Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Keep hydrated!!

Well, as today was not exciting at all, pretty much so boring that i fell asleep after dinner, ill cover fluids as promised. This will probably be a short one tonight.

So, as we know, we need to get at least 64 ounce of fluids in us a day to keep us from dehydrating and having kidney issues. A lot of times its hard to stomach just water. So what other fluids can we take in that count?

So obviously we want to drink as much water as we can. Adding sugar free crystal light is one way most people suggest helping to get the fluid down. You want to make sure you don't have too much of these types of additives though or they will just be increasing sugar intake.  Other fluids that can be considered in the 64 ounces can be juices (obviously make sure low in sugar and majority fruit juice), Popsicles (1 Popsicle equals 4 fluid ounces, also make sure again, low in sugar or sugar free). tea and coffee (make sure however these are decaf as caffeinated can dehydrate the body and in essence be worse), low fat and soy milk, jello (sugar free), soups that are low in sodium, they say soda but in my opinion this is a bad choice especially for us going thru this weight loss, try to avoid soda at all costs not only for the carbonation but the sugar, vitamin water, ice cream or sherbet, some fruits and veggies like grapes and cucumbers but be careful as some of these are high in sugars and can make you feel hungry earlier, and Gatorade or G2 (which is what they suggest for week 1 liquid diets). 

Remember, Yes we are trying to get fluids in so make sure you are drinking the correct fluids so that the benefit of the fluid intake outweighs the negatives of sugars and carbs in the fluid. Try to stay away from alcoholic beverages as not only do they affect up 4 fold, are also empty calories and will dehydrate you. 

If you absolutely are having problems getting fluids, i found in the hospital that ice chips are the best way to go. You can just keep them in your mouth to melt or chew on them and it is not as harsh tasting as pure plain water.

One website gave a great image as an example of what your fluid intake should look like:


Obviously you want to stay in levels 1 and 2 to get the majority. The higher the level, the more risk the negatives of it will outright the fact that you are receiving fluids.  The site then goes on to say:
  • At least half of your daily fluid should come from water. For a person who needs 12 cups of fluid a day, that would mean six cups of water. More is fine—up to 100% of your daily beverage needs.
  • About one-third (or about three to four cups) can come from unsweetened coffee or tea. If you flavor your coffee or tea with a lot of sugar, cream, or whole milk, then drinking less would help manage weight. If you take a pass on coffee or tea, choose water instead.
  • Low-fat milk can make up another 20 percent, or about two 8-ounce glasses. Less is fine, just make sure you get your calcium from another source.
  • A small glass (4 ounces) of 100% fruit juice, and no more than 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks for men or no more than 1 for women.
  • Ideally, zero “diet” drinks made with artificial sweeteners, but up to 1 to 2 glasses (8 to 16 ounces) a day (this is adapted from the Beverage Guidance Panel’s original recommendation of up to 32 ounces per day).
  • Ideally, zero drinks sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, but up to a maximum of 8 ounces.
Signs of dehydration to look for are dark urine that has a strong odor, dry mouth and/or skin, fever, kidney/back pain, headaches, nausea and/or vomiting, muscle cramps, dizziness, irritability (which during the first couple weeks after surgery you will be anyways), rapid heartbeat, and shock, These can lead to not only dehydration but UTI's and kidney infections and or failure. Remember, after surgery we are more vulnerable now, especially when it comes to our kidneys. Dehydration alone can put us right back in the hospital. If you have a fever over 102 this is also a sign and you need to get to the ER right away. 

Ways to control your body's fluid retention and to no dehydrate that way are:
  • Avoid salty and spicy food. They increase thirst.
  • Reduce or avoid salt, soy sauce and other high-sodium condiments.
  • Plan ahead and spread your liquids throughout the day.
  • Stay cool. Don’t overheat.
  • Drink cold beverages instead of hot ones.
  • Snack on cold kidney-friendly vegetables and fruits.
  • Eat only the number of fruit and vegetable servings recommended in your meal plan.
  • Sip beverages and use smaller cups.
  • Make ice cubes out of your favorite beverage.
  • Conquer dry mouth by brushing teeth, using mouthwash and sucking on hard candy or a lemon wedge.
  • Take pills with very small sips of water, or try applesauce or other soft foods instead of water.
  • Keep a daily food and fluid journal that includes your weight.
  • Take your prescribed water pills, if prescribed.

Hopefully this helps with fluids and keeping hydrated. Not sure what if anything I will go over tomorrow, maybe something with diet lol. Maybe something exciting will happen tomorrow, in a good way of course.

Til Next Time!

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