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Food Menu for Fluid Restricted Diet

If your doctor has asked that you start a fluid-restricted diet or a low-sodium diet, she is probably concerned about the amount of water that you are retaining in your body. Fluid retention can be caused by a number of factors, including kidney or liver disease or disorders involving the heart or lymphatic system. Whatever the underlying problem causing your fluid retention, you can help to reduce the amount of fluids your body retains by following a low-sodium diet.

  1. About the Low-Sodium Diet Menu

    • Even though you are trying to reduce the amount of water your body retains, you need to be sure to drink at least six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day to help your body hydrate, which will allow it to release unwanted fluids. Eat smaller meals throughout the day--at least five light meals a day. Never allow yourself to get hungry. Eat plenty of citrus fruits and melons. These are natural diuretics and are rich in potassium, which will help your body maintain a healthy balance of fluids. Be sure to get at least six helpings of green, leafy vegetables each day. Eat several helpings of rice, potatoes or pasta each day, as the starches will help your body regulate its metabolism and water levels. For snacks, eat nuts, seeds and whole grain crackers. Try to get at least 1,300 mg of calcium a day, either from milk, yogurt or cheese products. Eat less red meat and more fish. The omega-3 fish oils are good regulators of the body's metabolism and fluids. Most importantly, avoid all salt. Use other seasonings to flavor your foods and purchase only fresh ingredients to avoid the extra sodium in canned and processed foods.

    Breakfast

    • Eat 1/2 cup of fresh citrus fruit salad, topped with 2 tbsp. of low-fat yogurt. You may sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds or walnuts on top for added protein and flavor. Drink an 8-oz. glass of water or a cup of herbal tea.

    Mid-Morning Snack

    • Eat a banana and 2 tbsp. of roasted almonds or pumpkin seeds. Drink a cup of iced herbal tea, flavored with honey or squeezed lemon juice.

    Lunch

    • Add 3/4 cup of roasted or baked chicken breast to a plate of mixed greens, tomatoes, chick peas and sliced red and green bell peppers. Top the salad with olive oil and no-salt seasonings, such as basil, oregano and pepper. As a side dish, prepare 1/2 cup of brown rice with sesame seeds on top. Have half an avocado with lemon juice for dessert.

    Snack

    • Eat 1/2 cup of seeds, dried fruit or nuts for an afternoon snack. Drink an 8-oz. glass of water or iced herbal tea.

    Dinner

    • Prepare your favorite fish using olive oil and lemon juice for seasoning. Bake or broil the fish, and sprinkle it with fresh herbs just before serving. As a side dish, you may eat a fresh salad with olive oil or low-salt vinaigrette dressing and 1/2 cup of brown rice, sauteed vegetables in olive oil with fresh herbs and pepper, a glass of red wine and half a cantaloupe for dessert. Drink an 8-ounce glass of water flavored with lemon.

    Midnight Snack

    • Eat 1/2 cup of frozen yogurt with strawberries. Drink a glass of water or hot herbal tea.

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