Diet & Nutrition
The Renal Diet
Kidney function is essential for removing the waste material from food that you eat. The kidneys excrete a dietary protein called urea, as well as sodium, potassium, and phosphate. These substances can build up in the body if kidney function is impaired. Following a strict diet can lessen this accumulation and its effects.
Hemodialysis Patients should monitor and limit their intake of the following:
Potassium
Phosphate
Sodium
Fluids
For more information click links below:
Dining Out for the Dialysis Patient
Smart Snacking Choices for the Dialysis Patient
How to be Successful on the Renal Diet
Moderation
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes the importance of eating a variety of foods. This applies to dialysis patients, too. You can enjoy all foods in moderation while following a renal diet. One of the guidelines states: “Be sensible: Enjoy all foods, just don’t overdo it.”
We Encourage You To:
• Slow down while eating. It takes 20 minutes to send the signal that
you’ve had enough to eat.
• Stop eating when full. Patients should walk away from the table feeling 
that they can eat a little more.
• Have one small helping of that chocolate cake and enjoy every bite.
• Enjoy that piece of lasagna twice as much. Eat half in the restaurant and
take the rest home to enjoy the next day.
The Goal
The goal for our patients should be a healthy lifestyle that can be maintained
rather than a short-term diet that will most likely be abandoned and produce
psychological discomfort.
The Renal Diet Compiled BY 
