Fluid intake refers to the total amount of liquids consumed by a person in a given period of time, usually within a 24-hour period.
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Monitoring fluid intake is important for managing hydration, which can affect overall health, energy levels, and the functioning of organs, especially in individuals with health conditions. It can also help prevent complications such as dehydration, kidney problems, or fluid imbalances, including fluid retention or having too little fluid, which can worsen existing conditions or disabilities.
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- Some health conditions and medications require monitoring of fluid intake because of the impact on your heart, kidney, blood pressure and other systems.
- Seniors may need to be cautious about your fluid intake because aging changes can affect your kidney and heart function.
- Ask your physician or nurse practitioner if you should be monitoring your fluid intake.
- Check out the ‘Healthy Eating Suggestions for Seniors’ that has been printed in a number of languages from the Government of BC. Often a person who needs to be cautious about fluid intake is also on salt reduction diets.
- Learn about ways to reduce sodium (salt) intake that can cause fluid retention from Healthlink BC.
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- Dehydration can also be a health issue. Learn about how medications, illness, lack of thirst, and fear of incontinence can cause dehydration in seniors from Healthlink BC.
- Monitor and record your fluid intake as needed or have your caregivers or care partners help you. Learn how to use a print or phone calendar or notes app to record your fluid intake.
- If you have questions about your fluid restrictions or dehydration and how that affects your diet and nutrition, you can email a Dietitian in BC or you can Dial a Dietitian at 811 or for Hard of Hearing 711 from Healthlink BC.
Learn about using daily tracking records in My Day to Day and keep print or digital copies in your Mywell Health planner.