Effectively reading food labels is crucial for dialysis patients to control their diet and steer clear of dangerous nutritional levels that could compromise their health. The following advice may help you understand food labels and find hidden sources of potassium, salt, phosphorus, and other restricted nutrients:
1. Know the Serving Size
You should start by looking at the serving size. This size is the basis for all nutritional information on the label, so if you eat more or less than the suggested amount, make the appropriate adjustments.
2. Pay Attention to Sodium
Because sodium can decrease renal function and increase blood pressure, it must be closely monitored.
Seek out:
Sodium total: Select foods that are low in salt, defined as having less than 140 mg per serving.
Keep an eye out for hidden sources of sodium, such as dressings, sauces, and canned foods.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium chloride, and salt are key indicators of sodium.
3. Assess the Levels of Phosphorus
Blood phosphorus accumulation can lead to issues with the heart and bones. It is frequently present in meats, dairy products, and processed foods.
Seek out:
Although it may not always be mentioned, phosphorus is included on the label as a nutrient.
Foods that include substances like calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, or phosphoric acid should be avoided because they are frequently added to processed foods like meats, sodas, and packaged snacks.
Limit your intake of foods high in phosphorus, like dairy and processed meats, or choose lower-phosphorus substitutes.
4. Monitor Potassium Consumption
Although potassium aids in fluid and electrolyte balance, excessive potassium intake can result in harmful cardiac arrhythmias.
Seek out: Potassium content.
Pay attention to portion size when eating foods high in potassium, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and bananas. Select low-potassium foods whenever you can because a typical serving of a potassium-rich item can contain anywhere between 300 and 1,000 mg of potassium.
5. Sugars and Carbohydrates
Controlling carbs is crucial since many dialysis patients also need to monitor their blood sugar levels.
Check for: Total sugars, added sugars, and carbs. Controlling blood sugar spikes can be achieved by selecting foods low in sugar and carbohydrates.
Whole grains and legumes are examples of foods high in fiber that can help regulate blood sugar levels and enhance digestion.
6. List of Ingredients
You can learn more about the food’s hidden ingredients from the ingredient list than from the nutrition facts display.
Seek out:
Unknown sodium sources: Check for MSG, sodium, salt, or sodium nitrate.
Phosphorus hidden sources: Avoid ingredients such as phosphate additions, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and phosphoric acid.
Foods high in potassium: Steer clear of processed foods that contain potassium chloride or use caution when consuming foods that are naturally high in potassium, such as some fruits and vegetables.
7. “No Salt Added” Doesn’t imply low sodium levels
Foods labelled “no salt added” should be avoided because they may still contain sodium either naturally or through additional ingredients like potassium salts or preservatives.
8. Reading the “% Daily Value” (DV)
The % Daily Value is calculated with a diet of 2,000 calories. Patients on dialysis may require varying dosages, so get advice from your healthcare provider.
Sodium: Try to find goods with less than 5% DV for sodium per serving.
You must examine the exact mg amount of phosphorus and potassium because they could not be listed in terms of %DV.
9. Seek Advice from Your Dietician/Nephrologist
Every dialysis patient has different demands, thus a customized nutrition plan is crucial. Consult a nutritionist/nephrologist to find out how much of each nutrient—such as potassium, phosphorus, salt, etc.—you should be eating.
Example of Smart Shopping:
Best choice: Fresh, whole foods (e.g., vegetables, lean proteins) and foods that are minimally processed.
Avoid: Fast food, packaged snacks, canned soups, and ready-to-eat meals frequently have high potassium, phosphorus additions, and sodium content.
Final Tips:
– Use a food diary or apps to track nutrients you’re consuming.
-Learn to compare brands: Some brands may offer lower-sodium or lower-potassium versions of foods like canned vegetables or soups.
-Cook at home when possible: This gives you more control over what’s in your food.
Written by:
K.S.N.Harshitha
Executive Dietitian, Nephroplus