Kidney diet - dialysis patients

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Kidney anatomy

This article describes the diet necessary in patients with end-stage kidney disease on either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The diet is usually high in protein and low-sodium, low-potassium, and low-phosphorus. Fluid intake is also restricted.

End stage renal disease - diet; Hemodialysis - diet; Peritoneal dialysis - diet

The purpose of this diet is to maintain a balance of electrolytes, minerals, and fluid in patients on dialysis. The special diet is important because dialysis alone does not effectively eliminate ALL waste products. These waste products can also accumulate between dialysis treatments.

Most dialysis patients urinate very little or not at all, and therefore fluid restriction between treatments is very important. Without urination, fluid will accumulate in the body and cause excess fluid in the heart, lungs, and ankles.

Patients on dialysis need a high protein intake to maintain adequate nutrition. Patients on dialysis can become malnourished and this often means a poor outcome.

The diet will help dialysis patients feel as good as possible.

Review Date: 02/03/2006
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.