How To Eat And Drink When Undergoing Dialysis
Dialysis is a necessary procedure for people whose kidneys have stopped working properly. Without dialysis, waste can build up in your blood and you can end up with too much fluid in your body. Because your kidneys are an integral part of your digestive system — as well as your body's waste collection system — what you eat and drink directly affects how you feel during dialysis. There are differing opinions about whether or not you should eat during the procedure itself, but outside those times, there are definite rules to follow.
Meet With a Dietitian Immediately
This doesn't mean a nutritionist or a general dietitian but a dietitian who specializes in renal disorders. You need to adjust what you eat to reduce the possibilities of feeling bad during dialysis and possibly making yourself sick at other times. You and the dietitian will put together sample meal plans, discuss which nutrients to avoid, find ways to substitute for foods you can no longer eat, and more. Never assume you can handle creating a new diet like this on your own. You really need a second person who has studied your condition to help you with creating an accurate account of what you can and can't eat.
Cut Back on Potassium and Phosphorus
Chief among your new dietary rules is cutting back on phosphorus and potassium, as well as sodium. Many people are used to reducing sodium in their diets already, but they substitute with high-potassium and high-phosphorus foods. You need to drop those foods because all of them can affect how well your body does during and outside of dialysis.
Start Tracking Liquid Intake
When you meet with the dietitian, discuss how much liquid you need to get each day — including from watery foods like fruit — and stick to that. Track it, too. You can end up with pain and a general feeling of sickness during dialysis if you come to the dialysis appointment with too much fluid in your body. By tracking what you take in, you can remain hydrated while also remaining in a safe zone regarding fluid buildup.
Dialysis treatment options may seem strange at first, and it may seem difficult to get used to. It's really not. Work with the team at the dialysis center and keep your doctor up-to-date. With support, you'll be able to adjust your diet in a way that keeps you feeling well as much as possible.
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