Dehydration affects our physical and mental health. It can affect our mood and feelings as well as our body. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, tiredness, dry mouth and headaches and it can result in urinary tract infections and confusion in some cases.
It’s recommended that people should drink around six-eight glasses of water or two litres per day for healthy adults but staying hydrated when in hospital can be a challenge for some patients.
- Try to have a drink at regular intervals throughout the day. If you cannot manage large amounts, try to have small sips throughout the day instead. Keep a drink close by to remind yourself to drink regularly and to keep track on how much you are managing.
- You could try using a straw in your glass or a sports bottle cap on your bottle of fluid.
- If you have difficulty preparing drinks for yourself, ask staff to leave drinks beside you or somewhere you can easily access them.
- Foods can contribute to your fluid intake also, such as ice lollies, soup, stews, yoghurts and jelly. Some fruits and vegetables, such as melon, tomatoes and cucumber, are also good sources of fluid.
- If you feel thirsty all the time it could be that you have a health condition such as diabetes. Please check with your doctor if you are concerned.
- If you have problems swallowing liquids or are coughing whilst eating or drinking please speak to your healthcare professional.
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