Kidney Diet Tips

How to deal with thirst when it’s hot

July and August are two of the most challenging months for people following a limited fluid allowance. When the weather heats up, you may find yourself getting thirsty. In addition, a diet high in sodium will increase thirst.

Here are some suggestions for dealing with thirst while adhering to your fluid restriction on the dialysis diet.

  • Ice chips melting slowly in your mouth can keep thirst at bay. 
  • For an added treat, freeze low-potassium fruit juices in ice trays and using them in place of ice chips for flavor from time to time. 
  • Snack on chilled or frozen fresh fruits that are low in potassium to help prevent thirst. 
  • Snack on small portions of gelatin to alleviate thirst. 
  • Use lemon or lime slices or cucumber slices in your water, which refreshes and stimulates saliva to relieve dry mouth. 
  • Enjoy sour candy, which works similarly to lemon and lime slices. 
  • Use mint or basil in foods and beverages to refresh your mouth.
  •  Avoid caffeine and salt as they can increase thirst.

While increased activity may cause you to sweat, it may also increase your thirst; however, losing fluid through exercise and other physical activity may require you to change your fluid intake. Check with your physician and dietitian to ensure your fluid levels are optimum for your good health. Learn more about Fluid Control for Kidney Disease Patients on Dialysis. Find the Top 10 Low-Sodium Thirst-Quinching Foods for the Kidney Diet.

Try one of these refreshing kidney-friendly beverages to quench your thirst:

Lemonade or Limeade Base

Minted Lemonade

Strawberry-Lemonade Slush

Watermelon Summer Cooler

 Kidney diet resources from DaVita.com

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES

Sara is a renal dietitian with over 30 years experience working with people with diabetes and kidney disease. She is co-author of the popular kidney cookbook "Cooking for David: A Culinary Dialysis Cookbook". Sara is the Manager of Kidney Care Nutrition for DaVita. She analyzes recipes and creates content, resources and tools for the kidney community. In her spare time Sara loves to spend time with her young grandson, including fun times together in her kitchen.