Congestive heart failure occurs when a person's heart is unable to pump blood to meet the body's demand. It results from conditions that damage the heart. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the lower extremities, cough, wheezing and lack of appetite. In some people, congestive heart failure can be managed with medications and surgery, but making lifestyle changes, including following a low-sodium diet, can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Significance of Diet
A reduced-sodium diet is recommended for people with congestive heart failure to reduce the workload of the heart. Eating too much sodium causes you to retain water, which can increase the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Reducing sodium intake and decreasing the amount of water retained in the body helps a person with congestive heart failure breathe easier. In severe cases of heart failure, fluids may also need to be restricted.
Sodium
People with congestive heart failure should reduce sodium intake to 2,000 to 3,000 mg a day. One tsp. of salt equals 2,500 mg of sodium. The amount of sodium restriction depends on the severity of heart failure. People with congestive heart failure should avoid processed foods because these foods may contain high amounts of sodium. Replace processed foods with lower-sodium alternatives or lower-sodium versions if available. You should not add salt during cooking or at the table. Herbs, spices, lemon juice and ground pepper add taste and flavor to foods without adding a significant amount of sodium.
Foods to Avoid
You should not eat bread, rolls and crackers that contain salt on the top should. Avoid instant hot cereals, such as oatmeal, bran and wheat cereals. Do not eat salad dressing containing bacon fat, bacon bits or salt pork. Snack dips made with instant soup mixes or salad dressing containing high amounts of salt are not recommended. Processed meats, processed cheeses, cold cuts, ham and hot dogs also contain a lot of salt.
Foods Allowed
Although many foods need to be avoided, you can still have a flavorful diet with lots of variety. It is important to choose fresh foods. Any fresh fruit or vegetable is good because they contain low amounts of sodium. Enriched breads, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, muffins and cornbread and dinner rolls are all right to eat as long as they do not contain added salt. Fresh or frozen beef, poultry, pork or fish and canned tuna or salmon are allowed. Low-sodium cheeses, rinsed eggs, yogurt, peanut butter and beans are good sources of protein that are low in sodium. Pasta, rice, potatoes, soups and bread stuffing are fine, but they should not be prepackaged, canned or commercially prepared. Calculate the sodium content for each food during the day and keep track of the total to avoid to avoid going above what is recommended.
Beverages
Milk, buttermilk, eggnog, fruit juices and low-sodium vegetable juices are allowed. Carbonated beverages and sodas contain sodium; be aware of the amount of sodium in carbonated beverages. Avoid regular vegetable and tomato juices.
Hidden Sodium
Certain over-the-counter medications contain a significant amount of sodium. Condiments, including ketchup, lemon pepper, bouillon cubes, mustard, soy sauce and meat tenderizers also can contain high amounts of sodium. Always check the label and the serving size before using larges amounts of condiments. Avoid any food that has been pickled, including sauerkraut.
