Hydration Guide - Flipbook - Page 12
HYDRATING FOODS
Salt tips
People who have difficulties maintaining their
electrolyte levels, especially sodium/salt, will likely
already know this from their care in hospital after
their surgery. For an easy way to top up your sodium,
you can add salt when cooking or at the table – add
up to 1 level teaspoon per day (spread across meals)
and only add it to your own food. Too much salt can
be harmful to some people, especially children and
older adults.
For anyone with high blood pressure and
a stoma, you may need different salt and
hydration advice and it’s best to check with
your Doctor or Specialist Nurse.
People with jejunostomies, ileostomies and possibly
other bowel-stomas may find choosing saltier foods
can help keep them more hydrated. Saltier foods are
more likely to make you feel thirsty and encourage
you to drink, the same can happen with spicy foods.
When you drink with a salty food, the salt can also
help you absorb the fluid.
Salty foods/condiments:
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Cheese
Crackers
Salted popcorn
Pre-made sauces or soups*2
Gravies
Crisps*1
Savoury snack mixes*1
e.g. Bombay mix or pretzels
• Salted spreads e.g. ‘salted’
margarine/butter
• Processed foods e.g.
sausages, battered/crumbed
chicken and ready meals*2
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Salty foods:
*1
Most people should choose lower
calorie options e.g. ‘puffed’ or
‘baked’ crisps, 1 medium packet or
1 handful is a portion – aim for 1 or
fewer portions a day.
*2
For general health, try not to
solely rely on pre-made foods,
aim to make most of your
food from scratch if you can.
If you have concerns, speak with a
Registered Dietitian.