Fluids and Fluid Restriction
Has your doctor advised you to limit the amount of fluid you take in each day? Some health needs do require fluid restriction. The restrictions include all types of fluids, including the fluid taken with your medications.
Fluids are any substances that are liquid at room temperature. Foods or liquids that are a part of your fluid intake are:
- Ice cubes
- Other beverages
- Fruit and vegetable juices
- Broth and soups
- Milk and cream
- Ice cream and ice milk
- Soft drinks/soda pop
- Sherbet and frozen yogurt
- Coffee and tea
When your doctor has advised you limit fluid intake, you need to keep track of the amount of fluid that you do drink throughout the day. You can do this in one of two ways:
1. Each time you drink some fluid, list the amount your drink, adding it up as you go throughout the day.
2. Mark a large container with the amount of fluid allowed for the day. Each time your drink some fluids pour an equal amount of water into the container. When you have filled the container, you have reached your limit for the day.
To help you measure:
- 1 cup equals 8 ounces (240cc)
- 1/3 cup equals 2-2/3 ounces (80cc)
- 3/4 cup equals 6 ounces (180cc)
- 1/4 cup equals 2ounces (60cc)
- 2/3 cup equals 5-1/3 ounces (160cc)
- 2 tablespoons equals 1 ounce (30cc)
- 1/2 cup equals 4 ounces (120cc)
Whatever way you decide to use in keeping track of your fluid intake be sure to measure and count all fluids.
Tips to help keep you from becoming thirsty:
- Limit salty foods
- Try chewing gum, sucking on a piece of hard candy, eating a serving of icy cold fruit from your diet, or rinsing your mouth with mouthwash (no swallowing).
- Use bread with a generous amount of butter. The fat acts as a lubricant.
- Use breath spray
- Do not overheat your home
- Keep the air as humid as possible in your house since dry air increases thirst.
- Breathe through your nose and not your mouth.
- Avoid the hot noon day sun if possible; go out in the early morning or the evening instead.
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