Table of contents:
- Diet for dialysis patients
- 1. Get enough protein
- 2. Pay attention to fluid intake
- 3. Limit salt
- 4. Consume enough phosphorus
A person with severe kidney damage is often advised to undergo dialysis. This is done as an effort to replace kidney function that is no longer functioning normally. While performing this procedure, your doctor may ask each patient to follow a special diet during the dialysis procedure. The reason is, consuming the right food and drink can help improve the health of patients who have to undergo dialysis procedures. So, what is the best diet for dialysis patients? Find out the answer in this article.
Diet for dialysis patients
1. Get enough protein
Dialysis patients generally need high protein intake because a lot of protein is lost during the dialysis process. Although most dialysis patients are advised to consume high-quality protein, you still have to pay attention to the amount and type of protein consumed
Because the consumption of protein that is too high can cause an increase in the amount of urea in the blood which will burden the kidneys that are already weak.
That is why, consult a doctor or nutritionist first so you know how much protein can be consumed according to your needs.
2. Pay attention to fluid intake
Impaired kidney function affects the ability of the kidneys to get rid of excess fluid in the body. That is why it is important for people with kidney damage to pay attention to their fluid intake.
Well, for dialysis patients, your doctor or nutritionist will usually determine how much fluid you can consume every day. This is done because excess fluid in the body can increase blood pressure, make the heart work harder, and increase stress during dialysis.
Remember, this fluid intake is not just limited to mineral water or plain water. You also have to limit your fluid intake from fruits and vegetables that contain lots of water.
3. Limit salt
Excess salt intake for people with chronic kidney damage can make you thirsty faster, make your heart work harder to pump fluids, and cause high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.
That is why it is important for you to limit your intake of foods that are high in salt or even avoid salt in your diet altogether.
Some types of high-salt foods that you should avoid include canned meat, salty chips, instant noodles, and fast food. Conversely, increase your intake of low-salt vegetables such as cabbage, cucumber and eggplant.
4. Consume enough phosphorus
Phosphorus intake is needed by the body to help the kidneys filter waste products that are needed by the body. Unfortunately, eating too much phosphorus-rich foods can actually worsen kidney damage. That is why, most doctors generally advise patients to limit their consumption of phosphorus so as not to overload the weaker kidneys.
Some foods that are high in phosphorus that you should avoid include milk and dairy products, sardines, soft drinks, and beer.
Basically, to ascertain what is the best food intake for dialysis patients, you should consult a doctor or nutritionist. The reason is, the various food intakes mentioned above will be adjusted to your calorie needs, body weight, and your condition.
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