What Drinks Are Good for Ascites?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, managing ascites often involves dietary changes, including fluid and sodium restriction, making beverage choices critical. When considering what drinks are good for ascites, the focus should be on options that support liver health without contributing to fluid retention, with guidance from a healthcare provider being essential.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines safe and beneficial beverage choices for those with ascites, emphasizing low-sodium options and discussing fluid restrictions. It covers recommended drinks like coffee and certain teas, lists beverages to avoid, and explains why proper hydration is vital while adhering to a doctor-prescribed plan.

Key Points

Low-Sodium is Key: A low-sodium diet is essential for managing ascites, as sodium retention drives fluid buildup in the abdomen.
Fluid Restrictions May Apply: Many patients will need to adhere to a fluid restriction, typically 1200-1500mL per day, to manage excess fluid.
Coffee for Liver Health: Moderate coffee consumption (black) is linked to reduced risk of cirrhosis and can decrease liver inflammation.
Herbal Teas as Diuretics: Green, black, and dandelion root teas offer mild diuretic effects and antioxidants; they should be unsweetened.
Avoid Alcohol and Sugary Drinks: Alcohol damages the liver and is a root cause of ascites, while sugary beverages can worsen liver health.
Monitor Fluid and Weight: Keeping track of daily fluid intake and weighing yourself regularly helps manage fluid retention.

Understanding Ascites and Fluid Management

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, most commonly a complication of advanced liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. This condition is caused by a combination of factors, including high pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the liver (portal hypertension) and an imbalance of hormones that regulate fluid and sodium. Sodium retention is a key driver of fluid buildup, which is why a low-sodium diet is fundamental to its management. For many patients, a fluid restriction may also be recommended by their doctor, especially if their blood sodium levels are low. Consequently, thoughtful beverage selection is a crucial part of managing symptoms and supporting overall liver function.

The Importance of Low-Sodium Beverages

Since excess sodium causes the body to retain water, all fluids consumed should be low in salt. The most straightforward and essential drink is plain water, but for individuals under a fluid restriction, every milliliter counts. It's crucial to check labels on all packaged drinks, including flavored waters, juices, and health drinks, as many contain surprising amounts of sodium. The British Liver Trust advises checking bottled water labels, as some can have high sodium content. Flavoring plain water with fresh lemon, lime, or cucumber is a safe way to add variety without increasing sodium.

Beneficial Drinks to Consider

Several beverages have been identified as potentially beneficial for liver health, and most can be incorporated into an ascites-friendly diet, provided they are unsalted and consumed within any prescribed fluid limits.

Coffee: Multiple studies have shown that coffee consumption can be protective against chronic liver disease, potentially lowering the risk of cirrhosis. It is thought to reduce liver fat buildup and inflammation. Black coffee is the best option, and adding low-sodium, plant-based milk alternatives is preferable to high-sodium creamers. Patients should, however, confirm with their doctor if coffee is appropriate given their overall health and any fluid restrictions.
Certain Teas: Green and black teas are known to have natural diuretic effects and are rich in antioxidants. Dandelion root tea has also been traditionally used as a natural diuretic and may be considered. For best results, teas should be unsweetened and consumed without added salt. Herbal teas like ginger tea or turmeric tea also offer anti-inflammatory properties and can be a good choice.
Fruit-Infused Water: Infusing water with fresh fruits like berries, melon, or citrus adds flavor, vitamins, and antioxidants without adding sodium. This can make staying hydrated more appealing, especially when daily fluid intake is limited.
Coconut Water: This beverage is naturally rich in electrolytes, particularly potassium, and can aid in hydration. It is important to choose plain, unsweetened coconut water and monitor consumption if fluid intake is restricted.

Beverages to Avoid with Ascites

Just as important as knowing what to drink is understanding what to avoid. These drinks can worsen symptoms or put additional strain on the liver.

Alcoholic Beverages: Alcohol is extremely damaging to the liver and is often the underlying cause of the liver damage leading to ascites. It is crucial for patients with ascites to completely abstain from alcohol.
High-Sodium Drinks: This includes many sports drinks, packaged vegetable juices, and some processed protein shakes. Always read the nutrition labels carefully.
Sugary Drinks: Sodas, fruit juices with added sugar, and other sweetened beverages can contribute to weight gain and fatty liver disease, which can exacerbate liver problems. Natural, unsweetened juices like beetroot juice or carrot juice can be beneficial, but again, should be consumed in moderation and within fluid limits.
Potassium-Based Salt Substitutes: Some salt substitutes use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. For patients with advanced liver disease and potential kidney issues, this can be dangerous and lead to high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Stick to fresh herbs and spices for flavoring instead.

Comparison of Ascites-Friendly and Unfriendly Drinks


Feature	Ascites-Friendly Drinks	Unfriendly Drinks
Sodium Content	Very low to zero sodium.	Often high in hidden sodium.
Primary Goal	Hydration, liver support, low sodium intake.	Flavor, energy, or general hydration without restrictions.
Examples	Black coffee, green tea, fruit-infused water, unsweetened coconut water.	Alcohol, high-sodium vegetable juices, regular soda, sports drinks, packaged protein shakes.
Benefit	Antioxidants, natural diuretics, hydration, liver protection.	Can contribute to fluid retention, weight gain, and further liver damage.
Regulation	Should follow prescribed fluid and sodium limits.	Requires careful label reading to avoid hidden salt.
Key Concern	Adhering to fluid restrictions while maintaining adequate nutrition.	High sodium and sugar content exacerbating symptoms.

Managing Fluid Intake and Hydration

For those on a fluid-restricted diet, staying hydrated while not over-consuming fluids can be challenging. Spreading intake throughout the day is key. Measuring cup sizes can help monitor daily totals, and opting for 'half-cups' can make small servings feel more satisfying. Focusing on low-sodium, hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, and berries can also supplement fluid intake. It is crucial to have a weight-monitoring plan in place, as advised by a healthcare provider, to track fluid changes. Any sudden weight gain of more than two pounds per day for three consecutive days should be reported to a doctor.

Conclusion

Choosing the right drinks is an integral part of managing ascites, complementing the low-sodium diet and any prescribed diuretics. Prioritizing low-sodium beverages, limiting overall fluid intake based on medical advice, and avoiding alcohol and excessive sugar are critical steps. While coffee and certain herbal teas can offer benefits, personalized medical guidance is paramount to ensure safety and effectiveness. By making informed choices, patients can better manage their symptoms and support their liver health. For more information, the British Liver Trust website offers valuable resources on diet and cirrhosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many studies indicate that moderate coffee consumption (2-3 cups daily) can be beneficial for liver health, potentially lowering the risk of cirrhosis. Black coffee is recommended, but patients should always confirm with their doctor, especially if on a fluid restriction.

No, not all fruit juices are safe. While natural, unsweetened juices from fruits like beetroot or carrots can be beneficial in moderation, those with added sugar should be avoided as they can contribute to weight gain and worsen liver disease. Additionally, all juice intake must be included in a prescribed fluid restriction.

A low-sodium diet is crucial because ascites causes the body to retain sodium, which in turn leads to fluid retention in the abdominal cavity. Limiting sodium intake directly helps reduce this fluid buildup and manage symptoms.

The recommended fluid intake for someone with ascites varies by individual and depends on their medical condition. Many doctors recommend a fluid restriction, often between 1200mL and 1500mL per day, especially if blood sodium levels are low. A healthcare provider will determine the appropriate limit.

Some herbal teas, such as green tea and dandelion root tea, have natural diuretic properties and are rich in antioxidants. They can be considered, but it's important to consume them unsweetened and ensure they fit within any prescribed fluid restrictions.

No, many salt substitutes are made with potassium chloride, which can be dangerous for people with advanced liver and kidney issues. High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can result from using these substitutes, so they should be avoided.

To enhance flavor without adding sodium, try infusing your water with slices of fresh lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries. Using carbonated water can also provide a change of pace, as long as it is low in sodium.