💦Staying Hydrated with Lupus💦

If you have Lupus, Lupus Nephritis or Raynaud's syndrome keep reading for important hydration tips!

Why is hydration important?

Benefits of Adequate Hydration:

• Carries nutrients and waste products - i.e. the natural way to detox!

• Participates in chemical reactions - important for you to have energy!

• Acts as a lubricant and cushion around joints - important to reduce joint pain and stiffness!

• Acts as a shock absorber in the eyes and spinal cord - yup yup yup!

• Aids in the body’s temperature regulation - reduce your risk for overheating and heat exhaustion if you're properly hydrated!!!

• Maintains blood volume - SO important for you to feel your best and help keep your blood pressure and blood sugar regulated

• Increased fluid intake is needed for a high-fiber diet -- yes! Fluids are absolutely necessary especially if you're increasing your fiber intake! Fiber and fluids help with regular trips to the bathroom, but fiber without fluids actually increases your risk for constipation!

• Drink plenty of water daily to help meet fluid needs - with ongoing heat waves, we all lose more fluids through sweating, add 1-2 extra glasses of water per day

If you have Lupus you're at greater risk for overheating and staying hydrated is one important line of defense against it!

If you have Lupus nephritis, depending on your stage of kidney disease you may need to keep up with your fluid intake to help your kidneys or may have to restrict your fluid intake if you are at a further stage of kidney disease.

Discuss with your doctor if you need a fluid restriction and how much you should consume on an average day.

If you are on a fluid restriction or on medications that help your body get rid of extra water (aka diuretics), you also need to be careful with other sources of fluids like ice, popsicles, gelatin, and even fruits like watermelon.

If you have Raynaud's disease, constriction of your blood vessels is already a problem. Staying hydrated is important to prevent dehydration for all, but especially for those that have Raynaud's disease. Dehydration further restricts blood flow in the blood vessels. Lastly, even though it may be delightful to drink ice cold water - use an insulated cup to protect your hands and fingers from the cold!

If you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed when making dietary changes, contact me today to set up a FREE meet and greet call. Every day, I help my clients feel their best!

Click here for a time that's convenient for you: https://tanyafreirichnutrition.practicebetter.io/#/6199071639803308381092e7/bookings?s=61cd3b9b39803304d8daaa4e

xoxo, The Lupus Dietitian