How to Quench Thirst When Water Doesn't Work on a Kidney Diet

If you've been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or put on dialysis, then chances are your nephrologist is limiting your fluid intake. This is because failing kidneys tend to make patients excessively thirsty, but at the same time, overhydration can severely worsen your condition by raising blood pressure, damaging your heart, and causing swelling. 

But while every kidney diet varies on a case-by-case basis, we've put together some overall recommendations on how to quench thirst when water doesn't work. 

Read on to find out more!

Key Considerations

Let's start by examining some overall dos and don'ts when it comes to drinking and eating with CKD. 

Pay Attention to These Elements if You Have CKD

• Sodium: Your kidneys and dialysis can only remove so much sodium from your blood. Therefore, foods and drinks that are high in sodium tend to increase blood pressure, which can lead to medical complications with limited kidney function. 
• Phosphorus: High phosphorus intake can skew calcium levels in your body, which need to be highly regulated. This is because calcium helps strengthen bones, so low calcium levels can lead to bone deterioration. At the same time, calcium levels that are too high can lead to buildup in the lungs, blood vessels, and heart, putting the patient at increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Potassium: Potassium is crucial in regulating heart function, but CKD can skew these levels. Having too much or too little potassium in your diet can cause serious health problems, so your nephrologist will work with you to regulate it.

Overall, monitoring these three elements is a critical step in your journey toward mitigating the health effects of decreased kidney function. This is why dietary recommendations vary so wildly. However, it is nevertheless important to understand how each plays a role in overall health so you can understand what to drink and what not to drink when you're thirsty.

How to Quench Thirst When Water Doesn't Work

Since CKD causes extreme thirst, you may be tempted to drink a lot of water — after all, water is healthy, and staying hydrated is essential, right? Well, this is not the case for patients with lowered kidney function. Fluid overload can cause cramps, weight gain, shortness of breath, and more.

Here are some ways you can quench your thirst when water doesn't do the job:

IMPORTANT NOTE: All of the following suggestions must be approved by your dietician and/or nephrologist. Individual circumstances vary, so do not engage with these suggestions unless you've consulted with the proper experts.

• Frozen fruit: So long as your dietician and/or nephrologist allow it, diced frozen fruit is not only a delicious, healthy snack, but it also provides satisfying hydration.
• Citrus: Tart citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits stimulate your salivary glands, which prevents a dry mouth, in addition to offering other hydration benefits.
• Ice-cold beverages: In general, ice-cold drinks feel more refreshing, so when you do drink liquids, try to make them as cold as possible if you're feeling extra thirsty.
• Prevent a dry mouth: If your mouth is feeling dry, don't drink liquids. Instead, try mitigating it by eating citrus as outlined above or by swishing some cold water or mouthwash and spitting it out. Sometimes, alleviating a dry mouth is just as effective at quenching thirst as drinking water.
• Limit sodium intake: Salty foods tend to make you more thirsty, so try to avoid foods that are high in sodium. This, of course, should always be in accordance with your doctor's recommendations.
• Stay cool: In summer months, try to spend as much time as possible in air conditioning. If you're going to be in the heat, wrap a wet bandana or towel around your neck to keep you cool.
• Use small glasses: When you're thirsty, it's tempting to opt for a large glass of water. Instead, try to limit your liquid intake by using small glasses and sipping on them throughout the day. 
• Sour candy or foods: Sour flavors stimulate salivary glands just like citrus, so carrying a small pack of sour candies can help quench your thirst. However, they should be eaten in moderation, particularly if you are diabetic and need to monitor sugar intake.
• Cold vegetables: Chilled celery, carrots, cucumber, and other crispy veggies are also a great way to have a healthy snack while quenching thirst. 
• Practice good oral hygiene: Use a minty mouthwash daily and brush your tongue to mitigate that pesky dry-mouth feeling.

Healthy Habits Start With Milwaukee Nephrologists

Suffering from CKD has many side effects, including extreme thirst, but the experts at Milwaukee Nephrologists can help you live a healthy, fulfilling life. Being health-conscious and informed is the best way to protect your overall kidney health, so be sure to consult with the experts before acting on any advice.
​
For patients who have concerns about their renal health or want to know how to follow a kidney-friendly diet, talk to Milwaukee Nephrologists today!

Schedule an appointment today