How to manage fluid intake with kidney insufficiency

Generally, for renal insufficiency, water intake can be controlled through methods such as recording daily water consumption, limiting single water intake, reducing consumption of high-water-content foods, adjusting water intake according to urine output, and establishing fixed drinking times. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Record Daily Water Intake

Prepare a dedicated drinking cup and a recording chart to document all liquid intake daily, including plain water, tea, soup, porridge, etc. When kidney function is impaired, the kidney's ability to excrete water declines, and excessive water intake can easily lead to fluid retention, causing edema and elevated blood pressure. Recording intake allows precise monitoring of total daily fluid consumption, avoiding excessive intake and reducing the burden on the kidneys.

2. Control Single Drinking Volume

Each time you drink, limit the volume to within 100-200 ml, avoiding large amounts of water intake in a short time. Consuming excessive water at once can rapidly increase blood volume in a short period, and the kidneys may not be able to excrete it timely, potentially worsening kidney damage and causing discomfort such as chest tightness and abdominal distension. Drinking small amounts frequently allows the body to absorb water gradually, reducing instantaneous pressure on the kidneys.

3. Reduce Intake of High-Water-Content Foods

Reduce consumption of foods with high water content such as watermelon, wax gourd, cucumber, porridge, and soups. Although these foods contain nutrients, overconsumption indirectly increases total fluid intake, equivalent to additional water consumption. Patients with renal insufficiency should count the water content in food as part of their total daily fluid intake. Controlling the consumption of high-water-content foods can prevent exceeding total fluid limits and help maintain the body's fluid balance.

4. Adjust Water Intake Based on Urine Output

Monitor and record urine output daily. If urine output is between 1000-1500 ml, water intake can remain relatively stable; if urine output is less than 800 ml, total water intake should be appropriately reduced. In renal insufficiency, urine volume is an important indicator reflecting the kidney's ability to excrete water. Reduced urine output indicates a decline in the kidney's capacity to remove water, and reducing water intake at this time can prevent fluid accumulation in the body, preventing edema and complications.

5. Establish Fixed Drinking Times

Set fixed drinking times during the day, such as between meals, after waking in the morning, and one hour before bedtime, avoiding large water intakes immediately after meals. Drinking water after meals can dilute gastric juice, impair digestion, and potentially increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Excessive water intake before sleep may lead to frequent nighttime urination, affecting sleep quality. Moreover, during nighttime, body metabolism slows down and the kidney's ability to excrete water weakens, possibly worsening fluid retention. Fixed drinking times help establish a regular drinking routine that aligns with the body's metabolic rhythm.

In addition, patients with renal insufficiency should avoid drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, strong tea, and similar drinks, as these may affect blood pressure or increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys. At the same time, regular monitoring of weight and blood pressure is necessary in daily life. If symptoms such as edema or a rapid increase in weight over a short period occur, prompt medical attention is required to adjust the water intake plan.