Nutrition Therapy:

kidney disease & Dialysis

By, Lindsay K. Johnson, RD, LDClinical Registered Dietitian, BJEC

Photos used are licensed: free for commercial use and sharing via google or personal photos

What you will learn

Energy balance

What Kidney Disease Is

Risk Factors

Symptoms

What Dialysis Is

Nutrition Needs and Dialysis

Example Meals and Snacks

Kidney disease

Smaller kidney shaped organs located deep within

your upper back that help filter and clean your

blood

• With kidney disease you may have gradual loss of

kidney function, filtration and reduce urine output

• This can lead to fluid, electrolyte, and waste building

up in your blood stream

• This can make you feel ill

Risk Factors

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Heart disease

Smoking

Obesity

African American/ Native American/ Asia American

Family history of kidney disease

Abnormal kidney structure

Potential symptoms of

kidney disease

Nausea

Vomiting

Loss of appetite

Fatigue/weakness

Decreased urination

Swelling

Shortness of breath

High blood pressure

What is dialysis

Dialysis is the process of removing excess water and toxins from the blood by a machine. This

is needed when your kidneys no longer function optimally. This is determined by your Doctor

based upon the severity of your condition.

Protein and dialysis

Protein helps with muscle building, tissue repair, and fighting infections. During dialysis,

proteins are lost from your body. It is important to replenish your body by eating more

protein in your diet.

Without adequate protein, your body may start breaking down your muscle tissues in

order to get the protein that it needs. This can potentially cause fatigue, weight loss,

muscle wasting, and make you more prone to infections.

Example Protein sources

Lean cuts of meat

Eggs

Nuts/seeds

Cheese/milk

Tofu

Soy milk

Legumes/beans

General tips for kidney

disease patients

It may be helpful to limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in the diet.

Too much sodium can potentially affect blood pressure, increase thirst, and cause fluid

retention (edema).

Due to kidney disease, fluid intake may need to be limited.

Try to select fresh or frozen items instead packaged fast food items. If you must use

canned food items rinse with water before consumption.

High phosphorus levels may be a sign that your kidney failure is affecting your bones.

High potassium levels can potentially affect your heart.

Dairy products have potassium in them and may need to be limited to 1 small serving

per day.

Potassium in your diet

Breakfast Examples

1 egg

½ cup of oatmeal (made with water)

½ small apple (sliced on top of oatmeal)

1 slice of toast with a pat of butter and 2 tsp jelly

1 cup of coffee

1 cup of water

Lunch Example

Low sodium deli turkey on 2 slices of bread

(mustard/low fat mayo)

½ salad with onions, cucumber, lettuce, carrots, 2

tablespoon oil and vinegar dressing

½ cup fresh strawberries

1 cup of water

Dinner example

4-6 oz baked chicken breast

2/3 cup cooked pasta

½ cup cabbage

½ cup applesauce

1 cup of iced tea

1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking/ 1/4

cup pasta sauce

Snack example

1 small low fat yogurt (fruited)

¼ cup of favorite nuts/seeds

*These examples are general menu recommendations; diet may need to be limited further according to Registered Dietitian and Physician orders.

Novasource renal dietary

supplement

Offered at BJEC

It has important protein, vitamins and minerals specifically

designed for patients with kidney disease.

This can be added to your diet order as needed

It is recommended to drink after dialysis to help you replace

lost protein and feel stronger

References

1. Mahan, L. Kathleen., Escott-Stump, Sylvia., Raymond, Janice L. Krause,

Marie V., eds. Krause’s Food & The Nutrition Care Process. St. Louis, Mo.

: Elsevier/Saunders, 2012. Print.

2. U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://www.ChooseMyPlate.gov

Website. Washington, DC.

3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Adult Nutrition Care Manual.

http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org.

Thank you!

Learn, Grow & Live Well