Coffee and tea contain caffeine that can act to make the body lose more fluid. Sports fluids, such as Gatorade, can be used because they provide chemicals such as sodium and potassium that are lost with sweating during exercise. However, use caution and check with your health care provider about drinking sports fluids when your diet is restricted or when you are taking prescription medications. In some situations, too much fluid in the body can cause the fluid to stay in tissues, usually in the feet and legs. This condition is called edema and can be treated with diuretics.
Diuretics are medications that rid the body of extra fluid through increased urine output.
Edema can occur in several conditions, including heart and kidney disease. Fluid intake may be restricted when edema occurs because drinking too much can counteract the action of the diuretics and make the fluid retention worse. Ask your health care provider about the fluid intake that is appropriate for you. Written by Carolyn Norrgard, RNC, BA, MEd, and Carol Matheis-Kraft, PhD, RNC, for iMcKesson Clinical Reference Products. Published by iMcKesson Clinical Reference Products.