Managing fluid intake is one of the goals of your renal diet. The kidneys normally filter waste products and remove excess fluids from your body. If you have end stage renal disease and require dialysis, you may retain more fluid than normal. Not only can this cause you to feel short of breath and swollen (edema), but it can also contribute to complications like heart failure and high blood pressure. Limiting the amount of liquid you drink on a daily basis can be a difficult challenge but is important to prevent additional fluid accumulation.
What is considered a fluid?
Anything that is liquid at room temperature is considered a fluid. Some examples include the following:
– Water, juice, milk
– Coffee and tea
– Soups and broths
– Ice cubes, frozen desserts (ice cream, popsicles, etc.)
Tips for Dialysis Patients with Fluid Restrictions
Tips: Tracking Fluid Intake and Weight
– Write down your fluid intake in a small notebook o Include liquids with meals, snacks and medications
– Download an app to your phone that allows you to track fluids
– Use a water bottle that is marked with your daily liquid goal in millilitre (mL)
– Measure fluid amounts to ensure correct portion sizes
– Talk to your doctor and dietitian about specific weight and fluid restriction goals for you.
Prevention of excess fluid
– Take medications with food inorder to prevent excessive fluid intake
– Take regular dialysis to improve the efficacy.
– When you feel thirsty take hung curd/cold curd, watermelon cubes, cucumber, to quench your thirst
Tips: Controlling Thirst
– Avoid foods high in salt that cause increased thirst and blood pressure
– Control your sugar intake as too much sugar and high blood sugars increase thirst
– Suck on frozen fruits such as blueberries and grapes—limit to 1/2 cup servings
– Chew gum or suck on hard candy
– Spread out your fluids throughout the day
– If you have a dry mouth, use a spray bottle or swish and spit to moisten your mouth Freezing juice or water in an ice cube tray and eating like a popsicle can feel more refreshing than sipping on small amounts of liquid. Be sure to count as part of your total fluids