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    1. About Kidney Disease
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      1. About Kidney Disease
        1. Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
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          1. Eating Well on a CKD Diet
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        3. Fluid Management on Dialysis
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      Managing Your Diet
      Managing Your Diet
      OVERVIEW Eating Well on a CKD Diet Eating Well on a Dialysis Diet Salt and Kidney Disease Potassium and Kidney Disease Phosphorus and Kidney Disease Talking With Your Dietitian
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      4. Eating Well on a Dialysis Diet

      Eating Well on a Dialysis Diet

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      To feel your best and do your best on dialysis, a carefully thought-out meal plan will play a big role. Your dietitian can help you learn how to incorporate foods you enjoy—and still stay within your dialysis diet guidelines.

      While some of the key basics for an end stage renal disease (ESRD) diet are similar to when you were at the earlier stages of kidney disease—lower salt, potassium, and phosphorus—there are two key differences: proteins and fluids.


      Power up on protein with dialysis

      Now that you’re on dialysis, your protein needs are typically much higher. That’s because you lose protein during your dialysis treatments. 

      protein dialysis scale

      Include a protein with every meal and snack

      There are plenty of great protein choices for your kidney-friendly diet: beans, beef, chicken, edamame, eggs, fish, lamb, lentils, tofu, turkey, quinoa, veal, and wild game.

      Choosing all-natural, fresh meat is best. Low-sodium, frozen or canned meats (rinsed) are also acceptable. Just limit cured and deli meats while shopping to help with reducing your sodium intake.

      A typical serving size for protein on dialysis is a ½ cup or 3-5 oz, which is equivalent to the palm of your hand.
      Kidney friendly recipes

      FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE RECIPE

      Kidney-friendly cooking just got tastier! Get big-and-bold flavorful recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and desserts on a kidney diet.

      Get recipes

      High-protein snacks for a dialysis diet

      Mini meals and snacks can be a great way to fit more protein into your day.
      Here are some tasty tips:
      Hard boiled eggs kidney diet friendly snack
      Snack on hardboiled eggs or have low-salt deviled eggs as a treat.
      Pasta salad mix in bowl
      Mix hardboiled eggs, tuna, salmon, shrimp or chicken into a pasta salad.
      Peanut butter on toast kidney diet friendly
      Spread a spoonful of peanut butter on toast.
      Protein bars are kidney diet friendly
      Eat protein bars or add protein powders to food. Ask your dietitian which ones may be best for you.
      How to shop for kidney-friendly ingredients

      Managing your fluids on dialysis

      Dialysis works to remove excess fluid, so it’s important to manage your fluid intake to feel your best. Fluids may be limited on a dialysis diet, and the exact amount you should have each day depends on the type of dialysis your doctor prescribes. Any excess fluid must be removed by dialysis, and consuming too much fluid may cause build-up between dialysis treatments. Some signs of "fluid overload" include:

      • Headaches and low energy
      • Swelling in your face, hands, and feet (edema)
      • Trouble breathing from fluid in your lungs
      • High blood pressure

      If you see signs of fluid overload like bloating, headaches, or low energy, contact your care team.

      Common dialysis diet questions

      Your care team will work with you to create an eating plan that meets your unique needs. On dialysis, some foods to avoid typically include:

      • Chocolate
      • Pickles
      • Bacon
      • Processed foods
      Eating well can help you stay healthy and live the life you love. Your lab results will show if your dialysis diet is working, but you can also notice changes in yourself, too.

      • Have you tried to make healthy protein choices?
      • Have you lost weight without trying?
      • Have you noticed changes in your energy, strength, or ability to care for yourself?
      • Have you noticed changes in the kinds or amounts of food you eat every day?
      A dialysis diet low in sodium, protein, liquids, and potassium can cut down on waste in the blood. It can also help promote kidney function and, in some cases, even slow the progression of CKD. 
      Limiting your fluid intake is key on dialysis. You can still enjoy some healthy drinks for your kidneys, like:

      • Black coffee
      • Sparkling water
      • Unsweetened green tea
      • Low-sugar smoothies
      • Water
      Planning is a critical step to feeling your best on a dialysis diet. Work with your care team to develop a meal plan you will enjoy and help your kidneys, too.


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