Political Analysis and Global Affairs

  Dialysis patients need to manage their fluid intake to avoid fluid overload, which can cause swelling, high blood pressure, and other health problems 1 2 .  Here are some tips for managing fluid intake: Limit fluid intake to the amount recommended by your healthcare team. Most dialysis patients need to limit fluid intake to about 32 ounces or 4 cups per day 1 3 4 . Track your fluid intake. Use a container that you can mark or keep a journal of every liquid you have on a daily basis 1 5 . Manage your thirst. Your dietitian can help you find ways to manage your thirst, such as sugar-free hard candies, ice chips, or frozen grapes. This will help you avoid drinking too much fluid between dialysis treatments 1 6 . Limit your sodium intake. Sodium, in the form of salt, causes your body to hold on to water. Too much salt in your diet will increase your chances of fluid overload and make it more difficult to remove fluid during dialysis 1 6 . Adjust your dialysis. If fluid overload ...