responds to these changes. If you continue experiencing hydration issues or symptoms, seek further medical advice. This multi-faceted approach, rooted in Ayurveda, should help establish a sustainable, natural means of managing hydration and boosting overall health. Remember to stay tuned into your body's signals and adjust accordingly.
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