Diet - chronic kidney disease

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• R
• S
• T
• V
• W
• Z

Renal disease - diet; Kidney disease - diet

Ask for a referral to a registered dietitian for diet information about kidney disease. Some dietitians specialize in kidney diets. Your dietitian can help you create a diet to fit your specific needs.

The Kidney Foundation has chapters in most states. It is an excellent resource for programs and educational materials to help people with kidney disease and their families.

Your daily calorie intake needs to be high enough to keep you healthy and prevent the breakdown of body tissue. Ask your doctor and dietitian what your ideal weight should be, and weigh yourself every morning.

---

---

CARBOHYDRATES

If you are overweight or have diabetes, you may need to limit the amount of carbohydrates you eat. Talk with your doctor, nurse, or dietitian.

Otherwise, carbohydrates are a good source of energy for your body. If your health care provider has recommended a low-protein diet, you may replace the calories from protein with:

• Fruits, breads, grains, and vegetables. These foods provide energy, as well as fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
• Hard candies, sugar, honey, and jelly. If needed, you can even eat high-calorie desserts such as pies, cakes, or cookies, as long as you limit desserts made with dairy, chocolate, nuts, or bananas.

FATS

Fats can be a good source of calories. Make sure to use monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, safflower oil) to help protect your arteries. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or dietitian about fats and cholesterol that may increase your risk for heart problems.

PROTEIN

Low-protein diets may be helpful before dialysis. Your doctor or dietitian may recommend a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day).

Once you start dialysis, you will need more protein. In fact, a high-protein diet with fish, poultry, pork, or eggs at every meal may be recommended. This will help you replace muscles and other tissues that you lose.

People on dialysis should eat 8 - 10 ounces of high-protein foods each day. Your doctor, dietitian, or nurse may suggest adding egg whites, egg white powder, or protein powder.