Nutrition for hemodialysis is made up of many components. A person on hemodialysis may not need to follow each of these nutrition components. Please be sure to check with your dietitian or physician before making any nutritional changes.

Nutrition for Hemodialysis

Sodium

What is sodium?

Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in food. Your body uses sodium for several functions including:


How do sodium and salt differ?

The words sodium and salt do not mean the same thing. Sodium is a part of salt. Table salt is a common name for "sodium chloride", which is made up 40% sodium and 60% chloride. You can decrease your sodium intake by not using salt and by watching the kinds of foods you eat.

Why is sodium restricted in the diet?

When your kidneys aren't functioning properly, they lose the ability to get rid of excess dietary sodium. Elevated levels of sodium in the blood can cause:


How do you avoid getting too much sodium?



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Potassium

What is potassium?

Potassium is a mineral needed in the body for moving your muscles and sending messages to your nerves. It also helps control your heartbeat and maintains your normal body fluids.

Why is potassium restricted in the diet?

When your kidneys are not working properly they lose the ability to get rid of excess potassium. High levels of potassium in the blood can be dangerous to your health and can cause:


How do you avoid getting too much potassium?



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Phosphorus

What is phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral that has many functions in your body. Most importantly, it helps build and maintain bones.

Why is phosphorus restricted in the diet?

When your kidneys are not functioning properly, they lose the ability to get rid of excess phosphorus from your diet. High phosphorus levels can cause severe itching. Elevated levels of phosphorus in the blood also cause your blood calcium level to drop.

The body tries to maintain adequate calcium in the blood by pulling calcium from the bones. Over time, if untreated, bones deteriorate and joints may become enlarged or painful.

How do you avoid getting too much phosphorus?



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Protein

Why is protein important in the diet?

Protein is needed to prevent the body from breaking down muscle mass. It also helps the body fight off infection. Protein is not restricted with dialysis.

How much protein do I need?

The dietitian will determine the appropriate amount of protein needed. There are two types of protein in the diet, high quality protein and low quality protein.

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Fluids

If you are urinating less or not at all due to your kidney disease, you must drink less fluid. Fluid is removed with each hemodialysis treatment, but if you drink too much fluid it can cause:


What counts as fluid?

A fluid is anything that flows, pours, or melts at room temperature.

For a detailed list, click here.

Tips for Controlling Thirst


How to Relieve Dry Mouth


How much fluid should I consume?

Appropriate fluid weight gains between dialysis treatments are 2.0-3.0 kilograms. In general, this is gained from 4-6 cups of fluid a day. However, each person is different, so check with your dietitian about your fluid restriction.


For further information on fluids, Contact Us.
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Consistent, Controlled Carbohydrates: A Guide for Healthy Blood Sugars

PURPOSE: Make a difference in your blood sugars by eating



1. Eat at the right time:


2. Eat the right kind of foods:


How do you avoid getting too many carbohydrates?

A dietitian can work with you to determine the appropriate amount of carbohydrates you need to consume in a day and which should be consumed to help keep your blood sugar in a controlled state.


For further information on carbohydrates, Contact Us.
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