It's critical to regulate your fluid intake since dialysis removes extra fluid from your blood. Although fluid intake is normally restricted during dialysis, your health and the kind of dialysis you receive may have an impact on how much fluid you should consume daily.


Hemodialysis

Fluid control for those on hemodialysis

Limiting your fluid intake might make you feel more at ease before, during, and after your dialysis treatments. Even while dialysis removes extra fluid and waste from the body, healthy kidneys that are functioning properly all the time are more effective than dialysis in this regard. 

The majority of hemodialysis patients receive three- or more-hour treatments three times per week. This implies that during the time between dialysis sessions, your body retains extra fluid and waste that your kidneys are unable to filter.

As the blood is filtered by the dialysis machine during hemodialysis, fluid is eliminated. However, there is a maximum amount of fluid that may be safely evacuated during a dialysis session. In rare cases, an additional dialysis session may be needed to eliminate all the excess fluid if you go over your fluid intake.

When compared to those receiving in-center hemodialysis, those receiving at-home peritoneal dialysis may have less hydration restriction.

Keeping to your recommended fluid intake may help you reduce your chances of:

  • Severe headaches and fatigue.
  • The risk of a stroke from high blood pressure.
  • Edema (Swelling of face and hands).
  • Having breathing difficulties due to lung fluid.
  • Stretching your heart out with too much fluid might cause cardiac damage.

Routines to help you follow your fluid prescription:

Eat less salt.

The body requires salt to regulate its water content, but too much salt can make you thirsty, make you gain weight, raise your blood pressure, and make dialysis uncomfortable. Less salt in your diet will help you manage cravings and stay away from these issues.

Tip:Read the labels on your food and select low-sodium options. A basic rule of thumb is that anything with salt as one of the first five components is usually too high in sodium to use.

Measure and monitor your liquids.

Record how much you consume in food and liquids each day to help you keep track of your hydration consumption. Planning out what you're going to drink and when during the day may also be helpful.

  • Avoid dry snacks.
  • Eat salt-sugar ice cubes, (keeps you hydrated longer).
  • Sip your beverages slowly. Sipping will let you savour the liquid longer.
Ways to keep cool on hot days:
  • For further air cooling, put a dish of ice in front of a fan.
  • To remain cool, use wet and frozen washcloths on your neck.
  • Wear loose clothes.
  • If you're planning to spend time in the sun, wear a hat.
  • Instead of drinking hot liquids, choose cool ones.