Fluid retention: Fluid retention can cause edema and increase the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and pulmonary edema.
Increases blood pressure: By reducing salt intake, patients can control blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension.
Increases thirst: Eating salty foods can increase thirst, leading to a higher fluid intake between dialysis sessions. Limiting salt helps reduce thirst and balance it properly.
Affects the effectiveness of dialysis: Excessive salt intake increases the amount of fluid to be removed during dialysis sessions.
Tips to reduce salt from your diet:
- Cook your food without salt. Use herbs and spices, which also give great taste.
- Pay attention to food labels. Specifically, look for the value of sodium. Some foods may not taste salty, but they still contain a lot of salt.
- Reduce the consumption of ready meals and pre-packaged foods, such as potato chips, shrimps, ready-made sauces as well as frozen meals. Again, we recommend that you read the labels.
- Avoid fast food, and always check the nutritional information posted on the restaurant or its website.
- Avoid cold cuts.
- Most patients state that over time they have become accustomed to its absence.
