Kidney diet - dialysis patients

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

End stage renal disease - diet; Hemodialysis - diet; Peritoneal dialysis - diet


Recommendations

The following are some general dietary recommendations for dialysis patients.

PROTEIN

Pre-dialysis patients are often asked to limit protein intake to slow the progression of kidney disease. This changes with the start of dialysis: the patient now needs much more protein. Patients on peritoneal dialysis need even higher protein, because a large amount of protein can be lost in the peritoneal fluid which is discarded.

However, dialysis patients still need to limit salt, potassium and phosphorous, which makes it a little challenging to get enough protein. Moreover, many dialysis patients have poor appetites, especially early after start of dialysis. Every dialysis center has a dietician who can explain the dietary modifications required, suggest food selection, and prescribe supplements as required.

SODIUM

Most patients need to control the sodium (salt) content in their diet. This helps maintain fluid balance in the body to avoid fluid retention and elevated blood pressure.

POTASSIUM

The daily intake of potassium is also controlled. This helps prevent hyperkalemia (a high level of potassium), a common problem for people on dialysis.

PHOSPHORUS

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Review Date: 02/03/2006
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)