Kidneys need fluids to function well. When your kidneys are hydrated, you will have enough liquid to generate urine and discard the waste from your body. These fluids also help in better blood circulation. Severe dehydration causes damage to kidneys. It can lead to several kidney diseases.
Patients on dialysis are asked to restrict their water intake, as excessive fluids can lead to hyponatremia, which can be fatal for the patient. Hence, for someone with late stage kidney disease ensure monitoring liquid intake.
As per guidelines, It is recommended that patients who are oliguric need to consume a daily allowance of fluid of urine output + 500 and 1 litre for aneuric patients.
Though these recommendations come with some data to back them up, these are guidelines and not an obligation. Do not increase your water intake forcefully. Remember, a lot of our foods also have water. Hence, unless not advised medically, don’t force yourself to drink water unnecessarily.
Is water the only beverage for good kidneys?
Plain water is the best way to hydrate oneself; however, most of us don’t want water all the time. In addition, during cold weather warm water can be fantastic; but, it is not palatable.
While having sparkling water can be fun, you need to ensure that you’re not choosing a brand with added sodium and sugar as it can adversely affect your body.
If not water, then what?
As discussed earlier, water is not desirable at all times. Then what can be done? Which beverages will be fun yet healthy for kidneys? Here’s the list,
Black coffee
Coffee in moderation is good for people with kidney diseases. However, due to its potassium content, it is advised to not go beyond three cups a day. If your doctor has limited your caffeine intake, choose decaf as a beverage.
Though black coffee is okay for a most, caffeine can worsen kidney functions in older obese people with metabolic syndrome or diabetes. Hence, avoid coffee if that’s what you’ve been advised.
Unsweetened green tea
Green tea has lower caffeine levels than coffee and is rich in antioxidants. It is an excellent beverage to reduce glucose toxicity in the body.
It is generally considered to be one of the best beverages for patients with kidney diseases. Drinking green tea in moderation can be good for kidney health.
Infused water
An easy way of making water more palatable is by infusing it with herbs and fruits to increase its cooling properties. Choose natural ingredients low in potassium to infuse your water.
From blackberries, blueberries, cucumber, raspberries, strawberries, and citrus fruits, your choices are endless to make infused water.
Others
You can even opt for cranberry juice or homemade ginger ale for healthy kidneys. If you’re battling kidney disease, avoid coconut water and every type of soda. Further, avoid anything with high potassium to keep your kidneys in good condition and reduce the damage. Follow your doctor’s advice and continue with the diet and exercise. Barley water also acts as an excellent diuretic which is beneficial. In summers, People can opt for lassi or buttermilk which is made from churned thick yoghurt like a smoothie to control the fluid.
If you’re looking for more beverage options, click here to check our dialysis friendly drink recipes.
It is imperative to however know that any form of beverage for a dialysis patient should be considered to be a fluid which should be calculated in his daily fluid intake and not merely the water intake.