Many people on haemodialysis have a daily fluid limit. Too much fluid between sessions can cause swelling, high blood pressure, breathlessness and harder sessions. Here are tricks patients use every day.
Hidden water in foods % water
Cucumber95
Watermelon92
Orange87
Apple86
Plain yoghurt85
Cooked rice68
White bread36
What counts as fluid
Everything that is liquid at room temperature: water, tea, coffee, soup, milk, ice cream, jelly and ice cubes. Very watery fruit, like melon, also adds up.
Twelve tricks
- Use a small glass and sip slowly
- Spread your allowance over the day, keeping some for the evening
- Cut down on salt: it is the main cause of thirst
- Suck an ice cube or a frozen grape slice
- Chew sugar-free gum or a slice of lemon
- Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth without swallowing
- Take your tablets with food or the drink of a meal
- Keep busy: thirst feels stronger when you are bored
- Avoid very spicy and very sweet food
- Stay in the shade and keep cool on hot days
- Weigh yourself every morning on holiday
- Note what you drink in your phone
Learn more
Related: dialysis in hot weather and dry weight explained.
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Useful resources
This article is general information and does not replace the advice of your nephrologist or renal team.