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Diet for Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a method used to artificially cleanse the blood of individuals with impaired kidney function. It involves periodic use of a machine that removes naturally occurring waste products from the bloodstream. To maintain proper health between hemodialysis treatments, kidney patients must follow a diet that supports general well-being while limiting the buildup of potentially dangerous blood materials.

  1. Dietary Risks for Hemodialysis Patients

    • If you are undergoing hemodialysis, your kidneys are at least partially unable to perform their normal functions in cleansing your blood and removing excess fluid from your body. As a result, you may suffer adverse effects to your health if you continue to eat as you did when your kidneys were working well. For instance, drinking a large amount of liquids may lead to noticeable fluid retention and weight gain, as well as increased blood pressure and strain on your heart. Eating foods rich in potassium may cause alterations in the chemical balances that control your heartbeat, leading to dangerous disruptions in your heart's rhythm. Eating foods rich in phosphorus may cause calcium leeching from your bones, leading to increased likelihood of fractures. To avoid these difficulties, as well as others, you will need to carefully plan your daily diet with the help of a qualified nutritionist.

    Controlling Fluid and Sodium Intake

    • To avoid fluid retention, you will need to control your intake of liquids. Begin by using smaller cups and glasses when you drink water or other fluids. Since salt intake has a large effect on your level of thirst, you will also benefit by limiting or eliminating salty snacks such as chips, nuts or pretzels. Rather than go completely without, seek out low-sodium or salt-free versions of these products in your local stores.

    Controlling Potassium Intake

    • To reduce your potassium intake, you will need to avoid or limit your intake of high-potassium foods. Examples include bananas, avocados, apricots, cantaloupe, melons, oranges and orange juice, potatoes, raisins, peanuts, spinach, tomatoes, sardines and yogurt. If you particularly enjoy or crave certain high-potassium foods, eat them only a small number of times between hemodialysis treatments, and reduce your portion size.

    Controlling Phosphorus Intake

    • Limit your intake of phosphorus-rich foods such as peanut butter, nuts, peas, cola, milk and cheese. Phosphate-binding products such as Tums and Renagel will chemically bind phosphorus in your stomach and allow it to pass safely out of your body.

    Eating High-quality Protein

    • You will also need to sustain your overall health to deal with your kidney difficulties and hemodialysis. Eating high-quality proteins will help you achieve this goal. Examples include meat, poultry, fish, eggs and egg whites. In addition to providing energy and vigor, these high-quality foods also produce a smaller amount of harmful blood wastes than lower-quality proteins.

    Adding Calories

    • While some people need to lose weight during hemodialysis, others need to gain weight. If your doctor recommends a weight gain, try adding vegetable oils such as olive and canola to your diet. While butter and margarine are also options, their effects on your heart health limit their usefulness.

      Ask your nutritionist for detailed advice on all aspects of proper diet planning.

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