Overview

You need to change your diet when you are on dialysis for end-stage renal disease (kidney failure). You will likely need more protein than you did before you started dialysis. You may need to limit salt and fluids. You also may need to limit minerals such as potassium and phosphorus. A diet for end-stage renal disease takes planning. A dietitian who specializes in kidney disease can help you plan meals that meet your needs.

Your nutrition needs depend on the type of dialysis you get. Talk with your doctor or dietitian to make sure your diet is right for your condition. Do not change your diet without talking to your doctor or dietitian.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Each person's dialysis diet may be a little different. Work with your doctor or dietitian to create a food plan that guides your daily food choices. Here are some tips that may help you follow your plan.

• Do not go for many hours without eating.

  If you do not feel very hungry, try to eat 4 or 5 small meals instead of 1 or 2 big meals. If you have a hard time eating enough, talk to your doctor or dietitian about ways you can add calories to your diet.

• Get the right amount of protein.
  • Ask your doctor or dietitian how much protein you need each day. You will probably need more protein while you are on dialysis than you did before you started dialysis.
  • Choose high-quality protein sources, such as lean meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. Other foods with protein include milk, yogurt, beans, lentils, nuts, and tofu.
  • If you are a vegetarian, your diet may require extra planning with your dietitian to make sure you're getting enough protein and nutrients.
  • Learn more about protein and your kidney diet.
• Limit salt.
  • Read the Nutrition Facts table on cans and food packages. The table tells you how much sodium is in each serving. If you eat more than the serving size, you will get more sodium than what is listed in the table.
  • Do not add salt to your food.
  • Buy foods that are labelled "no salt added," "sodium-free," or "low sodium." Foods labelled "reduced sodium" and "lightly salted" may still have too much sodium.
  • Limit processed foods, fast food, and restaurant foods. And avoid salted snacks, like pretzels and chips.
  • Try lemon, herbs, and spices to flavour your meals.
  • Learn more about sodium and your diet.
• Know how much fluid you can drink each day. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much fluid is right for you.

  Every day fill a pitcher with that amount of water. If you drink another fluid (such as coffee) that day, pour an equal amount out of the pitcher. And remember to count foods that are liquid at room temperature as fluids. These include ice, gelatin, ice pops, and ice cream.
  Learn what is considered a fluid.

• Eat the right amount of potassium.
  • Choose low-potassium fruits such as apples, applesauce, pineapple, grapes, blueberries, cherries, strawberries, watermelon, honeydew melon, and raspberries.
  • Choose low-potassium vegetables such as lettuce, green beans, cucumbers, asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, peas, zucchini, and radishes.
  • Limit or avoid high-potassium foods such as milk or yogurt, bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, avocado, potatoes, cooked spinach, tomatoes and tomato products (like sauce and paste).
  • Do not use a salt substitute or lite salt unless your doctor says it is okay. They can be high in potassium.
  • Avoid packaged foods that have potassium additives. Go to potassium and your kidney diet to learn more about potassium foods and additives.
• Eat the right amount of phosphorus.
  • Follow your food plan to know how much milk and milk products you can have.
  • Limit nuts, seeds, and whole grain breads and cereals.
  • Avoid cola drinks, processed meats, and canned fish (with bones).
  • Check the ingredient list every time you shop.
  • Avoid packaged foods and drinks with phosphate additives. Your body absorbs phosphorus from additives more easily than phosphorus that is found naturally in food.
  • Take phosphate binders as directed, if prescribed by your doctor.
  • Learn more about phosphorus and your kidney diet.

Always check with your doctor or dietitian if you have questions about your diet. Do not take any natural health products without talking to your doctor first. And check with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to drink alcohol.