My Dad (he's pretty old) insists that it's silly to drink water when you're on a pill that reduces the liquid in his blood (diuretic). We've tried to convince him otherwise. He has the classic symptoms of dehydration: sunken eyeballs, diarrhea, abnormal tiredness, etc. But we can't convince him to drink more than just the minimal amt. of water per day.
Please help. Esp. if you can point me to references online that discuss this.
2006-11-19 03:01:15 · 4 answers · asked by NewtonBurger 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Your concern is appropriate. We are about 60% water by weight at birth but only 40% around age 80 so we all 'dehydrate' a bit. Diuretics are a misnomer as they cause shifts in sodium and water in the body and they only cause water loss if there was extra water to begin with. The need for water is in most cases constant with or without a 'diuretic' at about 1500 ml / meters squared of body surface area. In theory you 'old' Dad is being followed by a physician so you should seek their advice.
2006-11-19 03:07:10 · answer #1 · answered by john e russo md facm faafp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The purpose of the diuretic is to reduce the salt (sodium) in the blood by excreting it, not to dehydrate the patient. He must drink sufficient water.
2006-11-19 04:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by yakkydoc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's going to be difficult, but you've got to convince him that good health, looking good, and feeling good comes from a properly functioning body. The best way to get your body functioning optimally is through proper nutrition. Fresh, clean water is the only way to get those nutrients delivered to the proper areas of the body. More on nutrition at: http://www.drmcdougall.com
2006-11-19 03:12:03 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
great question... I take a diuretic also for HBP. am curious to find some answers. LANA
2006-11-19 03:06:22 · answer #4 · answered by ladyluck 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋