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Food is broken down in the digestive system so the nutrients can be delivered to the body's cells by the blood. If the kidneys are functioning properly the waste products are filtered out of the blood and released with the urine. Lowered kidney function means that the filter system is flawed. Hemodialysis removes the waste from the blood for the kidneys, but since the machine is only used on specific days and not all day long, the waste can build up between treatments. Diet is important to control the build-up of waste between treatments. The fluid intake must be monitored, as the fluid can build up between sessions. This could lead to weight gain and swelling. Fruits, vegetables, and foods liquid at room temperature contain fluid.
Potassium intake must be controlled, as a major function of the kidneys is to keep the potassium levels just right, which keeps the heart beating properly. With improper functioning kidneys, the potassium levels could become skewed, causing serious problems or death. Foods high in potassium should be avoided, including avocados, bananas, kiwis and dried fruit.
If phosphorus builds up in the body, a side effect is calcium being drawn from the bones, making them weak and fragile. Without the kidneys to filter out phosphorous, the bones will be susceptible. Foods high in phosphorous like milk, cheese, dried beans, peas, colas, nuts, and peanut butter should be ingested sparingly.
High quality proteins should be focused on, as the these types of food will create less waste and repair the body and increase resistance to infection. Foods high in protein are meat, fish, poultry and eggs.
Sodium should be ingested sparingly because it causes thirst and greater fluid intake. This makes the heart work harder and may lead to high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
Since many foods are to be avoided, vitamins and minerals may be recommended to supplement the diet.
