If you simply want a refreshing drink and have not been given a fluid restriction, plain water is usually a much simpler choice.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of clean water
- A small squeeze of lemon, optional
- Fresh mint, optional
Step 1: Pour the Water
Use a clean glass and ordinary drinking water.
Step 2: Add Lemon
A small amount of lemon can provide flavor without adding significant sodium.
Step 3: Add Mint
A few fresh mint leaves can make the drink more refreshing.
Step 4: Drink According to Your Medical Advice
If you have kidney disease, don’t assume that drinking large amounts of water is automatically beneficial. Some people with advanced kidney disease or who receive dialysis are specifically instructed to limit fluids.
What Actually Protects Kidney Function?
For people with kidney disease, management depends on the underlying cause and stage. Important measures can include:
- Controlling blood pressure
- Managing blood glucose when diabetes is present
- Following prescribed medications
- Limiting sodium when recommended
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding unnecessary medications or supplements that may harm the kidneys
- Following an individualized dietary plan
- Attending recommended kidney-function tests
A kidney specialist or renal dietitian can also determine whether potassium, phosphorus, protein, or fluid intake needs adjustment.
What If Your Kidneys Are Already Damaged?
Don’t wait for a social-media remedy if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease.
Symptoms such as increasing swelling, very little urine, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, confusion, chest pain, or shortness of breath require prompt medical attention.
And if you receive dialysis, do not skip or stop dialysis because of a homemade drink. Any change to dialysis treatment should be made by your medical team.
The Bottom Line
Baking soda is a useful medical substance in specific circumstances, but a baking-soda glass cannot “reset” damaged kidneys in three hours.
If you’re concerned about kidney health, the safest approach is to find out your kidney function through appropriate testing and follow a treatment and nutrition plan designed for your specific condition.
See more on the next page