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Many people have been led to believe that you can’t be a vegetarian or follow a mainly plant-based diet if you have kidney disease. But recent studies suggest that people with kidney disease can follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet if they know how to do it wisely. These types of diets may help...

Choosing plant-based foods instead of meats may help prevent and treat chronic kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you need to make changes in your diet. Sometimes these changes may make it more difficult for you to get enough calories to have enough energy each day. You may also need to gain weight so that you can stay healthy. This fact sheet will explain what you...

Why do I need an emergency meal plan? This meal plan is for you to use in case of an emergency or a natural disaster when you may not be able to got to dialysis. It is important to follow a limited diet if you miss a dialysis session. A grocery list and a three-day meal plan for an emergency are...

Giving up salt does not mean giving up flavor. Learn to season your food with herbs and spices. Be creative and experiment for a new and exciting flavor. What kinds of spices and herbs should I use instead of salt to add flavor? Try the following spices with the foods listed. Allspice - Use with...

Starfruit (carambola or Averrhoa Starfruit) is a fruit found in tropical areas.  It is originally from Asia. The fruit gets its name because it is shaped like a star when sliced. It can be yellow or greenish and has a taste ranging from bitter to sweet.  Studies show that eating starfruit...

You may think that following a plant-based diet means you are a vegetarian. Not true. So what is the difference? What is a vegetarian diet? In simple terms, a vegetarian does not eat any meat, fish, or poultry. People usually choose to be vegetarians for religious, cultural, or ethical reasons....

What are blood lipids? Lipids are fat-like substances found in your blood and body tissues. Your body needs small amounts of lipids to work normally. How are my blood lipids measured? A blood test called a complete lipid profile is done. It is recommended that this test be done after an...

Why is exercise important to me? Exercise is important for many reasons: It helps you to: Maintain a healthy weight Prevent many diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease Control blood pressure and cholesterol Build strength and endurance Prevent injuries Build self-confidence and...

Good nutrition is the key to good mental and physical health. Eating a balanced diet is an important part of good health for everyone. The kind and amount of food you eat affects the way you feel and how your body works. What are nutrients? Nutrients are ingredients in food that help you: Grow...

Now that you are beginning hemodialysis, there may be many changes in your daily life. Your doctor has probably told you that you may need to make some changes in your diet. The renal dietitian at your dialysis center will help you plan a diet for your special needs. Why do I need to be on a...

As a patient beginning peritoneal dialysis treatments, you are adjusting to many changes in your daily life. Your healthcare professional has probably told you that some changes in your diet will be necessary. Why will you have to follow a special diet? Because your kidneys are not able to get...

When it comes to dairy products in our everyday food intake, most people would say that they have milk or other dairy products daily, if not more! Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurts, pudding and ice cream are some of the favorite dairy products of young and old alike. Dairy products are...

  What comes to mind when you hear the word “plant-based diet”? Too expensive? Too boring? Too hard to follow? If you’re like many people, you may have some misconceptions. Here, we discuss a few.  It means becoming a vegetarian.  Not true. In fact, most experts agree that having...