Diet and Food Guidance for Heart Failure

Diet plays an important role in heart failure, mainly through limiting salt and sometimes fluids. Your doctor or dietitian will tailor the plan to your kidney function, potassium levels and diabetes.

Salt (sodium)

Too much salt makes the body hold water. Many guidelines suggest keeping to under 5 grams of salt a day, or less if advised.

• Cook with little salt and do not add salt at the table.
• Limit pickles, papad, chutneys, namkeen, instant noodles, packaged soups, cheese and processed or cured foods.
• Read labels for sodium.
• Salt substitutes often contain potassium and may be unsafe with some medicines or kidney disease. Ask first.

Fluids

Some people need to limit fluids to about 1.5 to 2 litres a day. Follow only what your doctor has set. This includes tea, milk, soups and juices.

What to eat

• Fresh vegetables and fruit, within any potassium limits
• Whole grains such as oats, millets and brown rice
• Pulses and lentils, fish and lean protein as advised
• Small, regular meals, since large meals can cause breathlessness

What to limit

• Saturated fat, deep-fried food and sweets
• Alcohol, which is best avoided
• Large amounts of caffeine

Supplements

Do not take potassium, herbal supplements or high-dose vitamins without advice.

Ayurvedic suggestion

Ayurveda advises light, freshly cooked, simple meals. This matches low-salt advice but is not a replacement for a cardiac diet plan.

Key point

Less salt and a steady, balanced diet help you avoid fluid build-up.

Before your appointment

Bring your list of medicines and supplements, recent test reports such as echocardiogram, ECG and kidney tests, and your daily weight and blood pressure log. Note any breathlessness, swelling, night-time symptoms or reduced activity, and how much salt and fluid you take. Ask about warning signs and when to call 112 or 102.