CVS Kidney Care

Three ways to manage your fluids

Why is too much water a problem?

When you have kidney disease, you need to watch how much water your body gets. That’s because the kidneys can’t remove all the extra water from the blood. And when your blood contains too much water, it can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, shortness of breath, swollen feet and legs, fatigue, and heart damage. Your doctor or dietitian will let you know how much water is safe for you to drink each day. The amount is based on your stage of kidney disease, your medications, and the type of dialysis that you are on.

1. Say no to salty foods

Salt makes you thirsty, so limiting the amount of salty foods you eat can help. The next time you’re shopping, making a meal, or eating out, try to:

• Avoid prepackaged or frozen meals (they are usually loaded with salt)

• Read food labels and look for foods with less than a 10 percent daily value (DV) of sodium

• Limit or avoid all processed meats, which pack a salty punch (processed meats include cold cuts, bacon, sausage, and other canned and cured meats)

• Cook with spices and herbs instead of salt (but avoid very spicy food)

• Avoid fast food or don’t eat it often

2. Try techniques to quench your thirst

Limiting how much you drink each day can feel hard sometimes. To make it easier, you can:

• Sip your drinks from a small cup or glass (using a smaller container tricks your brain into thinking you drank more, so you feel more satisfied)

• Freeze your favorite drink into ice cubes and suck on them (but remember to count the ice cubes as part of the day’s liquid)

• Freeze and suck on low-potassium fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or grapes (if you also have diabetes, remember to count the carbohydrates from these foods as part of your meal plan)

• Drink cold beverages, not hot ones

• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy

• Suck on lemon or lime wedges

• Maintain normal blood sugar levels if you have diabetes because high levels will make you thirsty

3. Pay attention to what’s around you

Your environment plays a part in how much you want to drink. Try to:

• Stop before you drink and decide if you’re just bored or drinking out of habit

• Sip your beverages, so you can savor the liquid longer

• Stay cool and avoid getting overheated — wear loose-fitting clothes and use a fan or air conditioner

• Always have breath spray and lip balm handy to keep your mouth and lips moist

• Battle dry mouth by brushing your teeth or using mouthwash

These are just a few ways to keep your thirst at bay. There are many more—be creative and see what works for you. Your doctor or dietitian can tell you how much fluid you can have. Remember, you should always consult with your health care team if you have any concerns.

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