Dialysis Services at Guthrie

Healthy Eating for Dialysis Patients

Following a dialysis diet does not mean that you need to give up all of your favorite foods, but you need to balance those foods into your meal plan. Your diet will be individualized to meet your needs. The modifications depend on the type of dialysis you choose, your appetite and the level of these substances in your blood: potassium, albumin, phosphorous, nitrogen, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as your fluid gains or potential to retain fluids.

The goal of the dialysis diet is to provide adequate calories while attempting to maintain muscle mass with adequate protein. The amount of protein you will be encouraged to consume after dialysis treatments begins is twice as much as what was recommend prior to receiving dialysis. High-quality proteins, such as egg whites, fresh or frozen poultry, meat and fish are preferred sources of protein. These provide you with the essential amino acids that your body used to build, repair and maintain body tissues.

You may have been told to reduce your sodium (salt) intake in the past. Sodium intake is restricted to help control fluid gains. Not to encourage thirst and the urge to drink. Excess fluid can cause fluid retention and possibly shortness of breath. Use salt-free spices and herbs in place of salt when preparing food. The suggested range of sodium to consume in a days time is 2000 - 3000 mg.

In addition to increasing protein and restricting salt you may be asked to restrict your phosphorous intake to prevent losing bone strength. Phosphorous is a mineral found in foods such as: cheese, milk, yogurt, dried beans and nuts. In kidney disease, it is difficult to maintain the normal balance of phosphorous and calcium needed for healthy bones. If your phosphorous level becomes too high in addition to restricting the phosphorous in your diet you may need to take phosphate binders to help control blood phosphorous levels. You may also need to take calcium supplements. Even though milk and milk products are good sources of calcium they are also high in phosphorous, sodium and potassium, therefore they are not encouraged. Adequate calories are also essential to meet your needs because if you do not get enough calories every day, your body will breakdown muscle tissue for energy.

Potassium may also need to be restricted, as a high potassium level may cause a problem with irregular heart beat and even cardiac arrest. Your potassium will be monitored on a monthly basis. If your level exceeds 5.0, we will advise you to avoid foods that are very high sources of potassium. Fruit and vegetables have very little protein, sodium, or phosphorous but can be a significant source of potassium. Avoid these foods if your potassium is running high: oranges, cantaloupe, fresh peaches, dried fruit as well as dried peas and beans, lima beans, broccoli, dark greens, potatoes, tomatoes, chocolate, and salt substitutes. Better food choices would be applesauce, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, watermelon, fruit cocktail, canned pears, green and wax beans, and zucchini and summer squash.

You may also be asked to restrict fluids to prevent excessive fluid gains (avoid gaining more than 6 pounds between hemodialysis treatments). Two cups not only equals a pint but also one pound. A few hints to keep your mouth moist and lessen your thirst include using lemon or lime hard candies, brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash, chewing gum, and drinking cold liquids rather than hot liquids. We count all foods that are a liquid at room temperature: examples include water, ice cream, gelatin, sherbet, ice and juices.