An Ostomate's Guide to Staying Active and Hydrated as the Weather Gets Warmer.
Summer is coming, and while proper hydration is essential for everyone, it is especially important for those with ostomies. That is because ostomates have had part or all of their colon surgically removed (or bypassed) and perhaps part of their small intestine as well, both of which are responsible for absorbing fluids into the body. Specifically, 80% of the fluids we ingest are absorbed in the first part of our small intestine (the duodenum). The remaining 20% of the fluids are absorbed from the foods we eat, which happens primarily in the colon (large intestine).
That makes ostomates particularly prone to dehydration since fluids that would otherwise be absorbed through the small and large intestines are flushed from the body through the stoma instead. To compensate for this loss, it is imperative that ostomates diligently monitor and manage their daily fluid intake to avoid dehydration, which can have a significant, adverse effect on one's health.
Causes, Signs and Remedies for Dehydration
Below is a comprehensive, bullet-point summary of the causes, signs, and remedies for dehydration. Please let us know your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below
Common Symptoms of Dehydration
Headaches
Dry mouth/tongue
Increased thirst
Decreased urination
Dark yellow-, amber-, or brown-colored urine
Dizziness when you stand up
Feel weak and don't react normally
Increased fatigue
Cramps in your legs or abdomen
Unable to think clearly (brain fog)
Feel tingling in your hands and feet
Loss of appetite.
Signs of extreme dehydration – go to the emergency room.
Confusion
Dizziness
Shriveled skin
Ileostomy Specific Symptoms (in addition to the above).
High output of more than 1,500 mL, or about 6 cups of stool in 24 hours. High output can also result in poor nutrient absorption and weight loss. (Normal output is 800 - 1,200 milliliters (mL) or 3 - 5 cups per day. You will typically empty your ileostomy bag 6-8 times per day when it is half full.)
Urostomy Specific Symptoms (in addition to the above).
Urinary tract infections
Dark urine
Possible Serious Complications of Dehydration
Heat injury (heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke)
Urinary and kidney problems (urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or kidney failure)
Seizures (due to low levels of electrolytes like sodium and potassium)
Swelling of the brain (cerebral edema)
Shock (low blood pressure and organ failure)
Coma (loss of consciousness)
Death
Causes of dehydration
Vomiting / Diarrhea / High Output
Inadequate fluid and electrolyte intake
Sweating without fluid replacement
Diuretic drugs (often used to treat high blood pressure, kidney problems, and heart failure), including, among others:
Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)
Lasix (furosemide)
Aldactone (spironolactone)
Midamor (amiloride)
Diuretic foods (do not avoid, but make sure you increase fluid intake to compensate for their diuretic effect)
Parsley.
Tomatoes
Celery
Pineapple
Dill
Lemon
Cucumber.
Pumpkin seeds
Gastrointestinal fluid losses due to:
gastrointestinal fistula
intestinal obstruction
extensive post-operative fluid loss
Excessive output of water and sodium from the kidney
Long-term use of diuretics
Ways to Avoid Dehydration
Drink 8–10 eight-ounce glasses of water/fluid daily
Drink frequently throughout the day (set an hourly alarm on your phone or watch as a reminder)
Always drink before you go out (and consider taking a drink with you)
Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink fluids
Drink more than just water. A drink needs to have a small amount of glucose and some sodium to be efficiently absorbed by the body. This is why sports drinks are often recommended when you have an ileostomy. However, sports drinks have a lot of sugar too. Consider drinking diluted fruit juice with a pinch of salt or have an electrolyte drink.
Drink with meals since food slows down the transport of fluids through the intestine.
Limit/avoid laxatives
Limit/avoid beverages with added sugars, artificial colors, and sweeteners
Drink tea and coffee in moderation. Caffeinated drinks can cause dehydration,
Limit/avoid drinks and foods that have a diuretic effect, examples include:
sweets
artificial sweeteners
lactose-rich foods and drink
alcohol
caffeine
carbonated drinks
legumes, beans, or lentils
high-fiber vegetables
nuts and seeds
whole wheat or corn products such as bran or popcorn
For those with ileostomies
Consume potassium rich foods (e.g., bananas, potatoes, oranges)
Limit sodium (salt) intake (unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise)
For those with urostomies
Reduce the risk of UTIs by drinking 8–10 eight-ounce glasses of water/fluid daily)
Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry pills to increase urine acidity, which helps prevent UTIs. (Check with your doctor first if you are on blood thinners)
Replace Electrolytes!
(Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water. They are involved in many essential processes in your body, such as nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and pH regulation. Examples of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and bicarbonate).
Consume the following to increase your electrolytes:
Broths/ bouillon
Sports drinks (limit the ones with excess sugar)
Rice water
Orange juice (see enhancement option below)
Gatorade (see enhancement option below)
Apple juice (see enhancement option below)
Cranberry juice/cranberry pills
Eat salty snacks (pretzels/crackers) before bed to reduce nighttime muscle cramps.
Canned soup
Potatoes/bananas (bananas also thicken stools)
Commercial products that replenish electrolytes:
Oral Rehydration Salts Packet
Ceralyte 50, 70, or 90
Drip Drop
Pedialyte
GU Energy Tabs, NUUN
Homemade oral rehydration solution.
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon salt substitute, which is potassium chloride.
2 tablespoons table sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Add water to make 1 liter.
Combine and stir ingredients until dissolved (add Crystal Light to improve flavor).
Gatorade G2 Based
4 cups (32 oz bottle) G2 Gatorade
3/4 teaspoon salt
Combine and stir until salt is dissolved.
Apple Juice Based
3/4 cup apple juice
3¼ cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
Combine and stir until well mixed and dissolved.
Orange Juice Based
4¼ cups water
1 cup orange juice
8 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine and stir ingredients until dissolved.
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We hope you found the above useful. Now go out and have a “be free” happy, active spring and summer! If you have any suggestions or comments, please let us know in the comment section below.
Please check out our Be Free ostomy odor elimination products. Free samples are available.
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