If you have had surgery as part of your management for a polyposis syndrome, you may find that keeping well-hydrated is more challenging than before. This is because bowel surgery can sometimes reduce the body’s ability to absorb fluids and salts effectively. Dehydration can make you feel tired, dizzy, or unwell — but there are ways to help your body stay balanced.

One option is St Mark’s Electrolyte Mix (also known as E-Mix), a specially designed glucose-electrolyte solution developed by St Mark’s Hospital. Unlike sports drinks or plain water, St Mark’s Mix has the right balance of glucose and sodium to support fluid absorption in people who have had bowel surgery or who experience high output from a stoma or shortened bowel.

When you drink plain water or other low-sodium fluids like tea or coffee, your body can actually lose more salt and water into the bowel. St Mark’s Mix helps prevent this by optimising the sodium-glucose balance, allowing your body to absorb fluids more effectively and maintain hydration.

The recipe is simple and can be made at home using ingredients from most supermarkets or pharmacies. It includes glucose powder, sodium chloride (salt), and sodium bicarbonate mixed with one litre of water. The solution should be made fresh daily and sipped throughout the day, as advised by your healthcare team.

Some people find the taste slightly salty, but chilling it or adding a small splash of fruit juice or lemon can make it more palatable.

If you are feeling dehydrated, it may be worth giving St Mark’s Electrolyte Mix a try. You can find full details and the step-by-step recipe in our Patient Resources section. View E-Mix recipe here.