Why Is Staying Hydrated When You Are Sick So Important?

Question

How does it help you fight an illness. Obviously it is important in general to drink enough water everyday but why is it key when fighting an illness?

Answer 1

Taking lots of fluids while sick would help to flush out the toxins; replace the lost fluids from the fever, prevent dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. and /or perspiration once the fever breaks; flushes out the kidneys during urinary tract infections. Staying hydrated also helps with keeping the elimination regular. It also prevents constipation. Rest and fluids always go hand in hand during an illness.


A time may come during the course of your illness when you may eat and drink less. The changes in your appetite and fluid intake may be related to your general weakness and slowing metabolism. Some illnesses are associated with swallowing difficulties or nausea and vomiting. It is important to talk to your doctor about what to expect as your illness progresses. And it's vey impt to keep the fluid balance during an illness to avoid dehydration as dehydration can be life-threatening.

Answer 2

Hydration When Sick

Answer 3

It helps you stay hydrated if you are sick to the point of throwing up/diarrhea.
and you should drink plenty of water everyday anyway to cleanse your body. The more fluids you take in, the more you put out, so the faster you can get rid of whatever is making your body sick.

Answer 4

The water helps to flush toxins and bacteria from your system and speeds the body's ability to rid itself of whatever is making it ill. Also if you are taking meds, the added fluids help to move the med through the system.

Answer 5

1) the fluids weaken the virus or bacterial (learned this from an RN)
2) Fluid intake flushes the invader out (excretory)
3) Replenishes cells, fluids carry nutrients to cells, tissues, organs to maintain strength
4)Maintain skin integrity and turgor
5) Ensure cell permeability/ sodium potassium pump, prevent loss of electrolytes (that is why athletes drink Gator-Ade)

An RN told me to drink Gator Ade when ill, especially when feverish, losing fluids, etc.
She also likened staying hydrated to weaken the virus as one would add water to soda and the soda weakens.

Answer 6

Due to the fact that your body is made of water and constant flow of new fluid will effectively cleanse the body, so to speak.

-Matt

Answer 7

flush out bad bacteria etc.