Hemodialysis is a dialysis type that cleanses your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to due to end stage renal disease. If your kidneys are filtering little to no minerals, hemodialysis can act as an artificial kidney, helping to reduce the amount of minerals and fluids that can build up in your body. While hemodialysis will filter some of your blood, your physician may recommend restricting some foods that contain minerals such as calcium. Always talk to your physician before making any dietary changes, however, especially if you have kidney disease.
Dosage Recommendations
While you are on a hemodialysis diet, your physician may recommend limiting your sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium intake. While the typical recommended daily intake for adults with normal kidney function is between 1,000 and 1,200 mg per day, you should typically consume between 500 and 800 mg of calcium per day when on hemodialysis, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients.
Phosphorus Consideration
One of the reasons why you should limit calcium-containing foods in your hemodialysis diet is because many foods high in calcium also are high in phosphorus. Phosphorus and calcium are linked together in your diet because if you have excess phosphorus in your bloodstream, your body will start to pull calcium from your bones to create a phosphorus/calcium balance. This can weaken your bones, potentially contributing to easy bone breakages. Additionally, high amounts of phosphorus and calcium can bind together and cause soft tissue calcifications in your body, which can lead to heart disease.
Calcium-Fortified Foods
Because many calcium-containing foods also have phosphorus, you can eat calcium-fortified foods. Examples include orange juice, cereal, granola bars, pancake mixes, butter spreads and breads, according to the American Association of Kidney Patients. However, you should carefully read food labels for serving sizes to ensure you are not exceeding your recommended calcium intake.
Calcium Foods With Phosphate Binders
One way you can consume foods that contain both calcium and phosphate is to take a medication type called phosphate binders. These medications bind with phosphorus in your stomach to prevent phosphorus from entering the bloodstream. Examples of calcium- and phosphorus-containing foods you can eat include dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and pudding.
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