What Foods are Beneficial for Dialysis

Chronic kidney disease is characterised by a progressive loss of renal function. Depending on the activity of the underlying disease process, renal function may be lost slowly or rapidly.

If the kidneys fail the filtering must be done artificially and your blood pressure may have to be controlled by medication. End stage renal failure (ESRF) is when kidney function is so bad that you are likely to die within weeks or months unless special treatment such as dialysis or transplantation is given. Some recent documents use 'established renal failure' (ERF) too. This is maybe because they don't like the sound of 'end stage'.

When will dialysis be needed?

Dialysis is started when the symptoms of kidney failure become too troublesome and when blood tests show that waste products are at a level where problems are likely.

How long can a person live on dialysis?

With good care, a person can live a very full life on dialysis for many years. However, the average life expectancy for all dialysis patients is currently between five and six years.

Diet for kidney failure with dialysis

Potassium: to control potassium levels in your blood, avoid foods like avocados, bananas, kiwis, and dried fruit, which are very high in potassium. Also, eat smaller portions of other high-potassium foods. For example, eat half a pear instead of a whole pear. Eat only very small portions of oranges and melons.

Phosphorus:Your body breaks protein down into a waste product called urea. If urea builds up in your blood, it's a sign you have become very sick. Eating mostly high-quality proteins is important because they produce less waste than others. High-quality proteins come from meat, fish, poultry, and eggs (especially egg whites).Poultry and fish, like broiled flounder, are good sources of high-quality protein.

Calories:Some people on dialysis need to gain weight. You may need to find ways to add calories to your diet. Vegetable oils-like olive oil, canola oil, and safflower oil-are good sources of calories. Use them generously on breads, rice, and noodles.

Protein:When the time for dialysis draws closer, some patients do not feel as hungry as they used to, and some food, particularly meat products, may taste 'funny'. Special dietary supplements may help such patients maintain adequate protein intake.