Fluid Restriction

What is Fluid Restriction

With some health conditions, you must restrict your fluid intake. This means that you need to limit the amount of fluid that you drink each day (fluid restriction). When you have a fluid restriction, you must carefully measure and keep track of the amount of fluid that you drink.

Your health care provider will identify the specific amount of fluid you are allowed each day (fluid allowance). This amount may depend on several things, such as:

  • How well your kidneys function.
  • How much fluid you are keeping (retaining) in your body tissues.
  • Your blood pressure.
  • Your heart function.
  • Your blood sodium level.

What is my plan?

Your health care provider recommends that you limit your fluid intake to __________ per day.

What counts toward my fluid intake?

Your fluid intake includes all liquids that you drink, as well as any foods that become liquid at room temperature.

The following are examples of some fluids that you will have to restrict:

  • Tea, coffee, soda, lemonade, milk, water, juice, sports drinks, and nutritional supplement beverages.
  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Cream.
  • Gravy.
  • Ice cubes.
  • Soup and broth.

The following are examples of foods that become liquid at room temperature. These foods will also count toward your fluid intake.

  • Ice cream and ice milk.
  • Frozen yogurt and sherbet.
  • Frozen ice pops.
  • Flavored gelatin.

How do I keep track of my fluid intake?

Each morning, fill a jug with the amount of water that is equal to your daily fluid allowance. You can use this water as a guideline for fluid allowance. Each time you take in any form of fluid (including ice cubes and foods that become liquid at room temperature), pour an equal amount of water out of the container. This helps you to see how much fluid you are taking in. It also helps you to see how much more fluid you can take in during the rest of the day.

The following conversions may also be helpful in measuring your fluid intake:

  • 1 cup equals 8 oz (240 mL).
  • ¾ cup equals 6 oz (180 mL).
  • ⅔ cup equals 5⅓ oz (160 mL).
  • ½ cup equals 4 oz (120 mL).
  • ⅓ cup equals 2⅔ oz (80 mL).
  • ¼ cup equals 2 oz (60 mL).
  • 2 Tbsp equals 1 oz (30 mL).

What are tips for following this plan?

General instructions

  • Make sure that you stay within your recommended fluid allowance each day. Always measure and keep track of your fluids (including ice cubes and foods that become liquid at room temperature).
  • Use small cups and glasses and learn to sip fluids slowly.
  • Try frozen fruits between meals, such as grapes or strawberries. These can satisfy thirst without adding to your fluid intake.
  • Swallow your pills along with meals or soft foods such as applesauce or mashed potatoes, instead of with liquids. Doing this helps you to save your fluid allowance for something that you enjoy.

Weigh yourself each day

Weigh yourself every day. Keeping track of your daily weight can help you and your health care provider to notice as soon as possible if you are retaining too much fluid in your body.

  • Follow this sequence every morning:
    1. Urinate.
    2. Weigh yourself.
    3. Eat breakfast.
  • Wear the same amount of clothing each time you weigh yourself.
  • Write down your daily weight. Give this weight record to your health care provider. If your weight is going up, you may be retaining too much fluid. Every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of body weight that you gain is a sign that your body is retaining 2 cups (480 mL) of fluid.

Manage your thirst

  • Add lemon juice or a slice of fresh lemon to water or ice. Doing this helps to satisfy your thirst.
  • Freeze fruit juice or water in an ice cube tray. Use this as part of your fluid allowance. These cubes are useful for quenching your thirst. Before you freeze the juice or water, measure how much liquid you use to fill a cube section of the ice tray. Subtract this amount from your day’s allowance each time you consume a frozen cube.
  • Avoid salty (high-sodium) foods. These foods make you thirsty and make it more difficult to stay within your daily fluid allowance.
  • Keep the temperature in your home at a cooler level.
  • Keep the air in your home as humid as possible. Dry air increases thirst.
  • Avoid being out in the hot sun, which can cause you to sweat and become thirsty.
  • To help avoid dry mouth, brush your teeth often or rinse out your mouth with mouthwash. Lemon wedges, hard sour candies, chewing gum, or breath spray may also help to moisten your mouth.

What are some signs that I may be taking in too much fluid?

You may be taking in too much fluid if:

  • Your weight increases. Contact your health care provider if you gain weight rapidly.
  • Your face, hands, legs, feet, and abdomen start to swell.
  • You have trouble breathing.

Summary

  • With some health conditions, you must limit (restrict) your fluid intake. This means that you need to limit the amount of fluid you drink each day (fluid restriction). Your health care provider will identify the specific amount of fluid that you are allowed each day.
  • When you have a fluid restriction, you must carefully measure and keep track of the amount of fluid that you drink.
  • Your fluid intake includes all liquids that you drink, as well as any foods that become liquid at room temperature (such as ice cream and gelatin).
  • You may be taking in too much fluid if your weight increases, your body starts to swell, or you have trouble breathing.
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