What to Eat When Undergoing Dialysis

 It is hard for the body to go through the dialysis treatment if not properly nourished, urologic specialists believe, eating right is important in managing one’s health better. A good meal plan may be arranged by the help of a renal dietician to help persons with renal problems improve their dialysis and health, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). As the kidney loses its function, the food taken in may help improve or worsen the situation. Too much fluid intake separating these dialysis sessions will increase the risk of developing heart problems, hence, it is vital to regulate fluid intake.

 

 

Three of the minerals found in food that needs to be regulated are potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Too much of these three may result to severe health complications but a healthy kidney is often able to manage decreasing excess amounts of these minerals. Sodium that is present in large amounts will increase thirst and ultimately cause fluid problems, a surplus in potassium will cause heart problems and excess phosphorus may result to skin and bone complications. Before the next dialysis session, patients need to watch their potassium, phosphorus and sodium intake.

 

 

Protein-rich food is highly recommended for those undergoing dialysis treatment because small amounts of protein are lost during the procedure. There is also a change in the body’s metabolism that allows protein breakdown even before the body has any need for it. However, only protein with high biological value (HBV) are recommended to minimize waste products that may build-up during the times in-between the sessions. The waste product of protein breakdown is urea and it may easily increase in large amounts if patients are not able to manage it properly. Patients are advised to eat only lean meat when selecting among meat products because it contains low amounts of fat and phosphorus.

 

 

The daily calorie consumption varies depending on the needs of the patient. Some are advised by health care providers to increase their intake while others may need to reduce their intake. Vegetable oil may help those who are trying to gain weight without increasing the risk of developing heart complications. There are some who may need to cut down on their daily caloric intake and a renal dietician may be able to help in making appropriate meal plans. Those with advanced kidney problems may be able to benefit from the dialysis treatment but they need to be aware of the health risks too.

 

 

 

URL References:

kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/eatright/#affect

nephron.org/nephsites/adp/protein.htm

kidney.org/atoz/content/dietary_hemodialysis.cfm