How to Eat While On Dialysis

You'll have to change the way you eat when you have end-stage renal failure. Your protein, sodium, potassium and fluid intake may be restricted or modified. Follow the recommendations of a licensed dietitian, working in conjunction with a renal specialist.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Nutritional Guidelines Booklet
• Wheat Starch Foods

1. Restrict protein intake per doctor's orders. Some will restrict protein intake to 18-22 grams of protein a day, while others allow up to 35 to 40 grams.
2. Use your imagination to make small protein portions look appealing and appetizing. For instance, add a small amount of egg and milk to a slice of bread for French toast.
3. Eat enough calories to fuel your body sufficiently. Try special low-protein products, particularly those made from wheat starch.
4. Restrict your potassium. Milk, potatoes, tomatoes, dried beans, oranges and bananas are high in potassium.
5. Eat plenty of fiber. This helps eliminate substantial amounts of potassium from the body.
6. Supplement your vitamin intake as ordered by your doctor.
7. Restrict your fluid intake. Ask your doctor how much you should drink.
8. Reduce your sodium intake. Read food labels. Avoid foods with labels containing the words "sodium," "salt" or "soda."
9. Buy a nutrition booklet that lists the protein values in foods, and familiarize yourself with the amounts in common foods: For example, there are 8 grams of protein in a medium egg; an ounce of beef, lamb or pork; or four to five clams.

Tips & Warnings

• Any protein you eat should be of the highest biological quality, containing all the essential amino acids.
• Try the "Cleveland Clinic Renal Cookbook" for enticing recipes. Call [phone] to order a copy.
• Wheat starch foods are heavy and sometimes unappetizing, and they can be expensive. Pick and choose your wheat flour products carefully.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.