Apples are Okay, but Bananas are not...Top 10 Dialysis Diet Tips

If you have chronic kidney disease, good nutrition and diet are critical components of the treatment plan. The recommended diet, including amounts of protein, calories and nutrients, changes depending on how much kidney function you have. For those beginning dialysis treatment, monitoring your diet is essential to staying healthy. Here are some tips to keep you on track:

Eat a high protein food at every meal. This includes meat, fish, poultry, fresh pork or eggs.
Cut out potassium and phosphorus.
Avoid peanut butter, nut, seeds, dried beans and lentils. Even though these are high in protein, they are also high in potassium and phosphorous.
Use less salt and eat fewer salty foods. This may help to control blood pressure and reduce weight gains between dialysis sessions.
Use herbs, spices and low-salt flavor enhancers in place of salt
Avoid salt substitutes made with potassium.
Avoid whole grain and high fiber foods such as whole wheat bread, bran cereal and brown rice to help limit your intake of phosphorous.
Limit your intake of milk, yogurt and cheese. These are very high in phosphorus. Limiting dairy-based foods protects your bones and blood vessels.
All fruits have some potassium. Limiting potassium protects your heart. Choose apples and berries over oranges and bananas.
All vegetables have some potassium. Choose broccoli and cabbage over potatoes and asparagus.

For a sample menu and lists of food to choose click here.