Hydration Guide - Flipbook - Page 6
HOW MUCH FLUID IS ENOUGH?
How much fluid is enough?
Most people need ~6-8 cups of fluid a day,
this is ~1.8-2.4L or 3-4 pints.
Most people need ~6-8 cups of fluid a
day, this is ~1.8-2.4L or 3-4 pints. For
those who lose excess fluid, either through
sweating or with looser than usual stools
e.g. jejunostomies and ileostomies, extra
fluid is needed to replace these losses.
Normal bowel movements that are formed
cause minimal fluid loss, but those with
colostomies on their right-hand side,
ileostomies or jejunostomies are likely to
Occasionally when someone has loose
bowel movements, drinking more fluid
can make them more dehydrated. If the
bowels are emptying too quickly, there is
not enough time to optimally absorb fluid
as well as electrolytes. Losing electrolytes
too quickly can cause imbalances in
the blood, triggering problems like low
blood pressure, muscle cramps or more
dangerous issues e.g. an irregular heart
rhythm.
If you’re passing large volumes of watery
stools (over 1.5L/3 pints per day) then
drinking more may not help and it’s best to
speak with your Doctor or Specialist Nurse.
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have looser or watery stools. Looser stools
cause extra loss of fluid, but also causes loss
of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium
and magnesium too. If you have higher
fluid losses than the average person e.g.
non-formed stools, it’s best to drink the
recommended 6-8 cups of fluid a day plus
choose saltier foods and ‘hydrating foods’
section - see ‘hydrating foods’ section.
The average 70kg man
(~11 stone) needs:
~2.1 – 2.5L a day, that’s
4-5 standard water bottles or
4.5 pint glasses
The average 60kg woman
(~9 ½ stone) needs:
~1.8 – 2.1L a day, that’s
3-4 standard water bottles or
3-4 pint glasses