People with chronic kidney disease have to adjust their dietary habits by watching the amounts of sodium, phosphorus and potassium they consume in order to compensate for their failing kidneys. When they begin dialysis, they must continue to monitor those substances. However, other foods, like protein, can be increased in the dialysis diet, according to DaVita.com.
Lean Protein
Protein breaks down into waste products that failing kidneys are unable to clear completely, so patients with chronic kidney disease have to strictly limit the amount of protein consumed. Patients on dialysis, however, can eat more protein than they could before the dialysis treatments began. While on dialysis, these patients need to eat more lean protein; the amount should be established by a dietitian, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. Examples of lean protein include poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products such as milk and cheese, according to Drugs.com. If you are on dialysis, limit the amount of dairy products you eat because of the high amounts of phosphorus these foods contain.
Low Phosphorus Foods
Patients on dialysis have to limit foods that contain large amounts of phosphorus, according to the National Kidney Foundation. High levels of phosphorus can remove calcium from your bones, causing bone weakness. Many foods contain some phosphorus, but some healthy foods contain less of this mineral, including asparagus, cauliflower, beets, green and red peppers and cabbage, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients.
Low Sodium Foods
High levels of sodium can cause the body to accumulate fluid, which can lead to high blood pressure, shortness of breath and weight gain between dialysis treatments, according to American Association of Kidney Patients. Limiting the amount of salty foods can help avoid these complications. Examples of lower sodium selections include white bread, bagels, unsalted crackers, unsalted pretzels, rice and grits.
Low Potassium Foods
Abnormal levels of potassium in the body can cause muscle weakness and heart rhythm abnormalities, according to DaVita.com. Damaged kidneys are unable to remove the extra potassium from the body, so patients on dialysis must modify the amount of potassium in the diet. Many fruits and vegetables and some dairy products have large amounts of potassium. Vegetables with lower levels of potassium include green beans, peeled cucumber, sweet green peppers and lettuce. Fruits with less potassium include blueberries, applesauce and cranberries, according to Drugs.com.
References
- DaVita.com: All about Diet and Nutrition
- National Kidney Foundation: Nutrition and Hemodialysis
- Drugs.com: Dialysis Diet
- American Association for Kidney Patients: How Can I Follow My Diabetic and Renal Diet Restrictions?
- American Association for Kidney Patients: The Hemodialysis Diet Versus The Peritoneal Dialysis Diet
