Patient education: Fluid restriction (The Basics)

Why do I need to restrict fluids? — Most people are able to drink as much fluid as they want. But some people have health problems that cause their body to hold onto too much fluid. This causes swelling when fluid collects in the small spaces around tissues and organs inside the body. Another word for swelling is "edema."

"Fluid restriction" means limiting how much fluid you take in through foods and drinks. This might be 1 way that your doctor treats your health problem.

To restrict fluids, reduce the amount of fluids you drink in a day. You might also have to limit foods that have a lot of fluids in them. Your doctor might ask you to keep a record of how much you drink each day. This will help them know if your body is getting rid of the right amount of fluid.

How much fluid should I have? — Your doctor will talk with you about the amount of fluids you are allowed each day. This is based on things like your health problem and body size, and how much urine your body makes.

Your doctor might suggest that you work with a "dietitian." A dietitian is an expert on food and eating.

What are fluids? — Fluids include all drinks and any food that becomes a liquid at room temperature. Examples include:

●All drinks including water, soda, juice, tea, and coffee

●Flavored water

●Sport and energy drinks

●Alcohol

●Ice and freezer pops

●Milkshakes and smoothies

●Soups and broth

Which foods count as fluids? — Some kinds of foods have "hidden liquids" in them. You might also need to count these toward the total amount of fluid that you are allowed each day. Examples of foods with "hidden liquids" or a lot of water include:

●Fruits – Watermelon, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, oranges, peaches, grapes, apples, pineapple, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries, starfruit, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries.

●Vegetables – Cucumber, zucchini, celery, iceberg lettuce, Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, radish, potatoes, eggplant, jicama, cauliflower.

How do I limit the amount of fluid that I take in? — Talk to your doctor about the amount of fluids you are allowed each day. Then, spread the fluids that you are allowed throughout the day. Many people try to have their fluids with meals and snacks.

Some other tips to help you limit your fluids:

●Drain fluids from canned or cooked fruits and vegetables before eating.

●Choose a water bottle with markings for volume to keep track of your fluid intake. Pour drinks into small cups. This helps limit how much you drink. Take small sips at a time.

●Take your medicines when you have your allowed drinks.

What can I do to help with thirst?

●Suck on hard candy, lollipops, or mints. Chewing gum or sucking on a lemon slice can also help with a dry mouth.

●Brush your teeth. Gargle with a cold mouthwash.

●Rinse your mouth with water, but do not swallow.

●Use a mouth moisturizer to help with chapped lips.

●Cold drinks might help with thirst better than hot ones.

●Suck on ice or frozen fruit. Count this as part of your fluids.

●Distract yourself and try to keep busy so you are not thinking about your thirst.

More on this topic

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