Patients with chronic renal failure should pay attention to their nutrition. It may be vital to avoid certain foods, especially for dialysis patients. Although dialysis tries to do the work of the kidneys, it cannot fulfill all the tasks that healthy kidneys do. During dialysis, the amount of fluid in the body may increase and excess waste may accumulate in the blood. Patients with kidney failure and undergoing dialysis treatment;

• Potassium

• Phosphorus

• Liquid

• He needs to go on a sodium restriction.

The diet to be applied during dialysis varies from person to person. Nutrition and restrictions may not be the same for a patient with early-stage renal disease and a patient with end-stage renal disease. Dialysis patients should pay attention to protein consumption in general. The quality of the consumed protein can prevent problems to be experienced. In this regard, it is necessary to get support from a specialist nephrology doctor and dietitian.

Protein consumption: Patients receiving peritoneal or hemodialysis may need higher protein than people without dialysis. Inadequate protein intake is very important as it can reduce the ability to fight infections along with weight and muscle loss. Containing high quality protein during dialysis diet; meat, poultry, fish, eggs, yogurt, milk and cheese can be consumed. However, it is very important that the foods consumed have a certain balance in terms of potassium, phosphorus and fluid accumulation.

Potassium: Potassium is a mineral found in almost all foods. Potassium is especially needed for muscles. But for kidney failure patients, too much potassium can create dangerous results. While on dialysis, the potassium level may be too low or too high. Too little or too much potassium can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heartbeats.

• Whole grains, bread and biscuits

• Nuts, seeds, chocolate, peanut oil

• Coconut

• All fruit and vegetable juices

• Brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, coffees

• bottled sauces

• Avocados, bananas, kiwis and dried fruits contain high amounts of potassium.

Phosphorus: Phosphorus found in many foods works together with calcium and vitamin D to keep bones healthy. Healthy functioning kidneys help to maintain the correct phosphorus balance in the body. During kidney failure, phosphorus can accumulate in the blood and a condition called hyperphosphotemia may occur. It should be noted that processed and packaged foods contain particularly high levels of phosphorus.

Foods that dialysis patients with high phosphorus levels should avoid

• Oats, cereal

• Milk, cheese, yogurt

• Bone broth soups

• Bean

• Chocolate

• Malt drinks

• Offal

• sea ​​products

• Whole wheat bread, brown rice, wholemeal noodles

Foods rich in both phosphorus and potassium are:

• Cheese

• Chocolate

• Cream soup

• Dry beans and peas

• Ice cream

• Foods such as milk are gras rich in both potassium and phosphorus. It is important to avoid these foods during dialysis.

Fluid buildup: Excess fluid can build up in the body while on dialysis. Excess fluid buildup can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and heart failure. During dialysis, it is important to keep the daily fluid intake and liquid-containing foods under control. Dialysis when there is fluid accumulation in the body can lead to increased problems. The most practical method to be applied in fluid restriction is to stay away from salt.

• Soup

• Plain water, tea, coffee, milk

• Pudding or ice cream

• Fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes, apples, oranges, tomatoes, lettuce or celery

• Salty snacks such as chips and crackers should be avoided as they can make you thirsty.

Sodium: Sodium is necessary for a healthy life. Properly functioning kidneys are effective in regulating the correct sodium ratio in the body. However, sodium can accumulate in the blood of chronic kidney failure patients. Excess sodium accumulation in the blood also causes the body to retain excess water.

• Do not use salt in food or reduce it as much as possible. Try flavoring food with fresh herbs, lemon juice, or unsalted seasonings instead of salt.

• Choose fresh vegetables instead of canned vegetables.

• Avoid foods such as ham, bacon, sausage.

• Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables instead of crackers or other salty snacks.

• Avoid pickled foods such as olives and pickles.

• Limit high-sodium seasonings like soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and ketchup.