Why hydration?

[stayathomemom75]

Why is it that everyone says to "stay hydrated" during WD's?
I'm not being smart-alecky, I'm genuinely curious because I read it *everywhere* but I'm not sure why.

I've *always* had a problem with staying hydrated. When I was pregnant with my boys I was dehydrated through the entire pregnancies and had to drink a boatload of water, which made things worse since I had to pee all the time as it was. :/
When I've been sick and hospitalized they always hooked me up to an IV of fluid since they said I was so dehydrated. Seems that no matter how much water I drink (and I hate the stuff so I have to flavor it) I just *can't* get hydrated! Are there any extra things I can do to get water into my body? Melons? Berries? Some sort of hydrating supplement?

[Merri123]

1)Being dehydrated and thirsty makes you feel worse
2)Water will put something in your stomach so if you can't eat you aren't totally hungry which will make you feel worse too.
3) water helps flush your body more of all the yuck and toxins.
4) it's good for you.
5) will help with any headaches

[Amandag78]

Hi there, i also wanted to add, when the body is dehydrated, the brain tissue shrinks and makes your brain work harder to solve problems, focus and think clearly which can result in brain fog, hazzy thinking, uncertainty etc.  And because of all this, this can result in lack of motivation and energy, because your brain is using more power than it normally would if you were hydrated.
Studies were done and showed people who sweated during exercise, their brain shrunk from all the water loss and it aged 14 months to their body.
Good news is, a couple of glasses of water fixed the problem.
Our brain is made up of 85% water, so it is essential to make it work 100%, we need to keep it hydrated.
Dehydration can also cause anxiety and depression.
Some people dont realise how important a part our brain plays in our wellbeing.
This is why it is so important to take an Omega supplement, especially in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse.
Have a good day : )
.

[msdelight]

Hi there. Yes drinking water is the number one thing to improve how you're feeling.  The body becomes quickly dehydrated from sweating, diarrhea and constant sneezing this is compounded by loss of appetite which contributes to fluid loss. Drink lots of water/Gatorade etc to replace the loss, and flush the drugs out of your system. Congratulations on your clean time!

[stayathomemom75]

Wow some excellent suggestions in here! Thanks so much to Lulu, Motye and Vic for the great ideas!
Soon I'll be stocking up and hunkering down for the long haul. ;)

[lulu747]

I would try making some mint or chamomile tea and chilling it.  Squeeze a lemon in it and take small sips.  Dehydration makes you feel worse than just about anything in detox.  The more hydrated you are, the easier it is.
I'm also a huge fan of Vitamin Water.  You can only drink 2 a day because they are high in niacin but they are way less sugary than Gatorade and have way better flavours.  I like the Vitamin C one and the Lemonade one the best.  You can dilute them with regular water.
I have Crohn's disease and have had my share of bad dehydration scares.  I've ended up in the ER on a fairly regular basis just to be rehydrated.  That's why it's best to take small sips of things- and not too cold or hot- because it's easier on the tummy.
Hope things are going well with you (:
Lu

[motye51]

I heard that alot too...and after having watery #2 (sorry, i know thats gross) for over 2 weeks, i knew why they said it! I felt horrible and not just b/c of the w/d but b/c i had dehydrated soooo much. Dehydration just makes any sickness that much worse. It was very hard to force gatorade down my throat (actually, my husband forced it) but it made a big difference.

[VICourageous]

Yes there are tons of things. Try looking up on some Electrolyte powders and such..Go on line and look at all the fruits and veg that will help.
It is Very important because this will help ease the detox a bit and it does help flush out the toxins. I too have to add things to my water alot. I buy these packets that come in a box called Electro Mix..This is made by Emergen-C.
When I first came clean back in 2012 I used to drink LOTS of water and eat so Healthy. I had some cluster deaths in my life around my 16-18 months and fell into a funk..Did not go and drink or use but I fell bad with my health..I though maybe I was OK with being hydrated until last week I had to have a Heart Procedure (Smoking) and was hooked to the IV..When I came home I could see veins in my arms and wrist that I have not seen it Years. SO Drinking water is also very important for the OX and blood flow. Just do some homework and find out the things that work. I also love lemon in my water. You can find some vit/min in packets too..They are not 100% natural, but they are better then nothing. I wish you the best..This is making me smile because I was just thinking how I wish I had my own IV I could hook up at home with some of that fluid in it..Hahahaha
I was sweating so bad before I knew what was going on, that I lost tons of fluids..I could use this for a back up when they want to draw blood from my veins, that NO ONE can seem to find..lmao
Bless