Stay Hydrated This Summer

How Does Dehydration Affect Epilepsy?

For people with epilepsy, dehydration can act as a seizure trigger. Staying hydrated and cool is an important part of epilepsy self-management, especially during the summer months. This helps maintain the optimal fluid balance your brain needs to function well. Dehydration sometimes goes unnoticed, but even mild dehydration has side effects.

During the hot summer months, it’s important for everyone to drink enough water and to stay hydrated. When temperatures rise, your body needs more fluids, especially if you spend time outdoors or sweat a lot.  

How Does Hydration Affect Seizures?

• Mild dehydration can make it harder to focus, remember things, and control movement.
• Some people with epilepsy notice they have more seizures when they are dehydrated or overheated.
• Water helps your body work properly. It supports healthy body temperature, blood pressure, joints, and digestion.  

One way to check if you are dehydrated is to look at the color of your urine in a white toilet. If the color is darker than lemonade, that is a sign you need to drink more water.

Tips to Stay Hydrated

• Most adults need at least 8 cups of water daily. Children need between 6-8 cups.
• The best drink is plain, regular water. You can also flavor water with a slice of lemon or lime, a few cucumber slices, or a peppermint leaf.
• An insulated, reusable water bottle is helpful to keep with you on the go.
• Drink water before, during, and after physical activity to help keep your body temperature cool.

Listen to your body. If you feel weak, dizzy, or thirsty, find a place to rest in the shade. Drink water, tell someone (family member, lifeguard, camp counselor, coach, or friend) how you are feeling and take a break. Ask them to stay by your side until you feel better.

What Are the Signs of Dehydration?

Common signs of dehydration include:

• Dark yellow urine
• Thirst
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Foods to Eat for Hydration

Drinking water is not the only way to stay hydrated. Food can be a source of hydration, too. Foods with a lot of water include:

• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Zucchini
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Watermelon
• Strawberries

These fruits and vegetables also have nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  

To stay hydrated and follow the keto diet for seizure control, try these recipes from The Charlie Foundation:

• Keto Spicy Jicama Slaw
• Strawberry Ginger Fat Bomb
• Zucchini and Tomatoes Sauté
• Keto Ice Cream

Plan Ahead for a Safe Summer

Staying hydrated starts with planning ahead. Talk with your loved ones and healthcare team about ways to stay safe and manage epilepsy during hot weather. Follow your seizure action plan and take steps to avoid triggers whenever possible.