Tips to Keep That CHF Under Control

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Do you have a loved one suffering from congestive heart failure but have no idea what it really is…? Well you are about to find out! Congestive heart failure (CHF) is when your heart has a hard time pumping blood to the rest of your body. This may cause blood or fluid in the lungs, swelling, tiredness and shortness of breath. A buildup of fluid in the body can make it even harder on the heart to pump. Therefore, watching fluid and sodium intake is very important. Here are 10 easy tips someone suffering from CHF can follow to help keep it under control:

1.   Limit fluid to 2,000mL (8 cups) per day 
2.  Track fluid intake and drink 1 cup at a time
3.   Remember that foods like soups, gelatin, and ice cream contain fluid as well
4.  Eat lots of fruits vegetables, milk, and meats
5.   Try to limit condiments, canned foods, fast food and frozen TV dinners
6.  Use DASH seasonings that contain no salt
7.   Choose packaged foods with less than 350mg sodium
8.   Eat soup with a spoon to limit amount of fluid being consumed
9.  Choose low sodium broths and soups
   10.Get rid of that salt shaker!!


JM

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