The Importance of Hydration for Myeloma Patients

I don’t know about you but the summer months just speak to me. I absolutely love the sunshine, warmth, feeling like Mother Nature is giving you a warm hug as you walk outside. Summer just soothes my soul unlike anything else, however it is also an easy time of year to be lacking in hydration.

 Between high temperatures, sweating, cocktails, icy cold Diet Cokes and decrease in thirst from treatments and medication, dehydration can impact anyone. Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough water. Our body is a well-functioning machine, and when something is off it gives your warning signs.  Our body warns us against dehydration by signaling thirst.  If you’re thirsty, then you are most likely already a little dehydrated, and that can cause symptoms like headache, fatigue, and dizziness. 

The number one way to combat thirst is to drink water, water is essential to our body to function. However, sitting in the summer we dream of sitting in the hammock with an ice-cold lemonade or cocktail as we watch the sunset.

Staying hydrated is important, water helps to

• Aid and regulate digestion
• Lubricate joints
• Make saliva- which helps with eating
• Balance your body’s chemicals
• Deliver oxygen all over your body
• Regulate body temperature

Water is important to your body, especially in the summer. It keeps your body from overheating, especially when you exercise. As sweat evaporates from your body, during exercise and spending time outside, it helps to cool the tissues beneath, however, it increases the risk of dehydration. Water is important, drink up!

Some fun ways to enhance your water to encourage you to drink up:

Mint Lime-

·  Green Tea

·  Mint

·  Lime

·  16 oz water

Strawberry Kiwi-

·  Cucumber

·  2 Strawberries

·  Sliced Kiwi

·  16 oz water

Lemon Lime-

·  Cucumber

·  Lemon

·  Lime

·  16 oz water

Citrus Punch

·  Lime

·  Orange

·  Lemon

·  16 oz water

Water doesn’t always have to be boring, you can add ice, make your own ice with bits of fruit in it and it infuses your water as it melts. Opting for a little Sparkling water with fruits can be nice and refreshing as well.

In times of needing to replenish electrolytes with your water it’s great to opt for drinks that have magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. Some good options are brands like Nuun hydration, Liquid IV, Powerade or Gatorade Zero (opting for low sugar options).

Be sure to bring water with you when being active, drink before you are thirsty, and always drink a cup of water when you first wake up- it helps you get moving in the morning. Drink up and stay hydrated this summer!