Staying well-hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your kidneys. The right choices depend on your stage of kidney disease, so always check with your nephrologist or dietitian for personalized guidance.
Here are some generally kidney-friendly drink options:
- Water – The gold standard. Aim for about 8 glasses a day Show Full Answer
Staying well-hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your kidneys. The right choices depend on your stage of kidney disease, so always check with your nephrologist or dietitian for personalized guidance.
Here are some generally kidney-friendly drink options:
- Water – The gold standard. Aim for about 8 glasses a day if you have early-stage kidney disease (unless told otherwise)
- Black coffee – Surprisingly low in potassium (~124mg per cup) and generally safe in moderation — fewer than 3 cups a day is a good rule of thumb
- Tea – Black, green, or herbal teas can be good options; just watch what you add to them (milk or creamers can add potassium)
- Water without added minerals or electrolytes – Avoid waters with added potassium-based additives Drinks to be cautious about include sports drinks, juices, and smoothies, as these can be surprisingly high in potassium. When potassium builds up in the body, it can become dangerous — sometimes without any noticeable symptoms.
A few handy tips for managing what you drink:
- Check nutrition labels for potassium content
- Watch for potassium additives like potassium chloride or potassium citrate in ingredient lists
- Try smaller portions of higher-potassium drinks, or dilute them with water
If you're on dialysis or have advanced kidney disease, fluid limits become even more important, so your care team's guidance is key!
September 10
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