Water, water everywhere. So drink it already!

Some patients with ET (including me) say they feel better when they drink more water. It's anecdotal information mostly, though the University of Maryland's Medical Center site encourages patients with all MPNs to move toward a healthy diet, including adequate hydration. The idea is that the better shape you're in, the better your body is able to cope with the added stress of disease.

So how much water is enough?

The Centers for Disease Control says that women should get about 72 ounces of fluid per day, while men need about 104 ounces. You can count uncaffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids of any kind in that amount. The CDC also notes that you may need more water if you're exercising, have a fever or diarrhea or vomiting, or the weather is hot and humid.

Ideally, you want to spread your water intake evenly throughout the day. I have 16-ounce tumblers at my house, and I drink a glass at each meal (for a total of 48 ounces). I also try to drink a full tumbler with my morning and evening meds (another 32 ounces). When I'm on my feet teaching for long periods, I put water instead of coffee in my travel cup. I get fewer headaches when I'm well-hydrated, and I don't have that "caffeine crash" in the late afternoon that I used to get when I was drinking a lot of office coffee that was super strong and reheated several times a day.

Some ET patients also say that good hydration seems to reduce itching and lethargy that go with ET. 

I still do drink coffee, up to 36 ounces per day. That sounds like a lot, except that it's all half-caf, so my real caffeine intake is about 16 ounces, or two cups.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute notes that those taking hydroxyurea (Hydrea) can experience constipation, and should increase fluid and fiber intake. So water can keep things "moving" if you have that problem as well.

As always, talk to your doctor to make sure you don't have to restrict water intake for some other ailment.

Be well!

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