About
Dehydration refers to the body running low on fluid levels. This condition can result in serious health complications, which can be harmful and even fatal in some cases. This issue can be bothersome for both ostomates and non-ostomates. However, people with ostomies are more exposed to health complications due to the absence of the colon, which is known as a hydrator due to its ability to absorb water from the stool. That’s the reason doctors and nurses suggest their patients avoid dehydration at all costs.
That said, some hydration strategies may be helpful for you.
That said, some hydration strategies may be helpful for you.
- Make sure that you have a large pitcher of fluids available the entire time. Aim at consuming at two of those pitchers during the day.
- You are going to need to have a water bottle wherever you plan to go.
- If you are fit enough to exercise or go hiking, you will need a lot more water than you commonly do. That’s where you can consider carrying a hydration backpack.
- A water bottle with marks can help you track your water intake. Use it if you need to know how much water you consume each day.
- Set alarms as water intake reminders on your handset. You can also install an app to set automatic reminders.
Getting the right fluids
Water alone might not be the best solution to keep your hydrated. That’s because it doesn’t contain the electrolytes an ostomate might require after getting the colon removed. There are several options that you can consider to hydrate yourself as well as maintain the level of electrolytes according to your needs.
Water alone might not be the best solution to keep your hydrated. That’s because it doesn’t contain the electrolytes an ostomate might require after getting the colon removed. There are several options that you can consider to hydrate yourself as well as maintain the level of electrolytes according to your needs.
- To get an adequate amount of electrolytes, you can consider the intake of sports drinks, electrolyte drinks, and electrolyte tablets. You can pick any of these items based on your specific requirements.
- You can also prepare an electrolyte drink at home. All you have to do is to mix two tablespoons of sugar and a two-third teaspoon of salt in one-liter water.
- V8/vegetable juices are one of the best sources of potassium and sodium. They also contain some highly valuable nutrients to give the body the required amount of energy. The best thing about these juices is that they do not cause sugar spikes as other sports drinks do.
- Most of us overlook water-rich foods as a source of hydration, but they can be significantly beneficial in this regard. What’s great about these foods is that they are adequately rich in a wide range of nutrients, including the electrolytes. Ostomates who have got a high-output ostomy can benefit from these foods.