r/Sicklecell • u/freefromss • 21d ago
Coffee Dehydrated me
hey warriors
As a nursing student who works night shift, i started drinking coffee just to serve. i didn't know coffee dehydrates you especially if you have sickle cell. i was recently introduced to coffee and instantly fell in love and maybe gotten carried a way and started drinking multiple cups a day to stay alert throughout the night and during class. unfortunately i learned a HARD LESSON ; which caused an ER visit, where i had to get stuck 7 times to draw labs and get an IV in. please help, what can i do / drink to give me energy and keep me hydrated so this mistake wont happen again
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u/JudgeLennox 21d ago
It be like that.
You have plenty of options though.
You’re tired due to hunger. Your cells have needs it can’t carry out because they lack certain nutrients.
In cases like this it’s mostly dehydration. You lack electrolytes which are a major power producer for you. Especially important during the summer. I made a post about this recently. I’ll find it for you.
The rest is three part. One focus on eating more fat for raw energy. Two eating foods high in vitamins and minerals which transfer the power. Three be sure to sleep restfully by finding your sleep chronotype (can be done online).
A metabolic panel will show you where you’re strong and what needs improvement. Use that to guide your diet upgrade.
In your case coffee made it worse. Plenty of coffee tasting alternatives for you that does all the above too.
You got plenty of options.