How to drink water in chronic kidney failure

Generally, the amount of fluids that can be ingested by patients with chronic renal failure is between 2 and 3 glasses of 200 ml each, added to the volume of urine eliminated in one day. That is, if a patient with kidney failure makes 700 ml of pee in a day, they can drink that amount of water plus 600 ml per day, at most.

Furthermore, the amount of water allowed also varies according to the climate and the patient’s physical activity, which may allow for greater fluid intake if the patient sweats a lot.

However, the amount of liquids that can be ingested by the patient must be controlled by the doctor or nutritionist after a urine test called creatinine clearance that assesses kidney function and its ability to filter liquids from the body.

How to control the amount of liquids

Controlling the amount of fluid consumed during the day is important to avoid overloading the kidneys and the emergence of complications. For this purpose, it is recommended to write down the amount of fluid ingested on a piece of paper, drink only when you are thirsty and avoid drinking out of habit or in a social way, as in these cases there is a tendency to consume more quantities than recommended by the doctor.

Furthermore, a tip that helps control the amount of liquids is to use small glasses and cups, as this allows you to have more control over the amount consumed.

It is important to control your intake not only of water but also of coconut water, ice, alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, chimarrão, gelatin, milk, ice cream, soda, soup, juice, because they are considered liquids. However, water from solid foods rich in water such as fruits and vegetables, for example, are not added to the volume of liquids that the doctor allows the patient to ingest.

How to combat thirst in kidney failure

Controlling water intake by patients with chronic kidney failure is important to prevent the disease from worsening, causing swelling throughout the body, difficulty breathing and increased blood pressure. Some tips to help patients with kidney failure control thirst, without drinking water, can be:

1. Avoid salty foods;
2. Try to breathe more through your nose than your mouth;
3. Eating cold fruits;
4. Drink cold liquids;
5. Placing an ice cube in your mouth quenches your thirst and reduces the amount of liquid you drink;
6. Put lemon juice or lemonade in an ice cube tray to freeze and suck on a pebble when you feel thirsty;
7. When your mouth feels dry, put a piece of lemon in your mouth to stimulate saliva or use sour candies or gum.

In addition, it is also possible to reduce thirst just by rinsing your mouth, swishing water or brushing your teeth.

Check out the nutritionist’s tips on how to eat to ensure good kidney function: