Top 10 Foods to Include in a Kidney Dialysis Diet
For kidney dialysis patients, it is very important to maintain a diet that helps control their symptoms and prevent further issues while receiving the treatment. Kidney dialysis is provided to filter waste and remove extra fluids from the blood. The treatment results can be improved with proper care, which also includes maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, which also helps in overall health. Following a diet that is low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and including an appropriate amount of fluid can improve the function of kidneys as well as their health. If you’re looking for food that is beneficial for those undergoing dialysis, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading this blog to find out the top 10 foods that support kidney health and also how you can include them in your meals.
Top 10 foods for kidney dialysis patients
1. Cranberry
Cranberries are tangy and yummy berries that are low in potassium and a great source of antioxidants. They are very helpful in reducing health risks like urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing the bacteria on the walls of your bladder.
0.4 grams of protein per 100 grams of cranberries.
1/2 cup of dried cranberries contains 2 mg sodium, 5mg phosphorus, and 24 mg potassium.
How to use/pair: You can have these berries fresh, dried, or as juice. Pair them with salads, add to your oatmeal, or as a snack along with nuts, which are low-sugar options.
2. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a vegetable that is low in potassium and is non-starchy, which makes it a good option for a kidney-friendly diet. It has Vitamin C, as well as fiber content, that helps in the body’s natural detoxification process.
1.9 grams of protein per 100 grams of cauliflower.
1/2 cup of boiled cauliflower has 88 mg sodium, 88 mg potassium, and 20 mg phosphorus.
How to use/pair: You can either eat cauliflower by steaming, roasting, or mashing it. It can be used as an alternative to potatoes. Use it in soups or have it with rice as a nutritious side dish.
3. Red Bell Pepper
Red bell peppers are flavorful and colorful vegetables with low potassium, that provide a healthy dose of vitamins A, C, and B6. They are a good source of lycopene and antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on your body.
0.9 grams of protein per 100 grams of bell peppers.
1/2 cup of red bell pepper has 10mg phosphorus, 1 mg sodium, and 88 mg potassium.
How to use/pair: You can have bell peppers raw, by adding them to salads with dips like hummus. They taste great when grilled or as a part of a main dish.
4. Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. These help protect your kidneys from getting damaged while also maintaining your heart.
20-25 grams of protein per 100 grams of fish (varies on fish type).
85 grams of salmon fish has 50 mg sodium, 274 mg phosphorus, and 368 mg potassium.
How to use/pair: You can either bake it or grill it and serve it with vegetables like bell peppers or cauliflower. Fish can also be used in soups or salads for a protein-rich meal.
5. Olive Oil
This is a healthy fat that is low in phosphorus. It provides fatty acids that reduce inflammation and also maintain cardiovascular health, which is vital for kidney patients.
0 grams of protein per 100 grams of olive oil.
1 tbsp of olive oil has less than 1 mg of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.
How to use/pair: Use it as a cooking base for roasting your vegetables or drizzle it over salads.
6. Garlic
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that improve your immune function. It adds flavor to food without extra sodium.
1.8 gm of protein for 100 gm.
1 clove of garlic has 1 mg sodium, 4 mg phosphorus, and 12 mg potassium.
How to use/pair: You can add garlic to soups, sauces, and stews for flavor. Also, use it to season fish or vegetables.
7. Blueberry
Blueberries have more antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. They are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Antioxidants in blueberries help slow down the bone loss process.
Protein per Quantity:
1/2 cup of fresh blueberries has 7 mg phosphorus, 4 mg sodium, 65 mg potassium.
How to use/pair: You can eat fresh blueberries, as a smoothie, or top it on your cereals.
8. Onion
Onions are low in potassium and can be used to improve the taste of your meals. They are rich in antioxidants and support heart health as well.
1.1 grams of protein per 100 grams of onion.
1/2 cup of onion has 3 mg sodium, 3 mg phosphorus, and 116 mg potassium.
How to use/pair: Onions can be added to salads, sautéed for stir-fries, or in soups and stews.
9. Apple
Apples contain fiber and are low in potassium. They help in digestion and also maintain blood sugar levels while receiving dialysis treatment.
1 medium-sized apple has 158 mg potassium, 0 sodium, and 10 mg phosphorus.
How to use/pair:You can eat the apples fresh, as an applesauce, or add it to salads.
10. Cabbage
Cabbage has low potassium and also phosphorus. It is a vegetable that has fiber, vitamins K and C, and folic acid. It supports the body’s natural detox processes and reduces inflammation.
1.3 grams of protein per 100 grams of cabbage.
How to use/pair: It can be used in salads, as a side dish, or as a fermented dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a kidney-friendly diet while receiving dialysis is important for supporting kidney function. Foods like cauliflower, cranberry, cabbage, apple, and garlic provide necessary nutrients without overloading the kidneys with potassium, phosphorus, or sodium.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider before making any significant changes to the diet. Portion sizes and specific food choices should be adjusted based on individual health needs and doctor’s recommendations. These guidelines can help manage the dietary needs of dialysis patients, but personalized advice from healthcare providers is crucial for optimal health management.
