Published on 12, July, 2020
Seriously, how?
Dehydration is something I've struggled with my entire life. As a child I was always dehydrated, I never remembered to drink, I didn't feel thirsty. I'm pretty sure when I die one day the cause of death will be dehydration, or kidney failure from too much dehydration. I was in hospital 2 weeks ago with dehydration and the nurses and doctors told me then that each time it will be damaging my kidneys. For me I'm thinking it's like my switch that tells me I'm thirsty and when I need to drink isn't switched on - because I never feel thirsty. Even when I'm in the deep end of dehydration I still don't think of having a drink. I've used app reminders but I don't feel thirsty so don't drink, I literally gag and nearly choke if I try to force myself to drink something.
At my last hospital visit a doctor, think it was a psych doctor was quizzing me on why this happens so frequently to me. I think what she was getting at was am I a psychotic trying to dehydrate myself repeatedly. I was asked if voices were telling me not to drink? I said no, it's just autism. They seriously try and drag mental health in to everything now. It's frustrating! A lot less mental health and more autism support would go a long way.
Dehydration is more than just not drinking enough water. In fact, intaking too much water is how we can drown, so It's complex. I used to have to get an IV in summers when I lived in a more dry climate, because it's an issue of hydration in your blood.
The body needs an assortment of minerals and sugars to stay properly hydrated. A banana a day is a good start. Orange juice an pineapple. I found that a shot glass of raw cranberry added to a cup of 100% grape juice can do the trick. Because there are other mechanisms in the body that can allow or disallow proper hydration. Years ago I had several conversations about the fluoride and chlorine put in tap water which can actually create dehydration if not kept in check. Minerals can be stripped out, so that the water isn't actually hydrating the blood. In a pinch, sport drinks with electrolytes can help. But I started supplementing my routine with bottled pH 7+ water. That was a complete game-changer. But I also have low blood pressure, so I need to really mind a good intake of sodium and salt.
I'm sorry about your low blood pressure mate.
My health has been a bit up and down since I started struggling with eating.