Treatments & Procedures

Fluid Guidelines

This guide provides information on fluid intake guidelines. A Registered Dietitian can provide detailed nutrition education to help you develop a personal action plan.

Because you have special needs, you need to limit the amount of fluid (liquid) that you drink or eat. Each day you can have.
Use measuring cups and spoons to be exact.

Examples of fluids are:

1/2 cup fruit ice or sherbet equals 120ml
1 popsicle equals 90ml
10-12 large square ice cubes to fill melt into 240ml

If a more stringent fluid restriction is warranted, your dietitian will discuss with you. Some foods are considered to be fluids.

These include pudding, custard, soups, ice cream, and yogurt. In addition, melons contain more than 90% water, so they may need to be limited.

These measuring techniques and amounts will help you in adding up your daily fluids:

Each time you drink some fluid, list the amount you drink, adding it up as you go throughout the day. OR, you may mark a large container with the amount of fluid allowed for the day. Each time you 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.
1 cup equals 240ml
1/2 cup equals 120ml
1/4 cup equals 60ml
1/8 cup equals 30ml
1 tablespoon equals 15ml

Follow these tips to help control fluid intake:

Avoid salt and salty or spicy foods.
Suck on ice chips or frozen grapes; remember to count the ice chips as part of the fluid allowance*
Make ice cubes from some of your favorite beverages*
You may want to use sugar-free and/or caffeine-free beverages, as sugar and caffeine can make you feel more thirsty
Use hard candy, gum, or mints, preferably sugar-free
Eat more cold fruits and vegetables, if allowed
Try lemons; add a bit of lemon juice to water or suck on lemon slices
Use breath sprays
Brush your teeth more frequently
Take medications with meal-time liquids. Also, try taking medications with applesauce or yogurt