Staying Hydrated
Every day, we lose fluid through normal bodily
functions, making replenishing fluids very
important for optimal health. For cancer patients,
staying hydrated is essential because cancer
treatment can be taxing on your body and increases
your risk of dehydration.
WHY IS STAYING HYDRATED
IMPORTANT?
- Fluids transport nutrients and oxygen, protect our
internal organs, lubricate our joints and digestive
tract, help sustain energy and regulate heart rate
and blood pressure.
- Fluids help your body get rid of toxins and the
byproducts of chemotherapy.
- Good hydration can reduce treatment side effects,
such as dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, dry
mouth, constipation, fatigue and nausea.
HOW MUCH FLUID DO YOU
REALLY NEED?
Each person has unique hydration needs. For healthy
adults, divide your weight by two to determine how
many ounces of fluid to aim for in a day. For example,
if you weigh 150 pounds, your daily fluid intake should
be at least 75 ounces. If you are in cancer treatment,
it is important to consult your medical care team,
including your oncology nutritionist, to help
determine your specific hydration needs.
COUNT ALL FLUIDS, NOT JUST WATER!
Tea, juices and liquid foods like soups, smoothies and
yogurt can also count towards your fluid goal. The
following options provide not only hydration, but also
nutrients from food:
- Coconut water, cactus water, aloe vera water
- Electrolyte beverages
- Juices, milks, lemonade, iced tea and popsicles that
are unsweetened or lightly sweetened
- Protein shakes, smoothies and bottled nutritional
supplements
- Bone broth, soups, yogurts and frozen yogurts
MAINTAINING HYDRATION IS HARD.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS:
- Drink fluids throughout the day with a goal of 4-6
ounces every hour.
- Fill a pitcher with your daily water needs and drink
from it until it is empty.
- Keep a hydration journal or use a smart phone app
to track your daily progress.
- If water tastes funny or bad to you, try adding
lemon, cucumber or watermelon.
Recipes to Promote Hydration
Ginger-infused Chicken Noodle Soup
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 – 4 1/2 oz chicken breast (bone in or boneless)
- 3 quarts of chicken stock
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 cup spaghetti (broken into 1” pieces)
- 1 small tomato, diced
l Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a medium stock pot, add chicken stock and chicken,
and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 5 minutes then skim the fat off the top.
- Turn to a simmer and add onions, celery, ginger, carrots,
bay leaves and tomatoes and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken and let cool.
- Chop chicken and place back into the broth. Add broken
spaghetti and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt, pepper and parsley. Enjoy!
Recipe by Chef Marc Gilberti
Photo caption (top): Oncology Dietitian
Nutritionist Rebecca Colvin, MPH, RDN, CSO