Thirst management in summer

During hot summer days, one cannot resist the need to gulp down water and other liquids frequently, as you go about your daily routine indoors as well as outdoors.

Many people dream of sipping lemonade while gently rocking in a hammock during the sultry summer days. Yet, for people with kidney failure, the lemonade, or more specifically the amount of lemonade they drink, could be a problem.

During hot summer days, controlling thirst can become a complicated matter for people with kidney failure. Here are 6 tips to drink less and control thirst in summer.

Light sprays

Using a refreshing spray can re-wet the mouth and will use less fluid than drinking from a container. Mix 1tsp of peppermint extract in 1 cup of water or ½ cup lemon juice in ½ cup of water, fill it in a spray bottle and give yourself

occasional sprays in the mouth.

Frozen fruit

Ice can sometimes quench thirst better than water. Try freezing lemon juice with water to make lemon ice cubes. Also, try sucking on frozen grapes.

Chew gum

Eating salty and sugary foods can encourage thirst. Chew sugar free gum or mints.

Use apple sauce

Use apple sauce to take medicines instead of liquid, which controls the thirst.

Avoid direct sun

Try avoiding the sun between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Maintain a food diary

People with kidney failure may not realise how much fluid they eat or drink. Maintain a fluid or food diary to keep a tab on consumption.

WATERMELON FOR BREAKFAST

Watermelon, the most preferred fruit during the summer months, is also a staple in diets in tropical countries. Watermelon, with its 92% water content, also contains lycopene and other rich antioxidant compounds.

Diabetic individuals, however, need to be cautious when consuming this fruit because of its sugar content in the form of fructose.

Consuming fruits with high water content, like watermelon, when feeling hungry are recommended. But in individuals at risk of hypoglycemia, it can raise blood sugar while providing cooling. The best way to consume watermelon is in the form of a slice along with breakfast.