Hemodialysis is the act of ridding the body of wastes by filtering blood through an external device called a dialyzer. Those with chronic or end-stage renal disease may need this to rid the body of excessive fluid and waste buildup that the kidney dysfunction prevents the body from excreting. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2004, almost 310,000 people were treated with hemodialysis. Dietary considerations are among the most important modifiable behaviors you can adjust if you're a dialysis patient, and must be discussed with a health care professional.
Importance of Diet
A controlled diet is the key for maintaining your body's ability to function and heal. You must ensure you are taking in adequate calories and nutrients through high-quality sources. These must not conflict with your body's inability to filter wastes effectively.
Fluid Restriction
Weigh yourself daily, ensuring you are not retaining excess fluid. Symptoms of fluid retention are shortness of breath; increased blood pressure; and swelling in the feet, legs and hands. If you notice any of these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. Since your kidneys are unable to make adequate urine, the fluid builds up within the cardiovascular system, as well as within and around the cells.
Limiting your fluid intake is the easiest way to prevent problems in this area. Measure and record the amount of fluids ingested, including food products high in water content like fruits, jello and soups. Use smaller cups when making drinks. Limiting foods high in sodium will help to lessen your body's thirst craving.
Sodium
Do not add salt to meals. Limit your intake of foods high in sodium, especially soft drinks and packaged meats. Do not use salt substitutes because they are high in potassium.
Potassium
Kidneys are responsible for filtering excess potassium from the body. An increase of potassium in the bloodstream can cause severe problems, including heart arrhythmias. Decrease your intake of foods like bananas, dried fruits, avocados, spinach and orange juice.
Phosphorus and Calcium
Foods like milk, cheese, beans, nuts and peanut butter should be avoided because of high levels of phosphorus. Excess phosphorus can cause the bones to be robbed of calcium, weakening the skeletal system. Medicines like Renagel may be prescribed to bind to phosphorus in the stomach, decreasing absorption and limiting the negative effects on calcium within the bones.
Protein
Protein is necessary for building and preserving muscles, repairing injured cells and maintaining a healthy immune system. Protein should be consumed from high-quality sources such as beef, fish, poultry and eggs. Try to limit protein intake from lower-quality proteins like milk and cheese. Urea is a byproduct of protein. Hemodialysis helps remove this waste from the body.
Best Measures
Follow the instructions by the doctor or nutritionist. They will inform you of the maximum daily fluid intake you should consume, as well as give you some guidelines for adequate calories and nutritional intake. Do not take vitamin supplements not prescribed by your physician because they may conflict with the delicate balance that must be maintained for your condition. If you have other disease processes involved, such as diabetes or congestive heart failure, make sure that these are considered in your plan of care.
This advice is for nutritional education only. The above information has neither been verified by the FDA, nor been reviewed by a medical doctor. Please consult your physician for any medically related concerns.
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