Confused about water consumption!

[jeanswood]

I'm confused! While at my most recent visit to my nephrologist, she said that I should only drink water when I am thirsty? She claims that drinking too much water can do as much harm to your kidneys as having too much protein. She said the kidneys have to work harder. Has anyone else heard this?

[Hidden]

I've heard a variation on that theme. It depends on whether or not you are also dealing with frequent or severe UTI's. Do you have a Urologist on your Care Team? If not, I'd recommend you find one who also deals with urinary issues associated with CKD. Give them the information from your nephrologist and get them both on the same page. Water consumption becomes an issue when you get on dialysis (usually) to know how much you need to dialyze. That's the short answer. The long answer is that if you aren't having urinary issues drinking a lot of water helps the kidneys flush out the waste and is usually thought to be beneficial. Bottom line is that it comes down to your decision based on how your body is reacting to a lot of water or just enough when you are thirsty.

[orangecity41 in reply to Hidden]

So true. Urologist is important for your care team. They will be able to advise l you about water consumption. There are factors to be considered.

[jeanswood in reply to orangecity41]

Thank you! I will be sure to do that.

[jeanswood in reply to Hidden]

I do see a Urologist as well. I will see him in July to get results of a CT Scan and blood work. I don't have a problem with UTI's but something has caused damage to my kidney, which everyone is puzzled about. I will discuss the water consumption with him but until then I will continue to drink water. My kidney function has been getting a little bit better with the low protein, low salt diet and drinking more water. I wish everyone would get on the same page! Thanks so much for your reply!

[Hidden in reply to jeanswood]

If you had a CT Scan with contrast that could exacerbate your kidney function. The test can be performed without contrast with the same results. It does depend on the skill of the technician and radiologist. If you look back at my original posts you'll find an article I posted on this topic. I'm traveling now and won't be able to access it for the next few days. Sorry.

[jeanswood in reply to Hidden]

My very first CT Scan was with contrast but I was told that I could never have contrast again. My Neurologist also did an ultrasound so they can compare it later on if I need another one. I failed to explain in the post that I only have one kidney due to a nephrectomy last March. I had renal cell cancer which was found by accident. Unfortunately, my good kidney ended up not being as good as they had thought hence my kidney function tanked. I have scarring for some reason. Maybe hypertension caused it or UTI's that I didn't realized I had. They do not know. The CT Scans are to make sure the cancer has not spread anywhere else. I will go back to your posts and read them all because you are so full of good information. Thank you! I am trying to do anything possible to protect my one kidney at this point. What I am doing is working so far, so was just so surprised that the nephrologist told me just to drink when thirsty. Like I said very confusing to me.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes! Thank you! Due to swelling, my kidney doctor told me to reduce drinking water, etc. But when I did I knew I was dehydrating! So I drank as much as I needed!!! Then after a week my swelling was gone anyway. Hmmm...

[Bet117 in reply to Hidden]

Listen to your body! I had no edema but an issue with dehydration due to a nephrologist telling me the same thing...because my sodium level dropped.

I often add a touch of lemon juice to my water, okay with the Renal Dietician and it has helped.

Hope this helps!

[DRGPS51]

Yes, that's true for all the reasons mentioned and one more. I've been on a blood thinner and drank a LOT of water--100 to 120 ounces a day. That amount of water flushed out my electrolytes and my potassium plummeted, causing hypokalemia. Very dangerous. My GP prescribed potassium pills and my levels have been normal now. He told me to "drink when I'm thirsty" but I drink 64 oz. whether I'm thirsty or not. My potassium has remained steady at 4.2.

[Bet117 in reply to DRGPS51]

Glad that your electrolytes have come up.

I had an issue with low sodium- nephrologist at the time told me to limit water consumption to 50 oz ( two sport bottles..or less)

He blew it and in the hot weather, I dehydrated.

At the suggestion of the hospital nephrologist, I now drink to thirst and add 1/4 c of low sugar gatorade or the non calorie drink to one of my water bottles.

Will see in October what my labs reveal

Will keep you posted.

B..

[Lucetta in reply to Bet117]

I have read renal diets that say to stay away from Gatorade and low calorie sweetened drinks, especially those with carbonation. But of course, listen to your doctor.

[Bet117 in reply to Lucetta]

See my PM. I take a shot glass of Gatorade Zero in the am to balance electrolytes.

I prefer the zero as the sugary Gatorade is too sweet.

Everything in moderation.

Thanks for caring.

[5157]

Yes.My nephrologist said the same to me.

[RhenDutchess123]

Our bodies are mainly water....that includes our organs...being dehydrated is like running your car without oil....my neph told me that unless I am retaining water to drink water as I please...but every one is different.....stage 4...ckd 18 years

[Estoymala]

Yes…