Eat Fresh: Enjoy Healthy Eating on Dialysis
Eating healthy is important for everyone, and it doesn't change once your dialysis Focus on fresh, Whole foods, adjust portions to meet your dialysis needs and
Eat Fresh: Enjoy Healthy Eating on Dialysis
Eating healthy is important for everyone, and it doesn't change once your dialysis Focus on fresh, Whole foods, adjust portions to meet your dialysis needs and avoid processed foods.
Meats & Eggs
Include clean protein like fresh fish, lean meats or eggs, making up just over 1/4 of your plate. Avoid processed meats like hot dogs and cold cuts
Fruits & Vegetables
Plant-based foods are essential: choose those lower in potassium to help meet your dialysis goals
Grains
Rice, pasta and bread can be part of a healthy diet. Keep theme fresh. Avoid processed grains like mac and cheese pancakes, and biscuits - they and sodium and phosphorus.
Dairy
1 - 2 Servings per day can be a good source of calcium and protein. Dairy products are high in phosphorus, so portion size is important. Choose almond or rice milk, soft cheeses, and Greek yogurt. Avoid processed dairy like American cheese and sugary yogurts.
Protein
For people on dialysis, eating healthy protein foods like eggs, fish, and lean meats helps make you stronger and can help you live longer. Albumin on your labs shows protein in your body. Work with your dietitian to keep it at 4.0 or more, as this level has been shown to help people live longer on dialysis.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that helps your muscles and heart work. Too much potassium can be dangerous for people on dialysis, but too little is not good either. When we discuss Potassium, most patients think of bananas, however it is in more foods than bananas. Work with your dietitian to help find other sources of potassium.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral that helps build strong bones and make
energy. Too much can cause bone pain and weakness, but too little is
also a problem. Avoid processed foods and work with your dietitian
to find the right balance for you.
Sodium
Sodium can make your body hold on to extra fluid . For people on dialysis, this can cause high blood pressure, swelling and trouble breathing. Processed foods have lots of salt, another name for sodium, so try to eat fresh foods instead.
Fluid
It's important to find the right balance between enough and too much fluid. Too much can be dangerous, leaving you short of breath, and not enough can make you feel bad. Drink reasonably — about 4 cups a day — and avoid too much salt. Talk to your dietitian for more tips.
The way to good nutrition is like the old tale of Goldilocks and the three bears, you have to work with your dietitian to get things "just right.”
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