Has your doctor recommended that you follow a fluid restriction? Patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), including dialysis patients, are often highly encouraged to restrict their fluid intake. Learn the benefits of fluid restriction, and tips to help you follow one.* 

Why is a fluid restriction important?

For late-stage CKD patients, the kidneys are no longer able to balance fluids in the body adequately. Having a proper fluid balance is important to lower blood pressure, prevent cramping, and decrease stress on the heart. Too much fluid in the body can be very dangerous and, if left uncontrolled, may require hospitalization to remove the excess fluid. 

What are some ways to control your fluid intake?

Adjusting to a restricted fluid intake can take some time. Some helpful suggestions to manage your fluids include:

• Divide your fluid allowance throughout the day. For example, a fluid restriction of 1 liter or 32 ounces divided by four would be 8 ounces. Consuming 8 ounces of fluid at four different times throughout the day can help prevent you from getting thirsty, and keep you on schedule. 
• Document your fluid intake in a notebook, or download H2Overload, an app specifically created to help individuals limit their fluid intake. 
• Reduce thirst and generate saliva by gargling with mouthwash or sucking on sugar-free hard candies. 
• Eat ice cubes. Since water expands when frozen, an ice cube has about half the water by volume. 
• Suck on frozen fruits between meals instead of drinking. Grapes, blueberries, and strawberries are all tasty frozen treats. 
• Too much salt or sodium in your diet may cause excessive thirst and fluid retention. Cutting back on salt use, and reading food labels for sodium content, can help you sustain a low-sodium diet. 
• Prepare healthy snacks to help satisfy your thirst between meals.

Fluid restrictions may seem scary and overwhelming, but help is available for you. Contact a kidney dietitian or National Kidney Foundation (NKF) peer mentor for guidance and support with following a fluid restriction. 

*Learning to Follow Your Dialysis Fluid Restrictions. (2022, August 9). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/learning-to-follow-your-dialysis-fluid-restrictions