Fluid Management

It is a myth that you need to consume 8 glasses of water a day! The original recommendation for that amount of fluid included the statement that much of your fluid intake per day is from the foods you eat. Simply put, the more you drink, the more urine you'll produce and more often you'll need to use the bathroom.

The idea of fluid management is to decrease your fluid intake by up to 25%. Using your bladder diary, calculate your average fluid intake over a 3-4 day period (Add up all your intake volumes and divide the sum by the number of days). Plan to decrease your total daily fluid intake by no more than 25% of your average intake. To determine your daily fluid allowance, multiply your average fluid intake by 0.75. Keep track of your fluid intake with your bladder diary. 

Remember, it is important to stay hydrated. DO NOT decrease your fluid intake by more than 25%. If you feel thirsty, quench your thirst!

Check out the research corner for studies on fluid management and how much you should drink per day. 

Next, learn about bladder irritants and how dietary modification and help you control your bladder.