How to keep yourself hydrated with a stoma

One of my biggest worries, when it’s warm, is keeping hydrated. The large bowel is where you re-absorb a lot of water back into your body so when you have an ileostomy, it can be difficult. However, keeping hydrated with a stoma doesn’t have to be a chore. With a bit of planning, most of the time it can be quite easy!

Now, when I say quite easy what I mean is that most of the time it’s manageable. However, sometimes, especially when you’re hitting over 30 degrees like it was last weekend, it can be tricky.

But there are simple ways to make sure you’re keeping hydrated. From carrying your water bottle around with you to the foods you eat, here are some of my top tips for keeping hydrated with a stoma.

5 ways to keep yourself hydrated with an ostomy

Always carry your water bottle

One of the easiest ways to keep hydrated is to make sure you always have water with you. Pretty simple right! As we’re all becoming more aware of plastic waste, there are lots of places where you can fill your water bottle up for free as well!

For over the past year, I’ve been using the Ion8 leakproof water bottle and currently I’m using their 1 litre one which is AMAZING for keeping hydrated. It’s my favourite water bottle as it is leakproof and I’ve not had it fail on me yet (touch LOTS of wood on that one!)

Because I like cool water, I keep a water filter jug in the fridge. I use the ZeroWater 12 cup jug which has a 5 layer filtration so you get a much nicer taste in your tap water! It also doesn’t spill everywhere which is a lifesaver!

Hydration sachets are your friend

Hydration sachets are my favourite quick fix for when it’s hot. Whenever I go on holiday, I always pack them and actually have one or two in my handbag as well.

These are great because sometimes water isn’t enough to hydrate you. If you’re in need of sorting out your salt and electrolytes, these are fab!

I usually opt for Boots’ own sachets however some other options are;

• Coconut Water
• V8 or other vegetable juices
• Lucozade or other low sugar sports drinks
• Pedialyte

You can also make your own hydration solutions really easily. The recipe I’ve used is;

Mix the following then make up to 1litre with water. Chill and flavour as required. Sip throughout the day

• 200ml squash concentrate (not low sugar or sugar–free) – fruit juice can be an alternative
• 1 level teaspoon salt

Choose foods which have a high water content OR help with absorption

Foods which have high water contents will help you absorb your fluids better. Some of these foods you might not be able to digest with a stoma but hopefully some will work for you!

• Watermelon
• Tomatoes
• Apples/applesauce
• Cucumbers
• Yoghurt
• Smoothies
• Jelly

There are also foods which don’t have a high water content BUT they do help with absorption. Some of these foods are;

• Potatoes
• Bananas
• Bread
• Crackers
• Pretzels

Drink regularly

A big thing I’ve learnt since having a stoma is that chugging a load of water when you’re really thirsty isn’t helpful as it makes fluid go through your system too fast to hydrate properly.

Instead, sip your water on a regular basis to stop yourself from feeling the need to chug your water.

Switch up what your drinking so you don’t get bored

I don’t know about you but one thing I struggle with sometimes is that I get bored of drinking water all the time! So don’t be scared to switch up your drinks sometimes.

Fruit has a really high water content so having a little smoothie here and there is a really good option.

If smoothies aren’t your thing, pop some strawberries or lemon slices into your water to give it a bit of a fruity taste.

Keeping hydrated is really important and if it is something you’re struggling with, it’s worth contacting your stoma nurses for some extra support!

Leave your favourite ways to stay hydrated in the comments below 🙂