Hemodialysis is a treatment for patients suffering from a decrease in kidney function. Dialysis helps to remove waste from the blood stream, to help mimic a fully functioning kidney. Eating a healthy diet aids in kidney function. Certain foods can place strain on the kidneys, so food choices are important. Consult your physician prior to starting a diaic diet. Ask your doctor if you should be making adjustments to your daily calorie intake or if you should be taking vitamins or mineral supplements. A diaic diet consists of foods that help keep you healthy and increase the effectiveness of dialysis treatment.
Fluids
Watch the amount of fluids you consume daily when on a diaic diet. Getting too much can cause weight gain and sweating. Extra fluids can have a negative effect on your blood pressure, making your heart work harder. Remember foods that are room temperature contain water. Foods like jell-o and ice cream also fall into the fluid category. To reduce the amount of fluids you drink, try drinking from smaller glasses. Control your thirst by cutting back on salty foods.
Limit Potassium
When on a diaic diet, keep an eye on the amount of potassium you consume. Potassium is a mineral found in foods that affects your heartbeat. It can be found in foods like vegetables, fruits and milk. Dialysis can raise your potassium levels. Consuming too much potassium can have a negative effect on your heart and possibly cause death. To keep potassium at safe levels, avoid foods like bananas, dried fruits, kiwi and avocado. Control potassium levels by eating a half portion of high-potassium foods. For instance, only eat half of an orange instead of a whole one.
Consume Phosphorus in Small Amounts
Consuming too much phosphorus, while on a diaic diet, can decrease the calcium levels in your bones. Avoid foods like milk, cheese, nuts, beans, peas and peanut butter that are high in phosphorus. Your doctor may suggest taking a phosphate binder like Tums to help control phosphorus levels.
Low-Fat Protein
Eating lean proteins is important while on a diaic diet. Protein helps you maintain muscle and aids in tissue repair. Eat high-quality proteins like beef, fish, chicken and eggs. Making poor choices in proteins like deli-meats releases more waste into the blood so your kidney has to work harder.
Cut Back on Salt
Limit your sodium intake while on a diaic diet. Processed foods such as frozen dinners and canned goods contain large amounts of sodium. Too much sodium increases your thirst. This can trigger you to consume too much fluids which can cause high blood pressure. Avoid table salt and season your foods with herbs and spices to cut back on sodium.
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