Preventing Dehydration During Chemotherapy: Essential Tips for Patients
Chemotherapy is an intense process that can impact the body in various ways, including increasing the risk of dehydration. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, particularly during chemotherapy, as it helps maintain kidney function, regulate body temperature, and transport nutrients. Here’s a closer look at why hydration is essential during chemotherapy and practical tips for preventing dehydration.
Why Chemotherapy Increases the Risk of Dehydration
Chemotherapy drugs can cause side effects that lead to fluid loss, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, dehydration can occur, exacerbating chemotherapy side effects and increasing strain on the kidneys and other organs. Dehydration can also cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fatigue, which can impact the patient's quality of life.
Symptoms of Dehydration to Watch For
Patients undergoing chemotherapy should monitor for signs of dehydration, which can include:
Dry mouth or throat
Dark yellow urine or reduced urine output
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headaches
Muscle cramps or weakness
Rapid heart rate
Tips for Staying Hydrated During Chemotherapy
To prevent dehydration, chemotherapy patients should follow these guidelines to ensure they stay well-hydrated throughout treatment:
Set a Hydration Goal: Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. For some, increasing intake beyond this baseline may be beneficial, especially if chemotherapy is causing fluid loss.
Carry a Water Bottle: Having water on hand can serve as a reminder to drink regularly. Take small sips throughout the day, as this can be easier on the stomach, especially if nausea is present.
Include Hydrating Foods in the Diet: Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and soups have high water content and can contribute to daily hydration. This can be especially helpful for patients struggling to drink plain water.
Monitor Electrolyte Levels: Chemotherapy may lead to imbalances in essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium, especially if vomiting or diarrhea occurs. Drinking beverages like electrolyte-infused water or sports drinks (low in sugar) can help replace lost electrolytes.
Adjust for Side Effects: If nausea or vomiting is severe, talk to your healthcare provider about anti-nausea medications. Staying ahead of nausea makes it easier to drink water and eat hydrating foods.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, meaning they increase urine output, which can lead to dehydration. It’s best to limit or avoid these during chemotherapy.
Listen to Your Body: Thirst is a natural indicator of fluid needs, but it’s not always reliable during chemotherapy. Aim to drink consistently, even if you don’t feel thirsty, to prevent mild dehydration from becoming severe.
Track Your Hydration: Keeping a log of your fluid intake and symptoms can help you stay accountable. Apps and reminders can make it easier to track your daily water intake.
When to Seek Medical Help
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and should be addressed immediately. If you or someone you know is undergoing chemotherapy and experiences extreme symptoms of dehydration, such as confusion, fainting, or a significant decrease in urine output, seek medical attention promptly.
Conclusion
Hydration is an often-overlooked aspect of managing chemotherapy side effects, but it plays a critical role in supporting your body’s response to treatment. By prioritizing hydration and paying attention to the body's signals, chemotherapy patients can reduce dehydration-related complications and potentially improve their quality of life during treatment. Always discuss any concerns about hydration with your healthcare team to ensure you’re following a plan tailored to your needs.
Hydration is key to supporting your body's resilience—remember to take it one sip at a time.
To learn how HuMOLYTE can aid in hydrating patients during chemotherapy and alleviating chemotherapy side effects, visit here.
About Dr. Sourabh Kharait
Dr. Sourabh Kharait (MD / PhD) is Clinical Nephrologist and Medical Director of Clinical Trials at Summit Nephrology Medical Group, and the Founder and CEO of IGH Naturals, a platform company that designs Functional Foods and Nutritional products for athletes and patients with chronic diseases.
