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Generally, the amount of fluids that can be ingested by patients with chronic renal failure is between 2 to 3 glasses of 200 ml each, added to the volume of urine eliminated in one day. That is, if the patient with kidney failure takes 700 ml of pee in a day, he can drink that amount of water plus 600 ml a day, at most.
In addition, the amount of water allowed also varies according to the climate and the physical activity of the patient, which can allow a higher fluid intake if the patient perspires a lot.
However, the amount of fluids that can be ingested by the patient has to be controlled by the doctor or nutritionist after a urine test called creatinine clearance that assesses kidney function and its ability to filter body fluids.
How to control the amount of liquids
Controlling the amount of fluids consumed during the day is important to avoid overloading the kidneys and the appearance of complications, and it is recommended to write down the amount of fluids ingested, drink only when you are thirsty and avoid drinking out of habit or in a social way, because in these cases there is a tendency to consume a greater amount than indicated by the doctor.
In addition, a tip that helps to control the amount of liquids is to use small glasses and cups, so that it is possible to have more control of the amount consumed.
It is important to control the intake not only of water but also of coconut water, ice, alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, mate, gelatin, milk, ice cream, soda, soup, juice, because they are considered liquids. However, water from solid water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, for example, are not added to the volume of fluids that the doctor allows the patient to ingest.
How to fight thirst in kidney failure
Controlling water intake by patients with chronic kidney failure is important to prevent the disease from getting worse, causing swelling throughout the body, difficulty breathing and increased blood pressure. Some tips to help patients with kidney failure to control thirst, without drinking water, can be:
- Avoid salty foods;
- Try to breathe more through your nose than through your mouth;
- Eat cold fruits;
- Drinking cold liquids;
- Putting an ice stone in the mouth, quenches thirst and the amount of liquid ingested is less;
- Put lemon juice or lemonade in an ice pan to freeze and suck a pebble when you feel thirsty;
- When your mouth is dry, put a piece of lemon in your mouth to stimulate saliva or use sour candies or gum.
In addition, it is also possible to reduce thirst just by rinsing your mouth, rinsing water or brushing your teeth.
Check out the tips from the nutritionist to learn how to eat ensuring the proper functioning of the kidneys: