What you eat while receiving dialysis directly affects the success of your treatment and your daily quality of life. Getting the balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals and fluids right helps the body get the energy it needs and helps prevent possible complications. Following the advice of your doctor, nurse or dietitian is very important in this process, because some habits may need to change, and these changes are necessary for your health.
Why Do Dialysis Patients Need a Special Nutrition Plan?
When the kidneys cannot do their job sufficiently, waste products and excess fluid begin to build up in the body. Over time, this can lead to health problems that make life harder. A conscious nutrition program combined with dialysis helps slow the progression of the disease and reduce possible risks. Balanced, correct nutrition meets energy needs, reduces the load on the body and improves quality of life.
How Should People with Chronic Kidney Disease Eat?
The kidneys play an important role in maintaining the balance of water, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. When this balance is disturbed, edema, heart rhythm disorders and other complications can occur. For this reason, nutrition in chronic kidney disease should be based on these basic principles:
- Protein intake should be controlled
- Foods high in potassium, sodium and phosphorus should be limited
- Processed and ready-made foods should be avoided
- Vegetables and grains should be chosen carefully
Plant-based protein sources are generally considered more suitable, and vegetables low in potassium should be preferred. Packaged and ready-made products are not recommended because of their high salt and mineral content.
Which Fruits Should Kidney Patients Choose?
When kidney function weakens, it becomes harder for the body to remove potassium. You therefore need to be careful with fruit. Since most fruits and vegetables contain potassium, portion control is very important. Fruits high in potassium should be limited and always eaten in moderation.
Choosing the Right Bread for Kidney Patients
Whole-grain and bran breads are rich in potassium, so they may not always be suitable for kidney patients. White bread made from refined grains can therefore be a more controlled option. Also, since shop-bought bread can be high in salt, bread prepared at home without added salt should be preferred where possible. Bread should also be eaten in moderation for weight control.
What Can Kidney Patients Eat for Breakfast?
Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Although protein intake is limited depending on the stage of the disease, the body’s protein needs must still be met. For this reason, at breakfast it is important to have:
- A moderate amount of cheese or eggs
- Unsalted or low-salt bread
- No foods high in salt
If salty foods such as olives are eaten, attention should be paid to the amount.
How Should Nutrition Be Arranged in Kidney Failure?
The kidneys also play a role in maintaining the body’s acid–base balance. When their function declines, the acid load can increase. For this reason, choosing more alkaline foods is recommended. In addition:
- Protein intake should be controlled
- Daily salt intake should be reduced (usually below 6 grams)
- Foods rich in phosphorus and potassium should be avoided
Ready meals, processed meats, canned foods and snacks should be limited because they are high in salt. Instead of salt, spices and natural herbs can be used to add flavor to meals.
