The pumping of the heart allows blood flow to every organ in the body. Every cell in the body needs oxygen; the oxygen we breathe gets to the cell via the blood. When blood flow is low, cells do not get adequate oxygen. Congestive heart failure results when the heart is too weak or inefficient in pumping blood. Failure of the heart causes blood to back up to the lungs and liver. In heart failure, there is low blood flow to the kidneys, causing an individual to retain fluid.
Step 1
Eat a low-salt diet. Sodium is retained in congestive heart failure. Low blood flow to the kidney causes conservation of sodium in the body. Increased sodium in the body causes edema, which is an increase in tissue fluid. A 2001 article in "American Family Physician" recommends 2g to 3g of sodium per day for individuals with congestive heart failure. Avoid canned foods; when unavoidable, examine the nutrition fact label carefully for sodium content.
Step 2
Measure your weight daily and record it. The "American Family Physician" article recommends daily weighing as a way of monitoring the effectiveness of your low-salt diet. Remove clothing and accessories before weighing.
Step 3
Monitor fluid intake. Congestive heart failure results in trapping of fluid in the body. Increased fluid intake worsens the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Avoid too alcohol consumption. Alcohol is fluid and toxic to the heart; it can also cause congestive heart failure.
