SICKLE CELL AND LIQUIDS: PART 2
The experts say we should drink plenty of water
It is incredibly important for those of us with sickle cell to stay hydrated. Drinking water promotes healthy blood flow and reduces the chance of our red blood cells sickling and sticking together. It keeps our blood cells supple so they can move more freely within our blood vessels. If we don’t drink enough water, our blood cells become stickier and struggle to move through the body. This could result in the blood cells getting stuck and lead to a crisis.
Therefore, it is important for an adult to drink at least 2 – 4 litres of water daily. Dehydration can harm organs such as the heart and make it to work harder. Water is a healthy and cheap choice for quenching your thirst at any time. It has no calories and contains no sugars that can damage our bodies.
Healthy alternatives to water are:
1 – ADD FRUITS TO YOUR WATER
Add a chunk of fruit (fresh or frozen), cucumber, or sprigs of mint to plain or sparkling water. Squeeze the fruit before plopping it in the glass for a real boost in flavour. Try a reusable bottle with a special slot for “add ins.”
2 – ADD WATER TO YOUR FRUIT JUICE
Add a splash or two of your favourite juice to flat or fizzy water. While juice can “count” towards your fluid intake, those calories can go towards a more nutrient-rich choice.
3 – DRINK SOUPS
Hot or cold, you’ll get the same hydration choosing a clear or vegetable-based soup. Make your own soup, or try some of the blends of “sipping soups” that are single serve and microwaveable.
4 – TAKE DECAFFEINATED TEA OR COFFEE
Although caffeine is a mild diuretic (help rid your body of salt). Switch to decaffeinated tea or coffee to optimise your fluid intake.
5 – TRY MILK ALTERNATIVES
If you can’t drink milk (or choose not to), try a cup of almond, soy or coconut milk to help hydrate; these are all fortified with extra nutrients.
Sources: www.froedtert.com; www.sicklecellanemianews.com and www.nbcnews.com
My book HOW TO LIVE WITH SICKLE CELL is available for purchase on www.told.dehinde.com & www.amazon.com
