Most of dialysis patients are required to limit the intake of water to ensure the therapeutic effects of dialysis. Well then, how excessive fluid affects dialysis patients?

As we all know, our healthy kidneys have the function of excretion, which can remove the waste products and toxins from the body. They are tasked with maintaining fluid balance in the body and they signal the uptake of sodium for the body to release of fluids when your body has too much water. If your kidneys do not function properly, they may not be able to release fluids. Your physician may recommend fluid restrictions depending on how impaired your kidney function is. Especially when you need to undergo dialysis, the restriction of water is more strict. Why?

Even though dialysis can help patients get rid of excess fluid and waste in the body, it is not as effective as healthy kidneys. Healthy kidneys work all the time-24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most people on dialysis get this treatment three times a week for about three or more hours at a time. This means, in the days between your dialysis treatments, your body holds on to excessive fluid and waste your kidneys can not remove. In such condition, excessive fluid will increase workload to kidneys and cause further kidney damage. For dialysis patients, too much fluid is always associated with some complications, such as high blood pressure, a sudden drop to low blood pressure (generally occurs during hemodialysis), shortness of breath (and in some instances, fluid in the lungs), heart problems (fast pulse, weakened heart muscles and an enlarged heart).

Well then, how much water should be taken by dialysis patients?

Fluid restriction examples can vary based on your individual condition. For example, if your kidney function is very limited, your physician will recommend 1200 mL per day. If your kidneys are functioning better, you may be permitted to drink 2000 mL per day. Keep in mind that foods contain fluids as well--fruits, vegetables and soups also contribute to your daily fluid intake. Therefore, you should pay much attention to your daily diet.

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