Taking good care of yourself on dialysis may require some changes to your lifestyle. This can often include changes to your diet. Your kidneys have an important job. They filter out any extra nutrients your body doesn't need from the foods you eat. Since your kidneys can no longer complete this important job, you may need to change your diet to limit certain nutrients that are considered unhealthy for kidney patients.
Potassium and phosphorus are examples of these nutrients. Some of the foods that may have been healthy for you before starting dialysis have high levels of potassium and phosphorus. This includes foods like bananas, spinach, potatoes and cheese.
It doesn't mean you need to totally avoid these foods, but many people choose to limit them to feel their best. Everyone has unique dietary needs. Figuring out some of the changes you'll need to make can feel overwhelming. But don't worry. Your center has a dietician who specializes in helping people make these kidney-friendly changes.
They are here to make it easier for you. Within your first couple of weeks on dialysis, Consider partnering with a dietitian to create a meal plan that's best for your health. Your dietitian will provide ongoing support that includes reviewing your blood test results and making adjustments to your meal plan as needed.
Here are a few things to think about before speaking to the dietitian. What are your health goals? We encourage you to write them down.