Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery: Hydration

Drinking enough water is essential to health. Not drinking enough can result in dehydration which can lead to poor health.We recommend that you drink a minimum of 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water each day.

You must drink more water to balance what you have lost if:

You are exercising
The weather is hot
You are sweating a lot — this includes "hot flashes" and night sweats
You have a fever, diarrhea or are vomiting

Your urine should be a pale yellow color and not a concentrated dark yellow.

What encourages hydration and dehydration?

Hydration:

Water
Herbal teas
Nonfat soymilk
Diluted fruit juices

Dehydration:

Alcohol
Coffee and decaffeinated coffee
Black tea and decaffeinated tea
Chocolate
High-sodium, or salty, foods
Caffeinated sodas

How much is enough?

Recommendation:

Drink a minimum of 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

Liquid measurements:

1 cup = 8 ounces
2 cups = 1 pint
4 cups = 1 quart
2 pints = 1 quart
4 quarts = 1 gallon
16 cups = 1 gallon

Equivalents of 8 to 10 cups:

64 to 80 ounces
4 to 5 pints
2 to 2.5 quarts
.5 to .75 gallon

Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery:

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

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