Diet for Patients on Hemodialysis (HD)

         The diet for hemodialysis is high in protein.  The amount of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and fluids are limited.  The renal dietitian will help plan the diet that is best for you.

Potassium:         Potassium is a mineral that we get from food.  Too much potassium can affect your muscles and your heart rhythm.  Certain fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy foods, dried beans and nuts are high in potassium.  Salt substitutes (NoSalt, Lite Salt) contain potassium and should not be used.

Sodium:         Too much sodium, or salt, can result in high blood pressure, breathing problems, and fluid retention.  Some foods are very high in sodium such as pickles, cheese, canned soups, hot dogs, lunch meats, chips, and “fast food”.  High sodium foods make you thirsty and cause you to drink too much fluid.  To cut down on sodium, do not use the salt shaker and avoid foods that are high in sodium such as processed foods.

Phosphorus:         Phosphorus is a mineral that can build up in your body and pull calcium from your bones.  All foods contain some phosphorus, but some foods are particularly high in phosphorus such as dairy foods (cheese, milk, yogurt), dried beans and nuts.  The best way to control your phosphorus level is to avoid high phosphorus foods and take phosphate binders (as prescribed by your doctor) with meals and snacks.  Too much phosphorus may cause itching, bone pain, muscle weakness, weak bones, and hardening of the arteries.

Protein:         The amount and type of protein you eat is important.  The best sources of protein are lean meats (beef, lamb, pork), poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, eggs, and tofu.  Too little protein can cause weakness, muscle breakdown, and compromise your immune system.  Eating enough calories is important to prevent unwanted weight loss and help you use protein properly.

Fluids:         Most people with kidney failure make very little urine.  This means that most of what you drink will stay in your body until it is removed by dialysis.  Too much fluid in your body results in high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and heart failure.  You may also notice swelling in your legs, hands, or face if you drink too much fluid.  A fluid is any food or drink that is liquid at room temperature.  Ice, gelatin, soup, ice cream, and watermelon should be counted as fluids.  Most of the weight gained between treatments is due to fluid.  The dietitian will tell you what an acceptable fluid gain is.