Other Important Diet Information

If you are on diuretics (water pills), they can make your potassium low.  This would make you feel tired, weak, thirsty, void (pee)a lot, and have heart beat changes.  Talk to our doctor about eating foods that are high in potassium like:  bananas, broccoli, tomatoes, prunes, raisins, and nuts.

It is important to know how much and what you drink.  With CHF, your body can hold on to extra fluid.  Your  doctor may want to track what you drink.  Being on diuretics (water pills) can make you thirsty, but try to eat sugar free, hard candy, instead.  Avoid alcohol.  Alcohol decreases the heart's ability to contract.  Also, limit caffeine intake (coffee and sodas) because caffeine is a stimulant and can put more stress on the heart. Avoid tomato or vegetable juices, as these are high in sodium.  Remember, water is the best drink of choice.  Other healthy choices include fruit juice and decaffeinated sodas or coffees.  

Go to: 

  http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=357

  Don't do it by yourself.  Let others help you.  Research studies have shown that people with heart failure who have     friends or family that help with meal planning and shopping are more likely to manage diet better and experience positive benefits.    Other studies have even shown that there are emotions (good or bad) involved with food.  Try to make meal times fun.  Sharing meals with friends or family is an important part of your diet plan because it can help you to stick to your diet.