What Should Be the Diet When You Are on Dialysis?

Our kidneys perform a bunch of necessary functions, such as filtering out waste from the blood, helping in the production of red blood cells and helping maintain the balance of minerals and electrolytes in the body. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and poor lifestyle can cause damage to the kidneys.

Therefore, people suffering from kidney diseases or on dialysis should follow a balanced diet to lead a healthy life. In this blog, we will take a look at the dialysis patient diet, discuss a diet plan for dialysis patients and foods to avoid for people on dialysis.

Diet plan

Key Nutritional Considerations for Dialysis Patients

A diet plan for a dialysis patient requires limiting fluids, sodium, phosphorus and potassium while maintaining a healthy diet. The following are nutritional considerations for dialysis patients.

Managing Protein Intake

One of the most important things to consider for a dialysis patient's diet is to manage their protein intake. Choose lean meats, poultry, fish and eggs to help manage the waste products from protein breakdown.

Controlling Potassium Levels

Patients on dialysis should avoid foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, nuts and dried fruits. Patients with kidney diseases are not able to regulate potassium, and it can build up in the body to unsafe levels.

Regulating Phosphorus

Reduce foods high in phosphorus, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, nuts and dried fruits, to protect bones and blood vessels, as phosphorus buildup can weaken blood vessels and damage bones.

Sodium and Fluid Restrictions

Reduce salt and salty foods such as chips and processed meats to control blood pressure and fluid retention. Patients on dialysis should limit their daily fluid intake to prevent fluid buildup, which can cause swelling and high blood pressure.

Planning Meals for Dialysis Patients

Understanding what you should eat and what you should avoid while on dialysis plays an important part in managing kidney diseases. The following are healthy dialysis patient diet tips to help you manage kidney disease.

Breakfast Ideas

A diet plan for a dialysis patient should contain low sodium, low potassium and low phosphorus breakfast. Prioritise high-protein food like egg whites, oatmeal with berries, white toast with sugarless jam and include low potassium fruits like apples and grapes.

Lunch and Dinner Suggestions

A kidney dialysis patient's diet chart should consist of low-sodium and low-potassium meals with a good balance of lean proteins and vegetables. Consider options like grilled fish, steamed chicken or crisp veggies.

Snack Choices

Good snack choices for a dialysis patient's diet should include unsalted crackers, rice cakes, popcorn and fresh fruits like apples, berries and low-fat yoghurt. Other options can include egg whites with sprinkled pepper (without salt) and crisp veggies with low-fat dip.

Importance of Regular Consultation with a Dietitian

Patients on dialysis should regularly consult with a renal dietician to manage complex dietary restrictions, prevent dangerous fluid buildup and electrolyte imbalance. A renal dietician will provide a high-protein diet for dialysis patients to help manage their kidney disease and lead a healthy life. Here is a dialysis patient diet chart for you to help manage kidney disease.

Meal Type	Recommended Options (Choose One)
Breakfast	- Vegetable upma made with suji and low salt - Poha with peas and lemon - Oats porridge with skimmed milk (unsweetened) - 1 boiled egg white + 1 slice of brown bread
Mid-Morning Snack	- A handful of roasted makhana - 1 small apple or pear - Rice flakes chivda (unsalted) - Coconut water (only if potassium levels are normal)
Lunch	- 2 phulkas (no salt) + 1 cup lauki or tinda curry + ½ cup moong dal - 1 bowl soft khichdi with ridge gourd and beans - 1 cup rice + bottle gourd curry + 1 small bowl curd (if phosphorus is normal)
Evening Snack	- 1 cup green tea (unsweetened) + 2 Marie biscuits - Fruit chaat (apple, papaya, guava, cucumber) - 1 glass of buttermilk (if potassium is normal)
Dinner	- 1 bowl of dalia (broken wheat porridge) with vegetables - 1 cup rice + ½ cup moong dal + boiled beans - 2 chapatis + 1 cup pumpkin or bottle gourd curry
Bedtime Option	- ½ glass of warm milk (if phosphorus is normal) - Herbal tea (chamomile or tulsi)

Disclaimer: This plan is general. Always consult a renal dietician before starting any new diet, as requirements vary based on your kidney stage, labs, and fluid balance.

Conclusion

A well-balanced dialysis patient diet is essential for maintaining strength, stable blood chemistry, and overall health. Following a personalised dialysis patient diet chart helps control waste buildup and fluid balance. A high-protein diet for dialysis patients supports tissue repair, while a tailored diet for dialysis patients with diabetes helps manage sugar levels.

At NephroPlus, each guest receives a customised diet plan for dialysis patient needs, ensuring a nutritious and sustainable protein diet for dialysis patients. Visit your nearest NephroPlus centre to get a personalised diet chart and take the first step towards better kidney health.

FAQs

What are the best protein sources for dialysis patients?

The best protein sources for dialysis patients include egg whites, lean chicken, fish, paneer and moong dal, supporting tissue repair and maintaining strength during regular dialysis treatments.

How can dialysis patients manage their fluid intake effectively?

Dialysis patients should measure daily fluids, avoid salty foods, and include ice chips or limited sips between meals to prevent swelling and maintain healthy blood pressure.

What are some common symptoms of poor diet management in dialysis patients?

Common symptoms include fatigue, swelling, nausea, muscle cramps, shortness of breath, and unstable blood pressure, all signalling imbalanced fluid, protein or mineral intake in dialysis patients.

Can dialysis patients eat fruits and vegetables?

Yes, dialysis patients can eat low-potassium fruits and vegetables like apples, cabbage, and gourds, avoiding high-potassium options such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes and spinach.

Why is phosphorus control crucial for someone on dialysis?

Controlling phosphorus prevents bone weakness, itching, and heart complications. Dialysis removes limited phosphorus, so patients must restrict high-phosphorus foods like dairy, nuts, seeds and colas.