It is easy to forget that the fluid limitation you have been given is for a full 24-hours period. The following method is an easy way to keep track of fluids. It will help you balance your intake throughout the day.

1. Fill an empty bottle with water that equals the amount of liquids you may have in a 24-hour period (for example, if 2,000 ml or 2 quarts of fluid is allowed each day, the bottle should be filled with 2,000 ml or 2 quarts of water.)

2. As fluid is used during the day, pour an equal amount of water as what you have used out of the bottle. (If you drank 120 ml of juice, you would remove 120 ml of water from the bottle.) When the bottle is empty, you have had your daily allowance of fluids.

• Try to get the most nutrition from your allowed liquids. Substitute Popsicles, sherbet, allowed juices and other nourishing beverages for coffee, tea and water.
• Ice-cold fruits and vegetables may satisfy your thirst at mealtime.
• Use small cups and glasses for beverages and other liquids.
• Slice lemon wedges will stimulate saliva and moisten a dry mouth.
• Put lemon juice on ice cubes – you’ll use less. Use about ˝ lemon per tray of ice. Most people find ice more satisfying than the same amount of water since it stays in your mouth longer.
• Make or buy Popsicles. One whole Popsicle contains about 90 ml of liquid.
• When thirsty, try eating bread with margarine and jelly or allowed fruit before taking liquids. Often the sense of thirst is only a feeling of dry mouth. Food can help with a dry mouth as well as a liquid.
• Use sour or hard candies, chewing gum or breath mints to moisten the mouth. If you are diabetic, use sugar-free products.
• Drink only when you are thirsty.
• Don’t drink from habit or to be social.
• Keep yourself active. When you are idle, your desire for liquids may increase.
• Avoid salt and salty food, as these will make you thirsty.
• Brush your teeth frequently.
• Avoid caffeine beverages – they can make your mouth dry.
• Many patients find that tart beverages such as cranberry juice or lemonade will satisfy their thirst better than water.
• Frozen grapes may help control thirst.
• Controlling blood sugar (for diabetics) will also help reduce thirst.
• Take your medicines with mealtime liquids whenever possible.
• Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. This often helps relieve thirst.

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Rapid City Regional Hospital
Cardiac Services Department
353 Fairmont Blvd.
Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone:(605) 719-8045
Fax:(605) 719-4354