Kidney diet cornerstones: Fluid
Fluid and your kidneys
An important function of your kidneys is to ensure that the fluid in your body is kept in balance. When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys are not able to remove this fluid as effectively as they should. This can lead to a build-up of excess fluid in your body, which is both uncomfortable and unhealthy.
Because they are treated less often and for shorter periods of time, patients on in-center hemodialysis (in-center HD) may feel more of the negative effects of fluid imbalance than patients on PD or home hemodialysis (home HD).
If you are treating with PD or home HD, you may not have the same fluid restrictions as someone on in-center HD. However, it’s still recommended that you stick within a fluid allowance of about 4 cups (32 ounces) of fluid per day, which includes the fluid that is in foods like green peas, celery, and watermelon.
Minimizing your sodium intake and planning the liquid you drink and eat ahead of time can help you keep your water gains to a minimum.
Listening to your clinician’s or dietitian’s advice about what your body needs is essential, particularly if it means changing some of your current habits.
Reference:
Adapted from the original by Christine Nash, MSc(C), RD, CDE*
Antonia Zettas, RD, CDE*
Other pages you may be interested in!
Managing fluids and diet
It is important to keep fluids in balance when living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PD will help regulate your fluids, but you also need to care for your body.
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