You’ve probably been told to drink eight glasses of water each day, but the truth is, there’s no simple amount that’s best for everyone. While some people may need to drink more than that, those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) — especially if the disease is advanced — may need to drink less.
The kidneys have a big job: They’re responsible for filtering out waste products and removing extra water from the body in the form of urine, all while maintaining a delicate balance of minerals the body needs to function. When the kidneys become damaged, they lose their ability to produce urine, which can result in excess fluids in the body.
In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you likely don’t have to limit your fluid intake. “We tell people to drink ‘to thirst,’” says Eugene Kovalik, MD, a nephrologist at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina, meaning you should use thirst cues to guide how much liquid to drink. Over time, that goal may need to change.
