Your kidney health is our priority

Living with kidney disease can be manageable, as long as you know the right things to do to protect your kidney health."

 

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Living with kidney disease can be manageable, as long as you know the right things to do to protect your kidney health.

Kidney disease prevents your kidneys from removing the extra fluid and toxins from your blood and your body.

This may cause your heart to work harder than it has to, causing discomfort like shortness of breath or swelling in your legs and ankles.

Depending on the stage of your kidney disease, the medicines you take and your type of dialysis, if you are on it, your doctor will let you know how much fluid you should take in to help you feel better every day.

There is an option that may allow you to drink more fluids and have a greater variety of foods.

Home dialysis. Yep, you heard it right. Home dialysis can be a more effective option right in the comfort and security of your own home. This is because home dialysis lets you treat more often for a longer amount of time than in a center, which removes toxins and extra fluid from your body on a more frequent schedule.

If you’re on dialysis or considering which kind may be the best for you, talk to your doctor about it. They will be able to tell you how home dialysis can help make your life a better one.

But for now, here are some suggestions as to how to control the amount of liquid you take in.

First, say no to salty foods... which means avoiding prepackaged foods and limiting or avoiding processed meats like cold cuts, bacon or sausage.

Another way to avoid salt is to cook with spices instead. That doesn’t mean making spicy food, it means making food with different flavors other than a salty one.

And fast foods are a fast way of taking in way too much salt. Avoid them. And finally, read food labels. Look for foods with less than ten percent daily value of sodium. It’s easier than you think.

Second, try different ways to quench your thirst. Drink cold beverages, not hot.

Use smaller glasses or cups when sipping your favorite drinks, or freeze the drinks into ice cubes and let them melt in your mouth throughout the day.

Freeze and suck on low-potassium fruits like strawberries, blueberries and grapes. You can even suck on a lemon or lime. Some foods like ice cream, soup, watermelon and ice pops are liquids. Make sure to remember to count them toward your daily total.

And never forget to maintain normal blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. High levels will make you thirsty.

Third, pay attention to what’s around you.

For instance, think before you drink. Are you drinking out of habit? Or are you just bored? And try not to ever drink fast. Sip slowly and savor.

When it’s hot outside or inside, always try and stay cool with loose-fitting clothes and a cool fan or air conditioning!

Use breath spray and lip balm to keep your mouth and lips moist. And for dry mouth, brush, brush, brush your teeth and use mouthwash.

What you just saw are creative ways you can use to keep your thirst in-check. Everyone is different — give them a try and see what works best for you! Remember, always check with your doctor.