Fluid Restriction

If your kidneys are not removing the extra fluid from your body, your doctor may advise you to limit the amount of fluid that you take in each day. Too much fluid can make your hands, feet, and ankles swell. It can go to your lungs and make breathing difficult. It can even cause heart failure.

What Is Fluid?

Fluid means anything that is liquid at room temperature. This includes:

• Water
• Fruit and vegetable juices
• Milk
• Alcoholic beverages
• Coffee and creamer
• Tea
• Ice (cubes and crushed)
• Yogurt, regular and frozen
• Ice cream, ice milk
• Popsicles
• Broth and liquid in soup
• Soft drinks, soda
• Jello
• Pudding
• Sherbet
• Gravy
• Nutritional supplements
• Syrup

Track Liquids

Keep track of the liquid that you take in and add it up as you go through the day. When you get to your restricted amount … STOP! Or try spacing it out throughout the day. Give yourself so much per hour or per meal.

Here are some tips to help you keep from feeling as thirsty and help in limiting fluids:

• Drink only when thirsty, not to be sociable
• Drain canned fruit vegetables, even soup broth
• Limit salty foods
• Take your medications with applesauce
• Chew gum or suck on hard candy
• Rinse your mouth out, but do not swallow
• Use mouthwash or breath spray
• Do not overheat your home
• Drink from a small glass
• Put drinks in the refrigerator so no ice is needed
• Breathe through your nose
• Don’t drink from fountains (can’t be measured)
• Stay active so you don’t think about drinking
• Try margarine or jelly on bread (the fat acts as a lubricant)
• Keep the air in your home moist (dry air makes you thirsty)
• Eat an icy cold piece of fruit from your diet (try frozen grapes!) or suck on a lemon wedge
• Choose sugar free and caffeine free beverages (sugar and caffeine make you thirsty)
• Avoid the hot noon day sun - if possible, go out in the early morning or evening
• If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control will make you feel less thirsty