TOPIC:
Got Water? Staying Hydrated.
The human body is more than 60 percent water. Blood is 92 percent water, the brain and muscles are 75 percent water, and bones are about 22 percent water. Talk to your doctor to find out how much water is enough.
Being fully hydrated (having enough water in your system) is important:
Water makes blood draws easier on you and on your oncology nurses.
Water keeps your cells hydrated.
Drinking water during chemotherapy infusions helps prevent nausea.
Water helps cleanse your internal organs like your liver, bladder, stomach, and kidneys.
Water helps your body develop new, needed cells.
Water hydrates your skin. You will look better and have fewer skin issues.
Drinking plenty of water helps prevent and treat constipation.
Drinking water hydrates you if you have diarrhea or vomiting.
You need the water to flush the poisons from your body. If you don’t get enough water, you do not flush enough poisons and your body can become toxic and/or dehydrated.
Dehydration can send you to the hospital so drink plenty of water!
Dehydration can occur quickly if you are having vomiting or diarrhea.
Drink filtered water if you have it available. Nothing else hydrates your body as well as pure, clean water. If you absolutely cannot tolerate the “taste” of water, flavor your water with a little lemon, orange or lime juice or with some strawberries or cherries. Ask your oncologist if you can use something like diluted lemonade to flavor the water so you can drink it.
What else hydrates the body? Fruit! For example, watermelon is 90% water. Melons are full of water and are very easy on the stomach. Eat citrus if it does not bother your stomach. Veggies such as celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and lettuce contain water (and nutrients!) and can help you stay hydrated and healthier. Drinking tea and coffee can help offset dehydration if they do not bother your stomach. Drink them in addition to your water. Milk hydrates and nourishes. Stay hydrated and your cancer-fighting journey will be easier!