Eating the right foods can help you feel better when you are on hemodialysis. Talk with your dialysis center’s dietitian to find a hemodialysis meal plan that works for you. Your dietary needs will depend on your treatment and other factors, such as your weight and activity level. Staying healthy with kidney disease requires watching how much of the following are included in your diet:

• Protein is in many foods you eat. Protein is in foods from animals and plants. In general, most diets include both animal and plant proteins. Protein provides the building blocks that maintain and repair muscles, organs, and other parts of your body. Most people on hemodialysis are encouraged to eat high-quality protein because it maintains a healthy body. High-quality protein comes from meat, fish, and eggs. However, many high-protein foods also contain phosphorus, which can weaken your bones. Talk with your dietitian about ways to get the protein you need without getting too much phosphorus.

• Phosphorus is a mineral that keeps your bones healthy and your blood vessels and muscles working. Phosphorus is found naturally in foods rich in protein, and it is also added to many processed foods. However, phosphorus can weaken your bones and make your skin itch if you have too much. Hemodialysis may not remove enough phosphorus, so you will probably need to limit or avoid high-phosphorus foods especially those with phosphorus added to improve flavor or keep them from going bad, such as lunch meats. You may also need to limit milk and cheese, dried beans, peas, colas, nuts, and peanut butter. In addition, you may need to take a pill with meals called a phosphate binder that keeps phosphorus in your food from entering your bloodstream.

• Fluid includes water and drinks such as fruit juice and milk; and water in foods such as fruits, vegetables, ice cream, gelatin, soup, and ice pops. You need water for your body to function properly; however, too much can cause swelling and make your heart work harder. Over time, too much fluid in your body can cause high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Fluid builds up in your body between hemodialysis treatments, resulting in swelling in your ankles and hands. Limiting the amount of liquid you have can help you prevent these problems. You can tell that you have too much fluid in your body if your body weight goes too far above your dry weight.

• Sodium is a part of salt. Sodium is found in many canned, packaged, frozen, and fast foods. Sodium is also found in many condiments, seasonings, and meats. Too much sodium makes you thirsty, which makes you drink more liquid. Try to eat fresh foods that are naturally lower in sodium, and look for products labeled “low sodium,” especially in canned and frozen foods. Pay attention to the amount of sodium in milligrams (mg) listed on the nutrition facts label of food products.

• Potassium is a mineral that helps your nerves and muscles work the right way. People with kidney failure who do not make enough urine can have a buildup of potassium in their blood. Hemodialysis balances the potassium level in your blood by removing extra potassium from your blood. Potassium levels that are too high or too low can cause heart problems and, if severe enough, can lead to sudden death due to an abnormal heartbeat. You can prevent your potassium level from going too high between hemodialysis treatments by avoiding high-potassium foods, including bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes.

• Calories are units of energy. Calories in food give you the energy you need. Many people on hemodialysis do not have a good appetite and do not get enough calories. If you find it hard to eat, talk with your dialysis center’s dietitian to find healthy ways to add calories to your diet.

• Supplements help provide some of the vitamins and minerals that may be missing from your diet because you have to avoid many foods. Hemodialysis also removes some vitamins from your body. Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin and mineral supplement designed specifically for people with kidney failure. Never take vitamin and mineral supplements that you can buy over the counter. They may be harmful to you. Talk with your doctor before taking any medicines, including vitamin and mineral supplements that are not prescribed for you.

You may have a hard time with changing your diet at first. However, eating the right foods will help you feel better. You will have more strength and energy.