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

Show More

Instructions

• 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.