RENAL DIET

Protein

Most people on dialysis are encouraged to eat as much high-quality protein as they can. Your body uses protein to build and repair muscle and other tissues. In addition, your body uses protein to make antibodies to fight infection. Eating too little protein can cause weight loss, muscle loss, weakness, fatigue and poor wound healing. The better nourished you are, the healthier you will be. The goal is to have an albumin level of 4.0 gm/dl or higher.

Foods That Are High-Quality Protein Iinclude:

• Red Meat
• Fresh Pork
• Poultry
• Veal
• Fish
• Lamb
• Seafood
• Eggs (especially egg whites)

Milk and dairy products as well as beans are high in protein but also high in phosphorus and potassium therefore these foods should be eaten in small portions.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones. Along with calcium, phosphorus is needed for building healthy strong bones. A high level of phosphorus in your blood will contribute to bone disease over time. This may lead to muscle weakness, bone fractures, pain, itchiness and calcium/phosphate deposits throughout the body, including blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Phosphorus can be controlled by restricting foods high in phosphorus and by taking binders to prevent the phosphorus you eat from being absorbed from your intestinal system into your blood. The goal is to have a phosphorus level between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dL.

High Phosphorus Food to Limit or Avoid:

• Milk and dairy product
• Whole grain products
• Dried beans and peas
• Liver and organ meats
• Beer
• Colas
• Nuts and seeds
• Peanut butter
• Chocolate
• Hot dogs and sausage

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral found in many foods, especially milk, fruits, and vegetables. It affects how steadily your heart beats. Eating too much potassium can be very dangerous to your heart. It may even cause death. A potassium level that is too low is also not healthy and may cause muscle weakness and irregular heart rhythms. The goal is to have a potassium level between 3.5 and 5.5 meq.

Foods Which Are High in Potassium:

• Apricots
• Orange juice
• Avocados
• Oranges
• Bananas
• Peanuts
• Brussel sprouts
• Potatoes
• Cantaloupe
• Prune juice
• Dried fruit
• Prunes
• Kiwi fruit
• Sardines
• Lima beans
• Spinach
• Melons
• Tomatoes
• Milk
• Winter squash
• Nectarines
• Yogurt

Dialyzing Potatoes and Other Vegetables:

You can remove some of the potassium from potatoes and other vegetables by peeling them, then soaking them in a large amount of water for several hours such as overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Sodium

Sodium is found in salt and other foods. Most canned foods and frozen dinners contain large amounts of sodium. Too much sodium makes you thirsty which can make you drink more than you should. Then, if you drink more fluid, your heart has to work harder to pump the fluid through your body. Over time, this can cause high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Look for products labeled low sodium. Try to eat fresh foods that are naturally low in sodium. Do not use salt substitutes because these contain potassium.

High Sodium Foods to Avoid:

• Table salt
• Canned goods unless labeled low sodium
• Processed meats
• Salted snacks
• Soy sauce