Dietary Guidelines for Dialysis Patients |
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Patient InformationYour kidneys work to rid the body of excess fluids. Dialysis basically means removing the body's uric acid and urea from circulating blood. When the kidneys aren't working the way they are meant to, poisons build up in the blood and cause illness. Some foods offer less to the dialysis patient than others. Your dialysis center will employ a nutritionist that is there to answer questions and make suggestions. Below is a limited guide of what to eat or what not to eat while on dialysis. The dialysis patient is recommended to add more protein to their diet. Foods with protein in them vary and a list is provided. What happens is peritoneal fluid is discarded with the dialysis process and this carries protein so it somehow needs to be replaced. Dialysis patients need to set limits where salt, potassium and phosphorous are concerned. This will help manage the fluid balance and blood pressure of the body. The foods that relate to sodium are many canned foods and frozen dinners. Watch labels and make sure to choose substitutions such as the low or no sodium foods. Too much sodium can also build thirst. This puts stress on the blood pressure through fluid buildup. See the food guide to get a list of foods with Potassium. "Potassium is a mineral found in many of the foods you eat. It plays a role in keeping your heartbeat regular and your muscles working right. It is the job of healthy kidneys to keep the right amount of potassium in your body. However, when your kidneys are not healthy, you often need to limit certain foods that can increase the potassium in your blood to a dangerous level. You may feel some weakness, numbness and tingling if your potassium is at a high level. If your potassium becomes too high, it can cause an irregular heartbeat or a heart attack." "Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones. Along with calcium, phosphorus is needed for building healthy strong bones, as well as keeping other parts of your body healthy. Why is phosphorus important to you? Normal working kidneys can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. When you have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) your kidneys cannot remove phosphorus very well. High phosphorus levels can cause damage to your body. Extra phosphorus causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Phosphorus and calcium control is very important for your overall health." - National Kidney Foundation If you have softened water, let the water run for a few minutes. Potassium can leak out of foods when cooked in large amounts of water. Many foods contain water such as Jell-O and ice cream. To control your thirst, choose low-sodium products and drink smaller glasses. Freezing your juice is a tip that many use. Ask your dietician if nutritional supplements are necessary and for information. Information gathered from National Kidney Foundation as well as Texas Tech Physicians Urologists. |
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