Diet For Endstage Renal Disease

According to the American Kidney Fund, end stage renal disease (ESRD) is when the kidneys cease to function well enough to allow a person to live without a kidney transplant or dialysis. This stage of kidney failure is permanent. Under normal circumstances, food provides the body with nourishment and the means to repair itself. The blood circulates these nutrients to the body's cells, and the kidneys remove excess wastes and liquids. Patients with ESRD do not have this capability, but they can reduce the amount of wastes that build up by monitoring what they eat and drink.

Liquids

According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), controlling fluid intake is the first step of the ESRD diet. Fluids can build up in the body between dialysis sessions, causing weight gain and swelling. These extra fluids will raise blood pressure and have a negative impact on the heart. It is important to remember that any foods that contain liquid at room temperature will also add to the daily fluid intake. Foods like melons, celery, oranges, and tomatoes should be eaten sparingly and included in the daily fluid intake. Additionally, sodium can cause the body to retain fluids and cause thirst. For this reason, low-sodium foods should be chosen.

Vitamins and Minerals

According to the NKUDIC guidelines, potassium and phosphorus should be limited. Potassium builds up in the blood and affects the heart rate which can be dangerous. Bananas, avocados, kiwis, and dried fruits should be eaten sparingly, as they contain large amounts of potassium. Phosphorus causes the bones to lose calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis. It can also make the skin feel itchy. Dairy products, nuts and peanut butter are all high in phosphorus and should be limited.

Patients with NSRD are warned not to take over-the-counter multivitamins, as they contain vitamins and minerals that can be harmful, or even deadly. Because multivitamins are not subject to the rigorous testing required for pharmaceuticals by the FDA, stated amounts of each substance may differ. If an ESRD patient is missing certain vitamins and minerals, a doctor may prescribe a supplement such as Nephrocaps.

Protein

Before dialysis begins, ESRD patients are told not to consume high amounts of protein. According to the NKUDIC, being on dialysis changes the low protein requirement. ESRD patients are encouraged to eat high quality protein foods such as fish, poultry, and egg whites. High quality proteins will also help the body to build muscle and restore damaged tissue.

Calories

In some cases, a patient on dialysis may experience undesired weight loss. It is important to find healthy ways to add calories to the diet without causing wastes to build up in the blood. According to the NKUDIC, vegetable oils such as safflower oil and olive oil can be used liberally on rice, noodles and breads. Avoid butter and margarine, as they can clog arteries and lead to health problems.

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