One in nine Americans has chronic kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Healthy kidneys clean your blood, filter and remove waste and excess fluid, make urine, and regulate blood pressure and nutrient balance. More than 300,000 Americans rely on dialysis to perform the functions of the kidneys when they fail, states the American Society of Nephrology. Your diet is an important part of your treatment plan, and will help you feel well between dialysis treatments.
Calories
You may need to add or limit calories to maintain a healthy weight. The American Dietetic Association recommends 30 to 35 calories per kilogram of body weight, daily, for most people on dialysis. Base this amount on your dry weight, or what you weigh after excess fluid has been removed during treatment, advises the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The dietitian at your dialysis center can help you customize a meal plan that meets your personal calorie goals.
Protein
Your body needs more protein when you are undergoing dialysis, as protein is removed from your blood during treatment, according to the National Kidney Foundation. The NKF advises 1.2 g protein per kilogram per day on hemodialysis, and up to 1.3 g per kilogram if you are on peritoneal dialysis, as protein losses are higher with this treatment. At least half of your protein intake should be of high biological value, meaning it supplies all of the amino acids your body can't make. Consume chicken, fish, eggs, pork or beef at each meal to meet your needs.
Fluid
Limit your daily fluid intake, to prevent dangerous fluid build-up between dialysis treatments. Your doctor or dietitian will determine how much fluid you should consume each day, usually based on your daily urine output plus 1,000 ml, states the ADA. Remember to count foods that contain water, such as Jell-O, ice cream and fresh fruits and vegetables
Sodium
Too much sodium can raise your blood pressure, make you thirsty and cause excess weight gain between treatments. Consume between 1,000 to 3,000 mg of sodium each day, recommends the ADA. If you are on peritoneal dialysis, consume 2,000 to 4,000 mg sodium per day. Read food labels, and avoid foods that have more than 300 mg of sodium per serving. The NIDDKD reminds you to avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes.
Potassium
Healthy kidneys regulate blood levels of potassium, a mineral that helps to control your heartbeat. The ADA recommends between 2,000 to 3,000 mg of potassium a day, depending on levels in your blood. Limit your intake or eat smaller portions of high-potassium foods, including bananas, avocados, potatoes and dried fruits. Your dietitian will help you come up with a plan to limit your potassium intake while maintaining adequate intake of other important nutrients found in high-potassium foods.
Phosphorus
If you have too much phosphorus in your blood, your body will pull calcium from your bones, making them weak and brittle. Limit your phosphorus intake to between 800 and 1,000 mg daily, advises the ADA. Foods high in phosphorus include milk and dairy products, soy milk, tofu, nuts, cereals and breads. Taking a phosphate binder with these foods will help keep phosphorus levels down between dialysis sessions, says the NIDDKD. Consult your renal dietitian for a meal plan based on the amount of phosphorus in your blood.
References
- National Kidney Foundation: Kidney Disease
- American Society of Nephrology: Facts and Statistics
- "American Dietetic Association Nutrition Care Manual"; Renal Failure Nutrition Prescription
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Eat Right to Feel Right on Hemodialysis
- National Kidney Foundation: Adult Guidelines, Maintenance Dialysis, Evaluation of Protein-Energy Nutrition Status
