If you have endometrial cancer (EC), you may understand how difficult it can be to stay hydrated. Vomiting, fevers and diarrhea are just a few causes of dehydration in people with cancer. Many EC treatments can contribute to dehydration as well, such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Keeping hydrated and maintaining your electrolyte balance will not only mean you feel better but will help your body fight the cancer more efficiently.
Signs of dehydration during cancer treatment
You already know the most obvious signs of dehydration: thirst and a dry mouth. However, that’s not where they stop. The symptoms of dehydration can impact nearly the entire body and include:
- Headaches: A lack of fluids and the resulting electrolyte imbalance might cause headaches that get worse with movement.
- Fevers: While fevers can cause dehydration, they can also be a symptom of it. Higher fevers can cause worse dehydration, especially when accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sunken eyes: The eyes have a very high water content. When you become dehydrated, therefore, your eyeballs may appear sunken.
- Decreased appetite: Some people tend to feel less hungry when dehydrated. Paradoxically, dehydration can also cause a lack of thirst.
Read more about EC signs and symptoms
Because the signs of dehydration are not always clear, you should make sure to monitor whether you are losing excess fluids or not staying hydrated enough.
The role of oral rehydration therapy in EC care
For many patients with EC, oral rehydration solutions can help restore hydration and electrolytes. Many different over-the-counter options are available, depending on your needs and flavor preferences. These solutions contain electrolytes including sodium, magnesium, and potassium, in addition to glucose.
Oral rehydration therapies are available both as liquids that are ready to drink or as powders that must be mixed with water.
Best foods to eat when dehydrated
If you’re also looking for food options to treat dehydration, there are plenty of fluid-rich foods that can help supplement your liquid intake.
Many of the top food-based sources of water are fruits and vegetables like watermelon, asparagus, celery, cucumbers and peppers. Apples, oranges, grapes and pineapples also have relatively high water content.
Food is not a substitute for drinking fluids. However, water-rich foods can provide an extra boost in combating dehydration.
Tips for staying hydrated
If you’re finding it hard to prevent or treat your dehydration, here are some tips to help you stay on track:
- Drink less more often: If it’s hard to drink large volumes of water at a time, try to space out your drinking to make it more tolerable. If it’s helpful for you, you can consider setting reminders or using apps to track your fluid intake.
- Incorporate variety: Smoothies, soups, juices and popsicles can help you reach your needed fluid and electrolyte intake if you are struggling with water or oral rehydration alone.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, meaning they increase urine production, raising your risk of dehydration.
Intravenous fluids to treat dehydration
If your dehydration becomes severe or you are unable to manage it on your own, your doctor may recommend intravenous (IV) fluids. These are water-based solutions containing essential minerals like those found in oral rehydration therapies.
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