When someone has an ileostomy, it means that their small intestine has been brought to the surface of the abdomen to create a stoma, allowing waste to exit the body. This can sometimes lead to changes in how the body manages fluids and electrolytes, like sodium. A caregiver is concerned because her mother, who has had an ileostomy, is experiencing low sodium levels, even though she doesn't seem dehydrated. They're looking for advice from others who might have faced similar issues.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. After an ileostomy, the body can lose more sodium, so it might be necessary to deliberately replace it. This can be done by increasing dietary salt or using drinks that contain salt. It's important to talk to a doctor to get personalized advice on how much sodium is needed and the best ways to get it.

2. Sometimes, low sodium levels can be due to "dilutional" hyponatremia. This happens when someone drinks a lot of plain water but doesn't eat much, which can dilute the sodium in the body. Here are some strategies that might help:
- Reduce the amount of plain water being consumed.
- Include drinks that have electrolytes or other nutrients instead of just water.
- Eat foods that are high in salt, like broths or salted crackers, to help increase sodium intake.