Caring for your body is so important during dialysis treatments, and one of the most important ways you take care of yourself is by watching what you eat and drink. Eating and drinking healthy help you to not only feel better, but also makes your dialysis more effective by reducing waste and fluid buildup between treatments. Here are some tips for eating and drinking healthy when undergoing dialysis in Lighthouse Point.
Talk to Your Renal Dietician When Undergoing Dialysis in Lighthouse Point
This tip is very important: see the renal dietician at your dialysis center. They have access to your unique medical situation and are the best source of information and tips to help you eat the best diet to care for your kidneys.
Avoid or Limit Foods High in Potassium
Between dialysis treatments, potassium levels can rise, so it is important to limit nutritional potassium which can affect the heart if levels get too high. Bananas, avocados, and dried fruits including raisins are all high in potassium. Choose fruits and veggies that are low in potassium, such as applesauce, berries, celery, and cauliflower.
Avoid or Limit Foods High in Phosphorus
Healthy kidneys maintain safe phosphorus levels to protect the calcium in your bones. It’s important to eat the right amount of protein, so limiting phosphorus can be hard because it’s in meat and dairy products. Your renal dietician helps you come up with a plan on how to get the protein you need while limiting your phosphorus intake. Other foods high in phosphorus are processed / packaged foods, nuts, beans, peanut butter, and drinks like tea and cola.
Avoid or Limit Foods High in Sodium When Undergoing Dialysis in Lighthouse Point
Sodium is found in salty foods. Processed, packaged, canned, and fast foods are usually high in sodium and should be avoided. Eating fresh, natural foods is a good way to eat healthy and limit sodium intake. Some spices are high in potassium, so be sure to ask your renal dietician which seasonings to use when flavoring your food.
Watch Your Fluid Intake
You’ll need to watch what you drink and how much when undergoing dialysis. When keeping track of your fluid intake, be sure to think about both food and drink, as food can contain liquids, too.
At First Class Kidney Care, our staff is here to educate you and answer your questions. You’ll have access to an experienced renal dietitian to help you understand how to eat and stay healthy while undergoing dialysis. Choose First Class Kidney Care for dialysis in Lighthouse Point in a convenient, boutique setting. Request an appointment online, or call us at 754-307-9526 today!