Why Limit Fluids?

Limiting fluids will help you feel better and stay healthier.

Fluid build-up is measured by your weight change between dialysis treatments. Your body weight can be an important indicator of how well your treatments and fluid management are working together. Try to keep weight gain to 4-6 lbs between treatments.

Limit fluids to 6 cups or 48 oz per day (unless otherwise told). Choose a water bottle with measurements to help you track.

Sample serving size: 1 cup of fluid = 8 ozs.

What Counts as a Fluid?
Anything that is liquid at room temperature.
Water, Tea, Coffee, Juice, Fruit Drink, Soda, Milk, Milk Substitutes, Milkshakes, Kool-Aid, Lemonade, Broth, Soup, Jell-O, Popsicles, Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt, Fruit Ice, Gravy and Sauces.

To help you monitor your fluid intake, write down how much you’re drinking or eating throughout the day.

Good Drink Choices:
Ginger Ale, Diet 7-Up, Diet Sprite, Sugar-free Lemonade, Fruit Juice, Fruit Flavored Drinks, Coffee, Tea, Diet Root Beer

Choices to Avoid:
Ovaltine, Postum, Tang, Beer, Dark Colas or soft drinks

Quick Tips!
Tips for Controlling Thirst:
- Suck on lemon wedge
- Sugar-free sour candy or gum to moisten your mouth
- Eat less salt
- Rinse mouth with water, but don’t swallow
- Suck on a few ice chips

Next Steps:
When you Drink….
1. Drink only when thirsty
2. Measure out the amount that you will drink during the day
3. Drink from a small glass or cup
4. Take medications with mealtime liquids