Hydration and Cramping

[Tori]

I saw this mentioned in another thread and thought it was worth delving into further.

I have a remarkably hard time staying hydrated on Spiro. Besides drinking more (duh) what other tips can y'all offer? I live in a hot and humid climate and sometimes, the slightest movement can cause an afternoon of sweat. That does not help things. Sometimes my work makes it impossible to urinate frequently... which encourages me to hydrate less.

Also what can I do to help with the cramps? I figure hydrate first and stretch. But the back can be hard to properly stretch. My worst cramps are in the back. Should I stretch through a cramp? I always heard potassium rich foods helped, but that is not the best option for someone on Spiro.

Anyhoo, how did y'all adapt to your body's new hydration needs?

[Jessica Merriman]

Yes, stay away from Potassium and supplements or sports drinks with it included. Water is still the best. I would check with your doctor about your particular need as your climate sounds tough and might cause some Potassium loss. As for the cramps find out which muscle is cramping by doing some anatomy book work, then learn how to counter stretch it. Example, when your lower leg cramps to relieve it sit with your leg out straight then slowly pull your foot (by the toes) up toward your knees. This will stretch the muscle back out. Hold for a minute and then slowly let your foot back down. Hope this helps.

[Jerri]

i like gatorade and othe sports drinks if I cant stay within a few feet of the water cooler, but i just had a bad experience with my first bladder infection which was likely not helped along by not discharging regular or completely so i am pretty certain that proper hyration is super critical for good health with internal parts.
no matter choice of fluids you have to be able to have plenty of them and discharge regular or at least that is what is best for me. can you bring a cooler or thermos of cool water to drink during the day

your doctor can give you a better idea of how much you need but i am now 3/4 to 1 gal of water per day and reduced to 2 cups coffee, i do like to have a hot chocolate when its cold in the afternoon though.

becareful dehydration has many forms of hurting you. and if you are cramping your at a higher level already

Jerri

[Tori]

Thank you both. I was really surprised by how hard it is to stay hydrated on Spiro. When I drink a lot of fluid, it feels like it passes right through me, as if I do not absorb what I need. I didn't think it would be a difficult thing to stay hydrated.

I am really hoping estrogen will change my reaction to temperature. Most women I know handle the temps here better than I do, but I am only three weeks in. Time will tell.

[LordKAT]

Spiro is a diuretic, if you add salt a bit, it can help to combat this. You are taking a drug which depletes water so you need to drink often and pee often.


BTW, Women tend to get cold easily.

[Jessica Merriman]

Your body is going through a big change. It will even out in a month or so. Good luck baby!

[evecrook]

I had a lot of severe cramps in my thighs for a long time. My doctor told me a lot of water and it worked.

[JennX]

Water... drink lots of it. A whole lot. Also monitor your potassium and sodium serum levels.

[Tori]

Gator aid has helped. Although it does contain potassium, if I am cramping, I doubt my P levels are too high. Besides I get my blood tested next week to check levels.

Pickles, see my other thread, are a great way to add salt. I literally feel chills as my body absorbs the living nutrients, and I am not a vegan, health loving, softie. I love my red meat and fatty oils. But this female thing is kinda cool and it does impact me, so does Spiro's cruel need to dehydrate me like a vampire.

[FrancisAnn]

Thanks for posting. Sometimes I just forget to drink lots of water even thought I'm not thirsty. I'm also on spiro however I've never had any cramps so far.   

[Tori]

I think it is rather important. Cramps are better now that I am discussing this here and thinking about it more. I had one cramp today instead of seven. Funny, SALT helps you hydrate in the proper dosage. But it increases blood pressure. But Spiro lowers BP so...