The kidneys are involved with almost every aspect of metabolism -- the processes in the body that help produce energy. Metabolism includes the digestion and use of nutrients, the production and elimination of waste products and maintenance of bone health and the circulation system. Dialysis is the treatment that replaces the functions of kidneys for patients with end-stage renal disease. The two types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Dialysis and Nutrition
If you receive dialysis, you will need to follow a specialized, high-protein diet. Adequate protein will help you fight infection and avoid hospitalization and will give you energy. On dialysis, you will need to limit your fluid and sodium intake. You will also need to limit the amount of high-phosphorus and high-potassium foods you eat, including dairy, nuts and legumes, and high-potassium fruits and vegetables. Your nephrologist and your renal dietitian will help you plan your daily diet and meals.
Dialysis and Waste Elimination
On dialysis, your kidneys will no longer clean the waste products from your blood or produce urine as they did before. Your dialysis treatment will filter the waste products from your blood and will also remove excess fluid. It is important to follow your fluid restriction since any liquid you drink will stay in your body until your next dialysis treatment. Drinking excessive liquids can lead to complications and discomfort during dialysis. Your physician and renal dietitian can tell you what your specific fluid recommendation is.
Dialysis and Bone Health
Bone metabolism, or the management of the mineral deposits of the bone structure, is managed by the kidneys. For dialysis patients, bone health can be affected. Dialysis manages the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. Because phosphorus is found in numerous foods, medications called phosphate binders may also be prescribed to decrease the amount of phosphorus absorbed into the bloodstream through digestion. You must take your phosphorus binders every time you eat. Your calcium and phosphorus levels will be checked at least monthly. Your renal dietitian can help you know what high-phosphorus foods to avoid and whether or not you need to take calcium.
Dialysis and Heart Health
The circulatory system is also affected by kidney health and dialysis. The metabolism of nutrients such as potassium can affect the way the heart beats. Excessive potassium intake should be avoided. Many dialysis patients have hypertension. Take your blood pressure medication and avoid salty foods to help control hypertension. Excessive fluid intake can lead to a backup of fluid into the heart and also the lungs, leading to congestive heart failure and pneumonia. Kidney disease will also affect the production of red blood cells. Many dialysis patients are prescribed medications that help build red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, which aids in cellular metabolism.
Considerations
Follow the advice of your nephrologist, cardiologist and renal dietitian. Never take any medications that have not been prescribed by your physician.
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