Pumping Marvellous

There is a lot of talk in the media and medical websites about Salt and it’s effects and that maybe it isn’t a bad thing after all? We would just like to say to you that you always have to keep an open mind to everything however salt is bad for Heart Failure patients in another way which is what we talk about. This is about salts ability to allow you to retain fluid in your body which means that the Heart works harder. This is a cause of Oedemas and is the reason why you take water tablets / diuretics like furosemide.

Always follow the guidelines outlined by your Doctor or Nurse. take the HYPE with a pinch of salt!

Peter Pepper talks about Fluid management for #HeartFailure

Fluids management for Heart Failure patients

Peter talks to Heart Failure Patients about managing their fluids

Image via Wikipedia

• use small cups instead of mugs
• try to spread your daily allowance over the whole day
• try drinking very cold or very hot fluids – it takes longer
• if it is very hot or you have a fever or diarrhoea, you should drink an extra 100-300ml

Now for tips when you are thirsty

• suck on a ice cube
• limit caffeinated drinks (including coffee, tea and some fizzy drinks)
• limit alcoholic drinks
• use lemon and glycerine mouthswab sticks
• chewing gum or sugar free sweets
• eat frozen fruits
• add lemon juice to your tea or mineral water
• carry around a little spray bottle of water and when you feel thirsty spray into your mouth, small enough for pocket or handbag. For the ladies and for the guys!

Hi Nick

I was reading this with interest, and just thought that maybe carrying a spray type bottle with water in might let you just moisten your mouth and tongue without consuming large volumes?

You could even freeze the water or juice if you plan to carry it around all day, then as it melts during the day it will still be cold and refreshing.