Heart Failure and Sodium
positive picks
• Fruits
• Unsalted or no salt snack foods
• Vegetables (rinse canned vegetables with water before heating)
• Fresh or frozen meats cooked without salt
• Low sodium cheese
avoid
• Cured or processed meats
• Regular canned soups
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Regular cheese
• Fast food
• Condiments
• Frozen dinners that exceed 600 mg sodium
• Stop adding salt to food at the table. One third to one half of the sodium people
eat is added after food is prepared or during cooking.
• Use herbs, spices, fresh garlic, and lemon juice rather than salt to flavor foods.
• Read labels on foods to check the amount of sodium in them before you buy
them. Many products have lower sodium options.
• Choose single food items with 250 mg sodium or less per serving.
• As you decrease your sodium intake, your taste buds will adapt and your
preference for salty foods will decrease.
© 2014 by Morrison Healthcare
Heart Failure and Fluids
If you have heart failure, too much fluid can make it difficult for your heart to pump.
Your doctor may tell you to limit the amount of fluids you eat and drink.
signs of too much fluid:
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Swelling of hands and feet
Shortness of breath and/or tight chest
Weight gain of more than 2-3 kilograms (4-7 pounds) in a few days
Feeling of tiredness
High blood pressure
what counts as “fluid”?
• Liquids such as soups, water, and beverages, including those taken with medicines
• Foods that melt at room temperature or melt in your mouth: Jello®, ice cream, ice,
popsicles, etc.
common serving sizes for foods and beverages
Remember, always read the container to see how much fluid it contains.
• Can of soda = 12 fluid ounces or 1 1/2 cups
• Cup of coffee = 6-8 fluid ounces or 3/4 - 1 cup
• Juice glass = 6 fluid ounces or 3/4 cup
• 1 cup of crushed ice = 4 fluid ounces or 1/2 cup
• 1 cup watermelon = 150 mL or 5 fluid ounces
• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
daily fluid allowance
Remember to check with your doctor for the exact amount to limit each day.
• Usually between 1000-1500 mL (32-48 fluid ounces or 4-6 cups)
ways to control fluid intake
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Avoid salty foods and foods high in sugar
Rinse mouth with refrigerated mouthwash or water (do not swallow)
Divide fluid evenly throughout the day
Use sugarless gum and mints
Make trays of ice cubes using juices or water
Cold tea, lemonade, and tonic water will quench thirst better than soda
Keep busy so you do not think about how thirsty you are
Freeze your favorite fruit (grapes, pineapple, strawberries, etc.)
© 2014 by Morrison Healthcare