DIET RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE ON DIALYSIS
What Diet Should I Follow While on Dialysis?
One of the biggest questions for people on dialysis is what diet should they follow while on dialysis. If you suffer from chronic kidney disease and are on dialysis, it is important for you to pay attention to your diet and nutrition. Your first priority is to talk with a Renal Registered Dietitian on staff at the dialysis center. They will be able to guide you through the renal diet and dialysis.
General Guidelines
The best diet for renal health varies from person to person. The guidelines below are general suggestions that are good for people who have kidney failure and are on dialysis. The proper amount of dialysis as prescribed by the doctor & specific food and drink choices as discussed with your dietitian can help improve how you feel
Limit Your Fluid Intake
One of the functions of healthy kidneys is to remove excess fluids from your body. Now that you need dialysis, your kidneys can no longer do this task efficiently. On the days between dialysis, your body holds on to any fluid you don’t use, which can cause swelling and elevate your blood pressure. Eating salty foods & adding salt to foods increases thirst and causes swelling. It is important to talk with your health care team (doctor, nurse, dietitian) on the amount of fluid recommended per day that is right for you. You also need to avoid using salt & eating salty foods as these make your body retain fluid which is not healthy for your heart.
Eat a Low-Protein Diet
Unhealthy kidneys are not able to remove excess protein so it begins to build up in your body. However, once you begin dialysis, the waste products are removed. In fact, once you are on dialysis, you need to increase your protein intake from good sources of protein. Talk with your kidney dietitian for the amount of protein you need to consume per day that is right for you.
Avoid Salt and Potassium
It is important to balance the electrolytes in your body. Though some potassium is necessary for your body to function, foods high in potassium (bananas, potatoes, spinach, avocado, coconut, Gatorade, tomato & tomato products) should be avoided. Eating too much potassium can adversely impact heart function. Speak with your kidney dietitian for tailored meal plan to meet your needs.
Restrict Phosphorus & Other Electrolytes
It is important for you to balance minerals in your body. Foods high in phosphorus (milk, cheese, nuts, cola, ice-cream) are best left out of your diet as a high phosphorus level causes bone loss and over time soft tissue calcification in arteries & veins.
Maintain Your Weight
Some patients who are overweight or obese while on dialysis can benefit from weight loss for transplant. Speak with your renal dietitian to help you lose or maintain a healthy weight while on dialysis.
Preventing Build Up
Why do you need to restrict your diet if you are already on hemodialysis? The answer is pretty straightforward. Your kidneys are already under extensive stress, so you need to protect them from further damage by managing your food & fluid intake. This can be accomplished by limiting fluids (anything at room temperature – for example 1 cup of ice melted equals ½ cup fluid), sodium (eliminate eating out), potassium and phosphorus that build up in your body between dialysis especially if you do not limit eating foods high in these categories.
In addition to putting pressure on your failing kidneys, this waste can cause swelling, shortness of breath and heart failure. By watching your diet, you can feel your best on dialysis and extend the life of your kidneys.
Speak with your doctor or a renal dietitian to design a specific dietary plan to accompany your dialysis treatment.