As you have probably been told from a young age water is very important for optimal wellbeing. Water makes up around two-thirds of the body's weight and it is needed second only to oxygen for the body to function.
Water:
The intake of many items in the diet can complicate the levels of hydration in the body (fluid balance) meaning that the amount of water you take in can be compromised as it is additionally needed to deal with:
Dehydration - even to a small level - can be problem in MS as it can make some of your symptoms worse.
Fatigue
There has been a handful of studies recently suggesting that hydration status could have an impact on levels of fatigue in MS. Whilst this is this is yet to be 'proven' it would make sense as for people without MS, a reduction in hydration can make them feel tired - so It would for this hypothesis that the same was true of people with MS. This research is being tested at a number of sites in the UK so we await the results, but it's one of those tips that cant harm if you try as water is so important for bodily processes.
Other symptoms
The MS trust focusses on the importance of hydration in terms of increasing symptoms of:
The recommended amount of water to be taken in per day is between 1.5 and 2 litres; more if you are exercising or if the weather is particularly warm.
Water:
- is the medium in which all of our cellular chemical processes take place
- enables the transport of nutrients and gasses around in the blood
- provides lubrication of our joints and protection for our organs
The intake of many items in the diet can complicate the levels of hydration in the body (fluid balance) meaning that the amount of water you take in can be compromised as it is additionally needed to deal with:
- sugar
- salt
- caffeine
- alcohol
Dehydration - even to a small level - can be problem in MS as it can make some of your symptoms worse.
Fatigue
There has been a handful of studies recently suggesting that hydration status could have an impact on levels of fatigue in MS. Whilst this is this is yet to be 'proven' it would make sense as for people without MS, a reduction in hydration can make them feel tired - so It would for this hypothesis that the same was true of people with MS. This research is being tested at a number of sites in the UK so we await the results, but it's one of those tips that cant harm if you try as water is so important for bodily processes.
Other symptoms
The MS trust focusses on the importance of hydration in terms of increasing symptoms of:
- urinary tract infections (which can be exacerbated by certain DMD's too)
- tiredness - notably at this stage they do not mention fatigue so we really do need to wait and see
- constipation
The recommended amount of water to be taken in per day is between 1.5 and 2 litres; more if you are exercising or if the weather is particularly warm.
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Hydration and body temperature
Staying adequately hydrated helps to maintain a consistent body temperature which can be important for PwMS if you experience Uhthoff's phenomena: where symptoms are affected by increases in body temperature. It can be particularly important if you are able to exercise, that you take in water regularly to manage the symptoms. |
Sources:
Active IQ (2016) Personal Training manual
Department of Health (2012) Manual of Nutrition
MS trust (2014) Diet factsheet
Active IQ (2016) Personal Training manual
Department of Health (2012) Manual of Nutrition
MS trust (2014) Diet factsheet
