Are you drinking enough fluid guide

How much fluid should I be drinking?

Around six to eight glasses of fluid a day (but no more) unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Many people with urinary incontinence avoid drinking fluids, as they feel it causes more problems, but  limiting your fluid intake makes incontinence worse because it reduces your bladder’s capacity.

It’s easy to overlook, but choosing healthier drinks is a key part of getting a balanced diet. Water is
a healthy and cheap choice for quenching your thirst at any time. It has no calories and contains no
sugars that can damage teeth. Plain tea, fruit tea and coffee (without added sugar) can also be healthy.

If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try flavoured water or add a slice of lemon or lime. You could also heat the water and add a slice of lemon. To add more flavour, you could add some no added sugar squash or fruit juice.

Is there anything I should cut down on?

Alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic, which makes you urinate more often. Cutting down may help your incontinence
symptoms.

Caffeine

Caffeine irritates the bladder and can make incontinence worse. it has the biggest effect so try to stop drinking it or switch to decaffeinated.

Fizzy drinks, tea and hot chocolate also contain caffeine, so try and cut down on these too and replace them with water and herbal or fruit teas.

Benefits of good fluid intake

• Cleans toxins from your body
• Promotes cardiovascular health
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps muscles and joints work better
• Keeps your body cool
• Keeps your skin soft and supple
• Boosts your energy.

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Telephone: 0151 471 2377 Freephone: 0800 328 2941 Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk