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.Things You'll Need
- Nutritional Guidelines Booklet
- Wheat Starch Foods
Instructions
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.
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.
Eat enough calories to fuel your body sufficiently. Try special low-protein products, particularly those made from wheat starch.
Restrict your potassium. Milk, potatoes, tomatoes, dried beans, oranges and bananas are high in potassium.
Eat plenty of fiber. This helps eliminate substantial amounts of potassium from the body.
Supplement your vitamin intake as ordered by your doctor.
Restrict your fluid intake. Ask your doctor how much you should drink.
Reduce your sodium intake. Read food labels. Avoid foods with labels containing the words "sodium," "salt" or "soda."
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.