How to manage your daily fluid quota?
We are told that a healthy body normally needs up to eight glasses of water a day to maintain fluid balance. However, this is not true if you are suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) that has progressed to its later stages. Then drinking this much water would lead to fluid retention in your body and can have drastic implications.
Most dialysis patients need to limit their fluid intake to 1 litre per day (4 cups of 250 ml). Certain studies have shown that fluid gains greater than 1.5 kg between dialysis treatments were common in 86% of patients examined. This fluid gain has also been associated with cardiovascular death.
Why is regulation your fluid intake important if you are on Dialysis?
- You will feel better and stay healthier when you limit your fluid consumption.
- Excess fluid in your body may give you headaches and you may feel low on energy.
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Excess fluid can also cause swelling in your face, hands and feet.
You will have trouble breathing if fluid accumulates in your lungs.
Too much fluid will also stretch your heart muscles and cause damage to your heart. - Too much fluid in your body will result in high blood pressure & that can lead to a stroke.
How can you easily track & manage your fluid intake?
- Talk to your doctor and dietician about specific weight and fluid restriction goals for you.
- Divide your daily fluid quota into smaller parts and consume it at different times during the day.
- Make note of your fluid intake in a diary or notebook. Include the liquids you consume with meals, snacks and medications.
- Measure fluid amounts to ensure correct portion sizes.
- Use a mobile app that helps you track fluids.
- Use a water bottle that is marked with your daily liquid goal in litres or millilitres.
So it is recommended to measure your fluid intake because it will help get the best out of your dialysis treatment. Reducing fluids will help you feel better and stay healthier.
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