End Stage Renal Diet

Kidney function is essential in dealing with the waste material from digested food and the working body. As kidney function worsens, it may be necessary to alter diet to reduce the problems caused by these substances accumulating. Control of diet is also necessary in patients on dialysis, as dialysis only partly replaces kidney function. Finally, many patients with advanced kidney disease lose their appetite and risk becoming undernourished

The following (adapted) guide from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH) can help you in establishing the right diet for you.

Once you have spoken to your renal dietician and have an understanding of what is right for you, you can then explore the recipes on this website and around the internet.

PLEASE NOTE: this guide was produced for haemodialysis patients. Similar principles apply for peritoneal dialysis patients. Your dietician will guide you through you can be more relaxed and vary these principles.

Introduction

When you start haemodialysis, you must make many changes in your life. Watching the foods you eat will make you healthier. This publication will help you choose the right foods.

Print this publication and use it with a dietitian to help you learn how to eat right to feel right on haemodialysis. Read one section at a time. Then go through the exercise for that section with your dietitian.

Once you have completed every exercise, keep a copy of this publication to remind yourself of foods you can eat and foods you need to avoid.