Patient information leaflet Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Controlling your fluid intake Nutrition & Dietetics Department
Who is this leaflet for? You may have been asked to restrict your fluid intake if your kidneys are not working properly and/or you are having dialysis. Introduction When your kidneys are not working properly, water can build up in your body. Too much water in your body can cause shortness of breath, raised blood pressure and strain and damage to your heart. If you have too much water in your body you may find you have swollen ankles or puffy hands or face. Excess fluid can be removed from the body by limiting the amount of fluid you take from food and drink and by taking care not to have too much salt in your diet. All drinks, such as tea, squash and water need to be limited. Other foods like soup, gravy and yoghurt also count towards your fluid intake. For more information on the fluid content of foods, refer to the table later on in this leaflet. Your daily fluid allowance is..ml/day (Ask your doctor what your allowance is) How can i control my fluid intake? Keep a measuring jug in your kitchen. Start each day with the jug empty. For every drink or measure of fluid you have, add the same amount of water to the jug. You will then be able to see your total fluid intake as the day goes on. 2
Helpful tips Divide your fluid allowance evenly through the day. This will limit you to drinking small amounts, but you can drink more often. Drink only when you are thirsty and sip through a straw to make the drink last longer. Suck on ice cubes instead of drinking. You can flavour with fruit squash, lemon or lime to make them more appealing. Suck slices of lemon, or try sherbet sweets, chewing gum, peppermints or sugar-free boiled sweets to quench your thirst. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or iced water or clean your teeth to moisten and freshen your mouth. Ask the dietitian or doctor about products to help reduce dry mouth. Salty foods will make you thirsty. Avoid adding salt to meals. Try using pepper, vinegar, mustard, lemon juice and herbs to flavour your food instead. Do not use salt substitutes if you have kidney problems (e.g. LoSalt, NoSalt or NuSalt ). Check which of your tablets can be taken with food so you don t have to take them with drinks. Useful fluid measures 1 average teacup = 190mls 1 average mug = 260mls 1 average glass = 200mls 1 can of fizzy drink = 330mls 1 measure of spirit = 25-35mls Useful conversions 1 tablespoon = 15mls 1 dessertspoon = 10mls 1 teaspoon = 5mls 3
Fluid in foods Food Quantity Fluid content Custard 1 tablespoon 15mls Fromage Frais 150g/60g tub 120mls/50mls Gravy 1 tablespoon 15mls Ice cream 1 scoop 40mls Ice cube 1 average 20mls Ice lolly e.g. orange maid 50mls Jelly Average, 115g 100mls Mousse Individual, 60g 40mls Trifle Individual, 110g 70mls Porridge Average, 160g 130mls Reference source Gandy, J. Manual of Dietetic Practice (2014) Fifth Edition, Blackwell publishing, Oxford. This leaflet is produced by the dietetic department at The Royal Surrey County Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust. It is not a substitute for dietary advice given to a specific individual by a dietitian. If you need to see a dietitian, ask your GP or consultant for a referral. Please note that the information in this leaflet was correct at time of writing. The ingredients of manufactured products can change. 4
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Contact details If you have any questions about the information in this leaflet please contact the dietetic department at the address below: Nutrition and Dietetics Department The Royal Surrey County Hospital Egerton Road Guildford GU2 7XX Telephone: 01483 464119 Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH) NHS Foundation Trust fully subscribes to the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) Being Open best practice framework, November 2010. PALS and Advocacy contact details Contact details of independent advocacy services can be provided by our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who are located in far left corner as you enter the main reception area. PALS are also your first point of contact for health related issues, questions or concerns surrounding RSCH patient services. Telephone: 01483 402757 Email: rsc-tr.pals@nhs.net Opening hours: 9.00am 3.00pm, Monday to Friday If you would like information documents in large print, on tape or in another language or form please contact PALS. Review date: June 2018 Author: Sarah Carr PIN150612 203 Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 2015