This topic is about finding the right balance between staying hydrated, maintaining sodium levels, and keeping your kidneys healthy when you have an ileostomy. An ileostomy is a surgical opening created to allow waste to leave the body when the colon is not functioning properly. Here are some helpful tips and insights for managing these aspects:

1. Hydration with an Ileostomy
- Since the colon is not in use, it's crucial to drink extra water to prevent kidney damage.
- Many people with an ileostomy find that drinking 4 to 6 bottles of water daily, which is about 2 to 3 liters, helps them stay properly hydrated.
- Some have experienced kidney issues, like stage-3 chronic kidney disease, due to not drinking enough fluids after their ileostomy.

2. Managing Low Sodium Levels
- If you're drinking more water and your sodium levels drop, consider adding salt directly to your water.
- You can also use sodium tablets or sodium bicarbonate pills, which are available over the counter, to help maintain your sodium levels while keeping up with your fluid intake.

3. Making Water More Enjoyable
- To make drinking water more pleasant and to add sodium, try mixing a generous shot of lime cordial and about one teaspoon of salt into a liter of water.

4. Medical Follow-up
- Before reducing your water intake, it might be wise to get a second medical opinion. Some people have seen a significant improvement in kidney function, around 20%, by staying well-hydrated without needing medications specifically for chronic kidney disease.