Nutrition and Kidney Failure Dialysis
Eating healthy is important if you have kidney failure. Good nutrition gives you energy to do your daily tasks, prevent infection, build and keep muscle, and help you stay at a healthy body weight
Basics of good nutrition
A healthy eating plan gives you the right amount of
protein
calories
vitamins
minerals
Your dietitian may ask what you eat and may also ask you to keep a diary of everything you eat each day. This will show if you are eating the right amount of protein, calories, vitamins and minerals. Your dietitian can help you plan meals that give you the right amount of these nutrients each day
Protein
Your body needs protein to help build muscle, repair wounds, and fight infection. Now that you have begun dialysis, your diet may include more protein. You get protein from
eggs, egg whites
meats (beef, veal, lamb, pork)
poultry (such as chicken and turkey)
fish and other seafood
vegetables and grains
(This food list is not complete)
Calories
Calories are like fuel—they provide your body with the energy you need to live. They are important because they
help you stay at a healthy body weight
give you energy to do your daily tasks and stay active
help your body use the protein in food to build muscles
If you are not getting enough calories from your diet, you may need to eat extra sweets like sugar, jam, jelly, hard candy, honey, or syrup; unless you also have diabetes. Other good sources of calories come from fats such as soft (tub) margarine, and oils like canola or olive oil
Vitamins and Minerals
Kidney disease and dialysis change the amounts of vitamins and minerals your body needs. Also, your kidney diet may limit some food choices that would normally give you important vitamins and minerals. Instead, you may need to take special vitamin or mineral supplements. Be sure to
Take only the vitamins and minerals your healthcare professional recommends, because some vitamins and minerals may be harmful to people with kidney failure
Avoid herbal supplements
