Dehydration tips?

[Essieluv]

I've been having a lot of diarrhea lately, which naturally leads to dehydration. I just can't seem to get enough fluids, and even when I drink tons I am barely peeing. It makes me feel so tired and drained. Ugh, I just know if I got my dehydration under control, then I would at least feel a little better. Short of going to the ER for fluids, is there anything I can do (besides drink water)? I am working on getting the diarrhea controlled, but as my doc thinks it's from both IBS and Crohn's, it is a challenge...Any thoughts?

 

[rrhood1]

My doctor has me sip Gatorade when I'm flaring to keep my electrolytes up. She also suggests homemade meat broth with only a little salt. My IV clinic tells us all to drink lots before an IV & also eat a bag of chips as the salt will help keep us hydrated. Hope this helps.

 

[Essieluv]

Thanks! I've been drinking Gatorade, but it just doesn't seem to be enough. I will try the salt trick, definitely!

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Here's a few more ideas as to what might help with dehydration. Hope this helps.

http://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/page6.htm#how_is_dehydration_treated

 

[rygon]

I had to drink dioralyte to keep my electrolytes up. Make sure you havea drink with you at all times and keep on sipping it (rather than wait until you are thirsty)

Check the colour of your wee to see if you are hydrated or not, this is a better indication than how many times you go, as you will loose water in sweat and stool

 

[shamrock15]

It is possible you may be drinking too much - when there is too much water going through, your body can actually shut off absorption. For me, I find that actually reducing my intake can sometimes lead to more absorption. This was actually done based on doctor's advice when I had my ileostomy. The potato chip idea worked for a while, as did banana bread, barbequed potatoe, sometimes apples (although I find they cause some gas issues).

 

[If*]

Hello, have you tried coconut water? Take a look at it and see if it might be helpful. Best tasting was Zico but it does have sugar. I have experienced that it is/was beneficial.

Much peace to you.

 

[DJW]

I'd suggest trying pedialyte. I was told by an ER doctor it starts absorbing in the stomach. Also suggest switching to G2. Sugar can cause the runs leading to more dehydration. Don't let this go too long or it could lead to early stage renal failure.

Final note. To much water can actually cause dehydration.

 

[rygon]

I thought too much water will cause Hyponatremia?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/d...rinking-can-be-deadlier-than-dehydration.html

 

[shamrock15]

When I had my stoma, and for probably about a year afterward, I was initially told to increase my water intake. It became clear that this water was causing a "flushing" effect, and there wasn't a medicine around that could resolve it. The solution was reducing the intake in my case. As I passed more fluids, I would start to dehydrate and really crave more fluids, starting a vicious cycle. To break it, I would need to get fluids from ice cubes instead - it would still give the sensation of drinking without the excess water. I would start to see improvements almost immediately. There wasn't a med around that could do a thing for me. Hope it settles down for you quickly.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

G2 Gatorade is good and has less sugar, coconut water is a great natural choice full of electrolytes. Water is important but you also need those electrolytes which are in the Gatorade or coconut water. Other options are certain foods that are salty or sweet fruits like banana. You can google for a list of best foods to eat to both slow down diarrhea and gain electrolytes but I find bananas, pretzels and orange juice as my top go to choices.

 

[Essieluv]

Thanks everybody! I will be picking up the items you mentioned at the store tomorrow morning. Hopefully it helps

 

[DJW]

I thought too much water will cause Hyponatremia?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/d...rinking-can-be-deadlier-than-dehydration.html

Sorry. My bad. Poor choice of words. Too much water flushes me out.