Tip 11. Maintain Hydration: Quenching the Thirst for Recovery
Hydration is a fundamental aspect of recovery after any surgery, including thyroidectomy. When you’re properly hydrated, your body can better flush out toxins, maintain optimal body temperature, lubricate and cushion joints, and protect sensitive tissues.
After a thyroidectomy, you might experience symptoms like dry mouth or changes in taste, possibly due to the surgical procedure or side effects of medication. Hydration can alleviate these symptoms and also help with constipation, a common side effect of pain medications.
The recommended intake of water varies depending on factors such as age, sex, weight, activity level, and overall health. However, a general guideline is to aim for 8 glasses, or around 2 liters of water per day. This includes fluid from all sources, not just water, so hydrating foods and other beverages count towards this goal.(11)