Did you know that the human body is made up of about 60% water, and the brain is even higher at around 75% water! That’s why staying hydrated helps keep the mind sharp and focused. However, hydration which is a super important aspect of health is often overlooked, especially in pediatric cancer patients.

Hydration or maintaining body fluids is critical in pediatric cancer patients, significantly impacting treatment outcomes and overall well-being. In this blog, we will look at the importance of hydration, and practical strategies on how to ensure that children with cancer remain adequately hydrated during their treatment journey. 

But first, why is hydration important in pediatric cancers?

Optimal hydration:

Supports Bodily Functions: Water plays a critical role in nearly every bodily function, including digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and waste elimination. For pediatric cancer patients, who may experience side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy, staying hydrated can help mitigate symptoms like nausea and fatigue.

Helps Eliminate Waste Products: Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments can be tough on the kidneys, which play a crucial role pushing out toxins and waste products from the body. Proper hydration helps support kidney function by helping it to eliminate harmful waste products formed during the treatment.

Enhances Nutrient Absorption and Digestive health: Proper hydration aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the food, which is essential for children with cancer who often have increased nutritional needs. Hydration is also essential for healthy digestion, especially in patients who may be dealing with nausea, constipation, or changes in appetite due to their treatment. Water aids in the movement of food through the digestive system and prevents constipation. For children struggling to eat, drinking enough water can support their digestive health and make their body more resilient during treatment.

Prevents Dehydration: Cancer treatments can lead to dehydration due to side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and fever. Dehydration can also worsen the side effects of treatment, causing additional problems like fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and muscle cramps, making it more challenging for young patients to cope with their illness.

Supports Immune Function: Hydration supports the immune system by helping the body produce lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune cells throughout the body. A well-hydrated body is better equipped to fight infections and recover from illness, which is crucial for pediatric cancer patients whose immune systems are already compromised.

Promotes Healthy Skin and Oral Health: Maintaining fluid balance helps keep the skin healthy and the mouth moist. Children undergoing treatment may be prone to mouth sores or dry mouth and adequate hydration can help mitigate these issues and support oral health.

Maintains energy levels and physical activity: Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment, and dehydration can make it worse. Staying hydrated ensures that the body functions at its best, helping to maintain energy and mood, indulge in physical activity and reduce the impact of treatment side effects.

Getting children to drink enough water can be challenging,more so if they happen to be unwell or undergoing intensive treatment. Here are some tips for parents and caregivers to make hydration more appealing and manageable for children with cancer

1. Make Drinking Fun: Use colorful cups or straws, to make drinking water more enjoyable. Sometimes drinking regular water can be unpalatable for children, especially due to treatment side effects. Try adding fruits or herbs to water to enhance flavor. Allowing children to the decision makers about ways to maintain their hydration can make it a more enjoyable experience.
2. Encourage Regular Fluid Intake: Offer different fluid choices consistently throughout the day, rather than waiting for the child to express thirst. This can include water, milk, buttermilk, sattu drink, coconut water and diluted juices, as well as hydrating foods like soups, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Get Creative: For children who may struggle with drinking liquids, ice,  popsicles, jellies or frozen pieces of fruits can be a more palatable option. These can provide hydration in a form that is often easier to consume.
4. Create a Water Routine: Establish specific times during the day when your child should drink water—such as after waking up, after meals, or before bedtime. Consistency helps build a habit.
5. Provide Easy Access: Keep a bottle of water within easy reach or provide a reusable water bottle that your child can carry throughout the day. Having water readily available encourages them to drink more.
6. Monitor Hydration Levels: Encourage your child to drink water regularly by checking for signs of dehydration such as dark urine or dry lips. Use these indicators as reminders for them to hydrate.
7. Include Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content in your child’s diet. Foods like cucumbers, watermelon and oranges not only hydrate but also provide essential nutrients.
8. Educate and lead by example: Teach your child about the importance of hydration in a fun way—perhaps through games or stories that highlight how water helps their bodies fight off illness and stay strong. And last but not least..let them watch you say no to sugary juices and soft drinks and reach for the plain H2O.

For pediatric cancer patients, staying hydrated is not just about quenching thirst; it’s about supporting overall health and enhancing their ability to cope with treatment challenges. By understanding the importance of hydration and implementing creative strategies to encourage kids to drink more water, parents and caregivers can play a pivotal role in improving their child’s health outcomes during this critical time. It’s important to reiterate that every sip counts towards better health!

References:

1. Pedretti L, Massa S, Leardini D, Muratore E, Rahman S, Pession A, Esposito S, Masetti R. Role of Nutrition in Pediatric Patients with Cancer. Nutrients. 2023 Jan 30;15(3):710. doi: 10.3390/nu15030710. PMID: 36771416; PMCID: PMC9920596.
2. Dehydration and lack of fluids | Cancer-related side effects. (2024). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/eating-problems/fluids-and-dehydration.html
3. Robinson D, Schulz G, Langley R, Donze K, Winchester K, Rodgers C. Evidence-Based Practice Recommendations for Hydration in Children and Adolescents With Cancer Receiving Intravenous Cyclophosphamide. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2014 Jul;31(4):191-199. doi: 10.1177/1043454214532024. Epub 2014 May 5. PMID: 24799445; PMCID: PMC5206805.