Staying Hydrated when you can't drink anything?

[bethanya]

I am in the process of getting in to see a GI specialist for my abdominal issues. For about two years, now, I've been getting worse with my abdominal pain, my reactions to different foods, and the things I can drink. I used to be able to drink water all the time. Then, it started to make me nauseated whenever I drank it. NOW, it gives me physical pain in my stomach and intestines whenever I drink it (only get sips in for pills in the morning). I try to stay away from it. However, I'm dehydrated. I've been drinking lots of soda and some gatorade, as I figured that would help me hydrate. My doctor got concerned with me drinking that much sugar, which I don't blame her. It's not good to have that much sugar in a day.

I've tried juice (pain and diarrhea), tea (nausea and sometimes lightheadedness from certain kinds), coffee (cannot stand the taste, and scared to put that much caffeine into me at a single time, since soda is only a third of the caffeine), water (pain), and even COCONUT WATER. All of those give me pain or extreme nausea where I wanna throw up. I'm already hardly eating ANYTHING, due to how limited my diet options are, now. I can't eat ANY veggies and ANY fat, and I can only manage a handful of fruits (bananas and apples without the peel). Got any ideas to keep me hydrated without all the sugar? But without making me feel sick? I'm up for tea, if it's something that most people with Crohn's can handle or it's anti-inflammatory (still hesitant, because of everything I've tried before).

Help me out, please? I could really use some advice. Thanks!

 

[Jennifer]

Have you tried seltzer water? You can flavor it with a squeeze of lemon or lime (or other fruits, just don't eat them) or a tiny bit of 100% fruit juice. Seltzer water doesn't have any sodium (tonic water and club soda do however but even those might be better than nothing) or sugar and doesn't taste too bad on it's own. It also has the bubbles that you seem to be able to tolerate. Have you tried any supplement drinks like Ensure Clear or Modulen?

If you get to the point where you can't hold anything down though then your best bet is to go to the hospital where you can get tests, treatment and IV fluids.

 

[UnXmas]

Have you tried squash? (I think this is one of those things that has different names depending on where you are in the world - by squash I mean a fruit flavoured, still drink that you dilute with water. There are many sugar-free ones.)

Other possibilities: milk (soya milk if dairy is a problem), hot chocolate (contains sugar but maybe not as bad as your current drinks), malt drinks, soup, foods with a high water content like dairy-based puddings (ice cream, yoghurt, etc.) and fruit. You could also experiment with drinks at different temperatures. Maybe hot water with lemon?

I had a kind of similar discussion with my dentist just last week. I have a medical condition that makes my mouth so dry that despite regular professional cleanings, prescription toothpaste, artificial saliva and all sorts of other treatments, I'm prone to tooth problems. The one thing I can't find a solution to is sugar - I'm very underweight and my doctors prescribe multiple Ensure supplements for me to drink every day, which are full of sugar. My dentist said we've basically got to accept that it's not the best thing for my teeth, but we have to prioritise my need to gain weight.

I would think that at least in the short term, you would need to prioritise hydration, and worry about sugar later, when you know more about your digestive problems. Unless you're overweight, the sugar may actually help if your diet is restricted.

Have you tried medication for the nausea?

But some of the foods and drinks giving you problems seem quite unusual. I don't think I've heard of water being a problem before. Are you sure foods and drinks are causing the symptoms you suspect? It can be very confusing trying to work out patterns between diet and symptoms. I had a tendency to see patterns that weren't there, and it took me a long time to work it all out. Maybe seeing a dietician would help?

 

[mish2575]

Along with Seltzer water, Sparkling water.

You could try a diet or low sugar soda (Pepsi One and Coke Zero) to get past the diet flavor. It sucks to consume that much artificial sweetners too but for the time being you gotta do what you gotta do.

I wouldn't worry about the sugar intake - especially where your food intake is down as well. Its only temporary.

Have you tried drinking Malox or something right before the water?


BTW, I drink 3 cups of green tea a day. It also reduces inflammation in my gut.

 

[DJBHeat]

Research Shakeology, works well with me

 

[UnXmas]

You could try a diet or low sugar soda (Pepsi One and Coke Zero) to get past the diet flavor. It sucks to consume that much artificial sweetners too but for the time being you gotta do what you gotta do.

I wouldn't worry about the sugar intake - especially where your food intake is down as well.

That's a good idea. If the fizzy drinks suit you and you don't want the sugar/calories, then Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi etc. could work.

 

[InkyStinky]

So sorry to hear of your struggles!

If gatorade is tolerable, I wonder if a homemade electrolyte drink would help? I've used this recipe before http://empoweredsustenance.com/adaptogenic-sports-drink/

I just used peppermint tea as it's what I had in the house. I already had the unrefined salt, raw honey, and trace mineral drops the recipe calls for... if you don't I'd probably do a "trial run" with whatever sort of salt and honey you might have on hand.

Hoping you don't have to wait long to see a GI!

 

[Nym]

Peppermint tea - from fresh mint if possible.

S.Pelligrino mineral water. Shake the fizz out of it and keep it at room temperature. It contains sulphur, mag., etc to help rebalance. It worked for me during a period of nausea when I couldn't keep down anything else.

 

[SmellyMelly]

I suggest medical intervention. Your doctor or the local hospital can hydrate you. It involves going on a needle drip and injecting fluids into your veins. Proper name is Intravenous Rehydration. Obviously this will by-pass you having to take any fluids via mouth, and will probably stop the nausea.

You could also try rubbing an ice cube on your lips or sucking on it.

 

[buttER]

I also find alot of drinks hard to stomach. I used to love water.
At the moment I drink ginger tea or sparkling water.

Good luck, I hope you find something.

 

[lenny]

Bananas and apples have a lot of water in them. If you tolerate them well, you could get quite a bit of water that way.

 

[SmellyMelly]

Bananas and apples have a lot of water in them. If you tolerate them well, you could get quite a bit of water that way.

I didn't know bananas had a lot of water in them. You learn something new every day

My go-to's are seedless watermelon or peeled cucumber.