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Peritoneal Dialysis Nutrition
Nutition for Peritoneal Dialysis Nutrition for peritoneal dialysis is made up of many components. A person on peritoneal dialysis 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 Peritoneal Dialysis
  1. Sodium
  2. Potassium
  3. Phosphorus
  4. Protein
  5. Carbohydrates


 Sodium

What is sodium?

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

  • Maintaining fluid balance
  • Regulating blood pressure
  • Muscle contraction
  • Nerve activity

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:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Shortness of breath
  • High blood pressure
  • Enlarged heart
  • Edema (swelling of the feet, legs, fingers)

How do you avoid getting too much sodium?

  • Avoid foods high in sodium.
  • Avoid the salt shaker while cooking or at the table.
  • Limit processed and commercially prepared foods such as:
    • American Cheese
    • Canned Soups
    • T.V. Dinners
    • Deli Foods
  • Read food labels for sodium content. Look for the words salt, soda or sodium on the list of ingredients. If these words are among the first five listed, the food is high in sodium.
  • Limit seasonings and condiments that are high in sodium such as:
    • Garlic Salt
    • Hot Sauce
    • Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
    • Morton's Lite Salt 1tsp = 1110 mg of sodium
    • Nature's Seasons 1tsp = 1300mg of sodium
    • Onion Salt
    • Salt 1 tsp = 2325 mg of sodium
    • Soy Sauce
    • Steak Sauce
    • Worcestershire Sauce


For further information on sodium, Contact Us.
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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 maintain your normal body fluids. Potassium is lost during peritoneal dialysis and may need to be replenished by diet.

How do you get enough potassium?


For further information on potassium, Contact Us.
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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?

  • Avoid high phosphorus foods.
  • Take your phosphate binders if prescribed. A few examples are: Renagel, Tums, and PhosLo. Binders will help your body from absorbing some of the phosphorus in foods
  • Take the amount of binders that are instructed by your health care team.
  • Take binders: No more than five minutes before meals and snacks OR during meal time OR no more than 15 minutes after meals and snacks. Otherwise, binders don't work.
  • Also, watch the portion size of low phosphorus foods. Too many servings of a low phosphorus food can add up.


For further information about phosphorus, Contact Us.
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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.


For further information on protein, 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

  • At the right time
  • The right kind of foods
  • The right amount of foods

1. Eat at the right time:

  • Eat (at least) 3 meals/day
  • Meals should be about 4-5 hours apart

2. Eat the right kind of foods:

  • Food provides calories from protein, carbohydrate and fat
  • Protein & Fats: Eat moderate amounts of meats, meat substitutes, and fats. There have little effect on your blood sugar, but add to your calorie intake
  • Carbohydrates or "Carb" foods increase blood sugar. It is important for you to eat the same amount of carbohydrates from day to day at each meal and snack
  • Foods high in Carbohydrates are:
    1. Starches (grains, cereal, and foods made with flour)
    2. Fruits and fruit juices
    3. Milk and yogurt
    4. Sweets

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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