How ought I 'feel better' being well hydrated?

Posted by kaptainkat @kaptainkat, Nov 14 9:49pm

It's not that I have a AVERSION to water, I just don't like the taste of it. Ergo it seems I have spent much of my time dehydrated. This has only become an issue recently as I have had a few episodes of 'orthostatic hypotension', when my BP has dropped well into the 90's, and on one occasion while meditating I had it down to 89/65.
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I have become accustomed to rising and standing for a moment until I am 'all there'. I have arthritis in BOTH FEET and sciatica that hits both legs, but harder on the left, this time. A couple years ago it was both legs equally.
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My dietician has asked, 'How do you feel now that you have some fluid in you? And I really don't know what to answer as I don't know where to be looking for change. My urine is clear to very, very pale. I take half a liter a day of electrolyte enhance water - via Ultima powder, the same as my dietician uses, and half a liter of pure water, all via my enteral tube feeding rig. I also take in a liter of 'formula' - Nestle's Fibersourse.
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I am enteral fed as my esophagus has tanked. It is either achalasia or 'AC' - 'absent constrictivity'. I don't squeeze to move food down my tube.
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So, what changes ought I be noticing now that I am more full with water and my appetite has sort of tanked. But that may have something to do with the weather getting cold, as all I 'ate' was frozen - pineapple mostly. And some political caca that's been going on that has me more than a little upset.
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What ought I be 'feeling better' for being full of water?
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isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | Nov 15 4:16pm

@kaptainkat What a great question. Like you, I don’t like water and I do struggle to drink as much as I should each day.

For me the first clear signs that I’m NOT drinking enough are headaches, a sluggish digestive system, dark urine and skin blemishes.

I do my water drinking by adding a little cordial.

For me, while doing chemo, water did release toxins and I did feel so much “better” generally. Then and now that I’m off treatment my urine is clearer. My skin clearer. My digestive system works so much better. My sleep is better. I feel more clear headed.

My body just feels like it is working better!

It is so much harder to put into words than I thought it would be when I first read you post.
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/the-importance-of-hydration/
You’re amazing how strong and positive you are in addressing your health conditions and getting on with living ❤️‍🩹

slkanowitz | @slkanowitz | Nov 17 7:10am

When you’re well hydrated you should feel more energetic, stronger when you’re upright and walking, able to go from sitting or lying to standing without getting dizzy and feeling like you’re gonna pass out. Dehydration makes one feel weak, sluggish, headachy ,constipated , and just drained in general. It can also raise your heart rate, make your blood thicker and more prone to clotting and its bad for your kidneys. I add a squirt of a zero sugar, no calorie flavor enhancing liquid that comes in a small plastic bottle from grocery. Many flavors, non carbonated, about $2.50. It turns the water a pretty color as well as making it taste good.

ksdm | @ksdm | Nov 17 10:09am

My personal thought is, if your body needs water, you will feel thirsty. It is a very easy and harmless suggestion to follow given to you by doctors of all sorts, TV ads, and all of your friends! I drink when I am thirsty.

kaptainkat | @kaptainkat | Nov 17 1:55pm

In reply to @slkanowitz "When you’re well hydrated you should feel more energetic, stronger when you’re upright and walking, able..." + (show)

I 'spike' my H2O with Ultima® electrolyte enhancer, used and recommended by my dietician. I run 1/2 liter of E-H2O first load of the day (@200ml/hr.). I believe I mention being enteral. I follow that with 1/4 liter of my formula, and then another 1/2 liter of straight H2O. Overnight I run my remaining 3/4 liter of formula at 100ml/hr, to stretch it out all night.
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I prefer the raspberry flavor. When I take it orally. The Mrs. likes the grape.
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And it is not so much head dizzy when I stand up as getting my bearings from arthritic feet and sciatica legs!
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(=^..^=)
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