Fluid Intake Discussed

Good Morning! Here's a cross-over post that you might be interested in reading. Ro Post Topic: From the Moderators - A word about Fluid Needs Post Date: 10/12/07 7:50 pm In response to the many questions we have received on fluid needs we offer the following. Please feel free to comment, offer your evaluation, and any other thing you would like to add. A word on fluid needs: How much water should you drink every day? It is a simple question, but it doesn't have an easy answer. We know tha****er is the principle chemical component of our body, comprising approximately 60% of our total weight. Every system in your body is dependent upon water - to flush out waste, deliver nutrients to your cells, and provide a moist environment for membranes. The importance of water is unquestionable, but still, how much do we need? Recommendations for fluid intake can vary widely. Many of us have heard the old advice for 8 oz, 8 times per day. If you calculate that out, it is the same as the 64-oz that most dietitians recommend post WLS. But is this the correct amount of fluid for you? Studies on fluid needs have produced varying recommendations for fluid intake over the years. In 2004, researcher Heinz Valtin decided to question the 64-oz per day recommendation. What he found was that there was inadequate evidence that healthy adults living in temperate climates and not engaged in rigorous activities need large amounts of fluids. He further recommended that people should drink when they are thirsty and that even caffeinated drinks count toward your fluid total. In 2004, as a response to this evidence, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued new recommendations for fluids, which were translated loosely into new RDIs. The new RDIs allow for water to be counted as "total water" which means the water in your food, beverages, and water count toward your goal. Food is expected to provide 20% of our fluid and the other 80% from beverages including water. Keep in mind that these new recommendations are accompanied by the fluid goal of 91 oz for women and 125 oz for men (almost 2.7 liter for women and 3.7 liter for men) which is more than the old recommendations. The bottom line appears to be tha****er needs depend on many factors including your health, activity level and where you live. Also take into consideration that the studies on fluid needs were not done on post-WLS people, but on healthy adult volunteers. There are a few ways to calculate the amount of fluid that you need (and some additional information specific to WLS): · Method #1 Dietary recommendations - these are the RDIs as stated above 91 oz for females, 125 oz for males. There are listings of the water contents of foods - a few examples in % water: Lettuce 95%, watermelon 92%, grapefruit 91%, carrot 87%, yogurt 85%, apple 84%. · Method #2 Replacement method - average urine output for adults is 1.5 liter per day, you can lose an additional 500-1000 ml through breathing, sweating, and bowel movements. If you are brave, you can measure your own output, add 1 liter for losses and make that your goal. · Method #3 Calorie based - For every calorie consumed, drink 1 ml of water. This is probably not useful for people on very low calorie diets or restricted by WLS, as the average calorie intake can be less than 1000 per day. · Method #4 Weight based - There are a few formulas for this method. The most common is for every kilogram of body weight, allow for 35-ml water. The more complicated formulas start with a base fluid level then add more sequentially to account for body weight (these get very complicated - good for the math whizzes out there) · Method #5 Thirst based - this one is pretty simple, drink when you are thirsty, plan on 7-12 trips to the bathroom to urinate each day, and drink more when it is hot outside, your activity increases, or if your urine appears concentrated. It might be hard to tell how concentrated your urine is if you are taking a lot of supplements. The most common method for dietitians to use is the ml/kg method - here is where calculations of body weight can come in to play. That information is in a separate post. The bottom line for most people is tha****er is a necessary nutrient. Withou****er, you will die. If your kidneys are healthy, the more water the better! If you have difficulty drinking water, research shows you can count the other things that you eat and drink into your daily fluid requirements. Is there a set amount for everyone - the answer is no. Coming soon - adjusted vs actual body weight Danielle Halewijn, RD,CNSD Director of Nutrition, eNutritionCare.com eNutritionCare.com http://www.enutritioncare.com DISCLAIMER: Any information contained within is meant to be general nutrition advice. Please consult your Registered Dietitian about your specific problem!

That's too involved for me, Ro. I couldn't use a single source of those methods to determine my fluid needs and using all of them would take up too much energy so I will just continue to keep after my 10 cups a day goal and then if I feel thirst above and beyond that keep drinking. Its reassuring to know that there are professionals out there looking out for our needs like that, though. New information and research is always helpful. Thank you! Molly