Hi Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concern... The main thing is to restrict salt & water intake. Salt intake as you mentioned should be less than 2 g per day & water should be less than 2.5 litres or 2500 ml per day. yes the liquid in soup count toward water intake & should be given in less quantity. Following steps can be taken to minimize salt & water intake 1 Focus on farm fresh, minimally processed foods. Fill your meals with vegetables, whole grains or starch and lean meat, fish,poultry or vegetarian protein choices such as beans, nuts or eggs. Select lower fat dairy choices. Replace salty, high fat snacks with fruit or vegetable based snacks. 2. Avoid processed, canned foods they are high in natural sodium. 3. You could also replace common salt with less sodium salt. 4. Limit coffee or caffeine-containing beverages to 2 cups per day. 5. Keep a record and count all fluids consumed including coffee, tea, milk, juices, soups, water, pop, alcohol and any other liquids consumed. For this you may use a 2L bottle & think this is the water that i have to drink all day including to be used in beverages. 5. If you have trouble with dry mouth or thirst, try sucking on mints, chewing gum sucking on these. All of this stimulates saliva production that will wet your mouth. Refer to a physician Hope this information helps