Staying Hydrated is Important While on Cancer Therapy
Hydration is the measure of fluid levels in the body. Staying hydrated is very important, especially if you are experiencing side effects of cancer therapy. This handout will help you see more of the reasons for staying hydrated. It will also give you some tips on how to make sure your body gets the fluid it needs to work right.
What can I do?
Be sure to check with the healthcare provider to find out the amount of fluid that’s appropriate for you since you may need more or less fluid depending on other conditions, such as your general health and your environment.
- Try to drink before you feel thirsty.
- Sip fluids throughout the day.
- Stay away from coffee, tea, and colas. These drinks contain caffeine and can lead to dehydration.
- Avoid alcohol; it can lead to dehydration.
- Be aware that certain foods have higher water content, such as melons, strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli.
- Keep track of your fluid intake and share it with your healthcare provider.
- Be sure to have foods with high water content in your diet when you can.
Recognize the Signs of Dehydration
How Much to Hydrate!
Try to have 8 to 10 glasses of fluid a day.
Your doctor might suggest drinks that contain salts and electrolytes to replace the lost fluid.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider.
Contact your healthcare provider for individualized information about your therapy, including some of the symptoms you may experience that could affect fluid levels, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Your healthcare provider should be your primary source of information about your medical condition and treatment.
