How to Stay Hydrated With Crohn’s Disease

Why People With Crohn’s Disease Are Prone to Dehydration ¹ ²

Dehydration is a frequent concern for people managing Crohn’s. Diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, or bowel surgery can all reduce the body’s ability to absorb fluids and electrolytes. Symptoms like nausea or decreased appetite make drinking enough during the day harder. Anyone with chronic diarrhea, a history of bowel resection, an ileostomy, or ongoing inflammation should stay especially mindful.

What Dehydration Looks Like ³

Mild dehydration may cause symptoms like thirst, dry mouth or lips, darker urine, and fatigue. As it worsens, people may experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or very little urine output. In severe cases, you might stop sweating altogether. If you feel disoriented or cannot stay awake, seek medical help immediately.

Smart Hydration Strategies You Can Use Daily ⁴

Keeping up with hydration every day helps prevent more serious issues. Here are practical strategies for staying ahead:

• Track fluid intake and loss: Adjust fluid intake when symptoms or activity increase.
• Use your urine color as a guide: Light yellow suggests good hydration, while darker urine means you may need more fluids.
• Sip often instead of waiting for thirst: Thirst means you are already behind. Sip fluids throughout the day to stay ahead.
• Add electrolytes when needed: Water alone might not be enough during flare-ups or heavy sweating. Electrolyte drinks like Sqwincher® or Sqwincher Zero® beverages help your body absorb and retain fluids by replacing sodium and potassium.
• Adapt to your day: Drink more often on hot days or during exercise. A good rule is to add 8 ounces of water every 30 minutes of moderate activity, and include electrolytes if you are sweating a lot.

These habits can make daily hydration feel more manageable and less reactive.

What to Drink and What to Avoid ⁵ ⁶

Hydration is not just about drinking more, but also about choosing the proper fluids. Some drinks support hydration, while others can make symptoms worse.

Recommended drinks:

• Water: Still the most reliable choice. One study linked water intake to fewer symptoms in people with Crohn’s.
• Broths and soups provide both fluid and sodium and are gentle during flare-ups.
• Diluted juices or smoothies: These add nutrients and fluids but should be low in sugar and tailored to your tolerance.
• Electrolyte drinks: Options like Sqwincher® and/or Sqwincher Zero® beverages, or coconut water support sodium and potassium levels.

Fluids to limit or avoid:

• Alcohol: It draws water out of the body and can irritate the digestive tract.
• Caffeinated drinks: Coffee, energy drinks, and black tea may increase fluid loss through urination and trigger diarrhea.
• Sugary sodas and juices: High sugar can worsen diarrhea by pulling more water into the intestines.
• Sugar alcohols: Many “sugar-free” products contain sorbitol or xylitol, which can cause bloating or diarrhea. Sqwincher Zero® products use sucralose instead.
• Milk during flares: Temporary lactose intolerance is common, so that dairy may worsen symptoms.

Choose fluids that are easy on your system and that actively support hydration.

Special Situations: Flare-Ups, Ileostomies, and Recovery ⁷ ⁸

Some situations raise your fluid needs significantly. These include flare-ups, post-surgery recovery, and living with an ileostomy. During flare-ups: Start rehydrating as soon as symptoms increase. Keep electrolyte drinks or powders on hand, and sip small amounts frequently. If you can’t keep up with fluid loss, contact your doctor. Ileostomy or short bowel: These conditions cause greater fluid and sodium loss. Aim for at least 8 to 10 cups daily. Sip consistently rather than all at once, and consider extra salt intake. Work with your care team to create the right plan. During recovery: Hydration supports healing and energy after surgery, a flare-up, or hospitalization. If appetite is low, try broths, diluted juices, or popsicles. Include hydration as part of your recovery plan alongside rest and nutrition.

Everyday Habits That Help ⁹

Incorporating simple habits into your routine can improve your hydration without adding stress:

• Carry a refillable water bottle: Make fluids more accessible throughout your day.
• Use reminders or tracking apps: These can help you stay consistent with your intake.
• Eat water-rich foods: Cucumbers, melons, soups, and smoothies contribute to hydration and electrolyte balance.
• Talk with your care team: Ask about creating a personalized hydration plan based on your symptoms, activity, and medications.
• Recognize your triggers: Heat, alcohol, caffeine, or intense activity may increase fluid needs.
• Stay consistent with Crohn’s treatment: When your disease is better managed, hydration becomes easier too.

Conclusion

Staying hydrated is essential to managing Crohn’s disease. It supports energy, digestion, healing, and overall stability. Sip fluids regularly, include electrolytes when necessary, and avoid drinks that may make symptoms worse. When water is not enough, Sqwincher® beverages offer balanced electrolytes to help you stay on track. With a few smart habits, you can feel more balanced and better equipped to manage life with Crohn’s.

Sources:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/crohn-disease/hydration-strategies-for-crohns-disease
2. https://patient.gastro.org/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-staying-hydrated/
3. https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/info-support/information-about-crohns-and-colitis/all-information-about-crohns-and-colitis/symptoms/dehydration
4. https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/avoid-dehydration-ibd
5. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/diet-and-nutrition/what-should-i-eat
6. https://www.sqwincher.com/about/
7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/crohns-disease-treatment
8. https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/treatment/surgery/ostomy
9. https://www.everydayhealth.com/crohns-disease/why-its-important-to-stay-hydrated-if-you-have-crohns/