Blogs
How to Drink Water to Balance Your Blood Values Before Chemotherapy

How to Drink Water to Balance Your Blood Values Before Chemotherapy
How to drink water to balance your blood values before chemotherapy. For patients preparing to undergo chemotherapy treatment, one of the most important things many people overlook is drinking enough water in the right way. Water doesn't just quench thirst — it also plays a vital role in maintaining blood balance, improving circulation, and preparing the body to receive chemotherapy drugs effectively. If you drink too little water, your blood becomes thick and sluggish, making circulation difficult and causing certain blood values to fall out of balance — such as low white blood cells, insufficient platelets, or overworked kidneys — which may force your doctor to postpone your chemotherapy date.
Why water matters for balanced blood values: Water makes up more than 90% of blood's composition, serving as the medium that carries nutrients, oxygen, and waste throughout the body. So when the body becomes dehydrated, blood concentration rises and the function of key organs — such as the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow — declines.
For cancer patients or those preparing for chemotherapy, the body needs more water than the average person, because the treatment process destroys various cells and requires the body to eliminate more waste. Water therefore plays a key role in detoxification and in maintaining balanced blood cell counts.
The relationship between drinking water and blood values
- Improves blood circulation. Drinking enough water keeps blood from becoming too thick, allowing the heart to pump more easily and ensuring organs receive sufficient oxygen.
- Helps balance white blood cell counts. When waste builds up in the body, the bone marrow has to work harder. Drinking enough water helps the immune system function well and improves white blood cells' ability to fight pathogens.
- Reduces the risk of kidney strain before chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs are excreted through the kidneys. Drinking enough water helps the kidneys work smoothly and prevents elevated creatinine levels.
- Helps balance electrolytes in the blood. If you drink too little water, the body loses its balance of sodium and potassium, which can cause fatigue or dizziness.
How much water is enough for patients before chemotherapy? In general, doctors recommend adults drink about 1.5–2 liters of water per day, or roughly 8–10 glasses. However, cancer patients or those about to undergo chemotherapy should increase their water intake according to their doctor's advice, since each person's physical condition differs.
Tips for calculating the right amount of water A simple formula: water (liters) = body weight (kilograms) ÷ 30. For example, if you weigh 60 kilograms, you should drink about 2 liters of water per day (or 8 glasses). However, if you experience fluid retention or have kidney disease, consult your doctor before increasing your water intake.
When is the best time to drink water?
- Immediately after waking up, 1 glass (250 ml) to stimulate the digestive system and restore blood after a night's rest.
- 30 minutes before meals, to help the digestive system work well and improve circulation.
- 1 hour after meals, to help transport nutrients into the bloodstream more effectively.
- 1 small glass before bed, to prevent dehydration during sleep — but not too much, so you don't wake up frequently.
What type of water is best for patients before chemotherapy?
Good to drink
- Room-temperature or warm water, which the body absorbs well without overstimulating the digestive system.
- Young coconut water, which contains natural electrolytes that help balance the blood.
- Freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices, such as carrot juice, beetroot juice, and guava juice, which are high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Clear soups or mild simmered broths, such as chicken soup with shiitake mushrooms, which provide protein and fluids together.
Should avoid
- Caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee), as they cause frequent urination and fluid loss.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Sugary drinks and soft drinks, as they burden the liver and cause blood sugar levels to rise too high.
Foods to eat alongside drinking water: Drinking water alone may not be enough — the body also needs nutrients that help build and maintain balanced blood.
- High-quality protein helps build blood cells and repair cells, such as fish, skinless chicken, egg whites, or specialized medical protein supplements.
- Dark green vegetables contain folate and vitamin B12, which help stimulate the production of red and white blood cells.
- Vitamin C-rich fruits help boost immunity and protect blood cells, such as oranges, guava, and kiwi.
- Whole grains, such as brown rice, black sesame, and red beans, provide iron and zinc, which are essential for blood cell production.
Additional tips before chemotherapy
- Get enough rest, at least 7–8 hours, because sleep is when the body creates new blood cells.
- Reduce stress, because stress affects the release of the cortisol hormone, which suppresses the immune system.
- Exercise lightly, such as slow walking or yoga, to stimulate blood circulation and increase oxygen in the body.
- Monitor blood values regularly, so your doctor can adjust treatment to match your physical condition.
Nutritional supplementation to restore the body before chemotherapy: Even with efforts to drink enough water and eat a balanced diet, some patients — especially those who
- have lost their appetite,
- can only eat small amounts,
- experience nausea from medication, or
- feel weak from treatment
may not get enough nutrients. Protein supplementation is therefore a good option. One popular product is protein for cancer patients from Royim Protein, specifically designed to restore the body of patients before and after chemotherapy.
Key features of Royim Protein's cancer patient protein
- Easy to digest and quickly absorbed, suitable for those with weak digestive systems or nausea after chemotherapy.
- Provides a complete set of essential amino acids, which serve as the building blocks for producing white blood cells and repairing damaged tissue.
- Helps maintain balanced blood values before chemotherapy, preparing the body to receive treatment, reducing the risk of complications, and supporting faster recovery after treatment.
How to take it
- Mix 1 scoop of protein powder (as indicated on the label) with 200 ml of room-temperature or warm water.
- Drink 1–2 times per day, after meals or before bed.
- When combined with drinking enough clean water, the body can absorb the nutrients more fully.
It can also be mixed into smoothies, soups, or rice porridge as preferred, to add nutrients without causing loss of appetite.
Drink water the right way to prepare your body before chemotherapy: Drinking water the right way isn't just about drinking a lot — it's about drinking the right amount consistently, to maintain the best possible blood balance before undergoing chemotherapy.
Simple principles to remember
- Drink enough water (1.5–2 liters per day).
- Drink in intervals, not all at once.
- Choose warm water or natural fruit juices.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.
Along with eating a balanced diet, especially high-quality protein, which is the key to building new blood cells. At every step of your recovery, Royim Protein is here to stand by your side. Our specially formulated protein shake is designed to boost energy, restore muscle, and help strengthen your body. May every day of yours be filled with the strength to keep fighting. Choose Royim Protein as your trusted partner for your good health today.