Dehydration happens when you lose more fluid than you put into your body by drinking water. Frequent diarrhea from ulcerative colitis (UC) can reduce your body’s fluids and lead to dehydration.
You can manage mild dehydration by drinking more liquids, like water, broth, and natural juices. If you don’t get enough to drink and diarrhea continues, dehydration can become serious enough to damage your kidneys. Severe dehydration could be life threatening.
UC leads to inflammation of the lining of the intestines, which prevents them from absorbing fluid. The additional water exits the body in watery bowel movements.
UC’s severity is directly related to the chances of getting dehydrated. If you have mild or moderate UC symptoms, you could have between 2 and 6 bowel movements per day. If you have severe UC, you could have more than 6 bowel movements a day.
Severe symptoms carry a higher chance of you getting dehydrated. But not everyone with UC becomes dehydrated.
You’re more likely to get dehydrated if you:
- aren’t able to drink enough water to compensate for what you lose
- drink coffee or alcohol, which causes your body to remove even more fluid
- sweat a lot from exercise or heat
- had your colon removed or have an ileostomy
Drinking enough fluids will replenish what you lose through diarrhea. If you have UC, it’s very important that you hydrate yourself often and properly, especially during flare-ups.
Water alone may not be enough if you’re losing fluids. When you have diarrhea, your body also loses electrolytes like salt, potassium, and magnesium, which need to be replenished. So, drinking water helps but you may need to combine it with other fluids.
Everyone’s fluid needs differ, but try to have about eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. You’ll know that you’re hydrated when your urine is light yellow in color.
Drinking water with electrolytes will help you stay hydrated better. You can find that combination in the form of an oral rehydration solution (like Pedialyte) at your local pharmacy. Sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade also contain electrolytes and fluid. Clear vegetable or beef broth may also help.
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. It’s important to sip on liquids throughout the day.
If you’re concerned that drinking more liquids will make your diarrhea worse, don’t worry. Water shouldn’t affect how often you need to go, and electrolytes can help reduce diarrhea.
Drinking enough water is important when you know you’ll lose extra fluids from sweating or when your diarrhea is flaring up. Bring a water bottle with you when it’s hot outside or you’re exercising, and keep drinking.
Remember that water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. You may also need to add in other fluid sources, such as:
- fruit juice
- clear broth
- ice pops
- low fiber fruits such as melon and watermelon
If you have UC, it’s important to limit or avoid alcohol and diuretics such as coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks. They’ll not only make you lose more fluid and get dehydrated faster, but they can also worsen UC symptoms. The carbonation in soda can also cause uncomfortable gas and bloating.
If you are lactose or fructose intolerant, you may also want to avoid dairy drinks and some juices, such as those made from peaches, prunes, and pears.
Working with a healthcare professional may help you identify foods and liquids you should avoid if you have UC.
Thirst is one of the main signs that you’re low on fluids. But by the time you start to feel thirsty, you’re likely already dehydrated.
Other signs of dehydration may include a combination of:
- dry mouth
- headaches
- going to the bathroom less often or passing only small amounts of urine
- dark urine
- lack of energy and tiredness
- temporary dizziness or lightheadedness
See a doctor if you have symptoms of severe dehydration:
- persistent dizziness
- muscle cramps
- pale skin
- sunken eyes
- confusion
- fast breathing
- rapid pulse
For mild to moderate dehydration, drinking an oral rehydration solution or sports drink should be enough to rehydrate you. Consulting with a healthcare professional is advised if you’re not sure what to do.
If you show persistent signs of dehydration, seek medical care. You may need intravenous (IV) rehydration and other treatments.
Diarrhea is one of the main symptoms of UC, and it may cause or worsen dehydration.
Talk with a doctor about treatments to manage diarrhea so you don’t get dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids each day. If you do become dehydrated, try an oral rehydration solution or sports drink to replenish fluids and electrolytes.