The topic is about finding alternatives to plain water for staying hydrated, especially for those with an ostomy. The originator is looking for practical suggestions because they are tired of drinking large amounts of plain water as advised by their doctor. They have switched to iced orange juice and are curious if this is a good option. They also want to know about early signs of dehydration, as they have experienced sudden dehydration requiring hospital treatment.

Here are some helpful suggestions and insights shared by others:

1. Consider low-sugar sports or electrolyte drinks:
- Gatorade G2, available in both regular and lower-sugar options.
- Powerade.
- Pedialyte, especially useful after long flights or stomach issues.
- ZipFizz, a sugar-free powdered mix.
- Homemade oral-rehydration drinks using electrolyte sachets.

2. Try other commercial beverages:
- Ocean Spray Lite Cran/Raspberry.
- V8 vegetable juice.
- Coconut water.
- Flavor drops like Mio or Crystal Light for plain water.
- Nestlé Flavored Water, Nestea, or a mix of decaf iced tea and lemonade.
- Quinine (tonic) water or diet ginger ale as mixers.

3. Explore fresh or homemade options:
- Celery juice, which is a great hydrator when made in a juicer.
- Fresh lemon or lime slices in water for a light flavor.
- Popsicles or ice cubes made from fresh-fruit juice.
- Salty crackers alongside fluids to help replace sodium.

4. Follow practical hydration routines:
- Aim for about 2 liters of fluids daily, including electrolyte sources.
- Drink steadily throughout the day, not just when thirsty.
- Room-temperature water can be easier to drink; alternating temperatures and flavors can help avoid "water fatigue."

5. Be cautious:
- Drinking too much plain water without electrolytes can worsen dehydration by diluting sodium and potassium levels.
- Coffee and alcohol can increase fluid loss, so use alcohol sparingly if at all.

6. Watch for early signs of dehydration:
- Hoarse voice and slumped posture.
- Dizziness, shakiness, or jitteriness.
- Sudden extreme fatigue or feeling "draggy."
- Dry mouth and greatly reduced urination.
- Muscle cramps and a salty taste on the skin around the mouth.

7. Learn from personal experiences:
- Some ileostomates needed hospital IVs after relying only on water; switching to 1–2 quarts of Gatorade or similar drinks helped prevent this.
- A colostomate who cannot tolerate water uses grape, apple, orange, and prune juice without issues.

8. Fun but less-recommended ideas:
- Drinks like Rum & Coke, Dewar’s whisky, Guinness, and Bushmills were mentioned humorously. If consumed, it's advised to follow each alcoholic drink with water or an electrolyte beverage.