Food in hemodialysis

Keep in mind that food is an element fundamental in the treatment of renal failure. Getting it right and putting it into practice is, in short, improve their quality of life.

Properly following the recommendations will allow:

  • Maintain, through a balanced diet, the proper nutritional status.
  • Reduce the risk of complications between dialysis sessions (hyperkalemia, excessive weight gain ...).
  • Avoid or reduce the appearance of bone and metabolic disorders.
  • Improve the results of the hemodialysis sessions.
  • Better tolerate hemodialysis sessions.
  • Keep the body in the best possible condition for a future transplant.
  • Make a diet as enjoyable as possible without unnecessary restrictions.

 

Keep in mind that food is an element fundamental in the treatment of renal failure. Getting it right and putting it into practice is, in short, improve their quality of life.

Properly following the recommendations will allow:

  • Maintain, through a balanced diet, the proper nutritional status.
  • Reduce the risk of complications between dialysis sessions (hyperkalemia, excessive weight gain ...).
  • Avoid or reduce the appearance of bone and metabolic disorders.
  • Improve the results of the hemodialysis sessions.
  • Better tolerate hemodialysis sessions.
  • Keep the body in the best possible condition for a future transplant.
  • Make a diet as enjoyable as possible without unnecessary restrictions.

 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates

This group includes pasta (macaroni, spaghetti, noodles ...), rice, bread, potatoes and cereals. They are the main source of energy in the body so they must be the basis of our diet. We will not limit the amount but if you consume it since they are rich in fiber because of its high content of phosphorus and potassium.

People with diabetes, obesity and / or hypertriglyceridemia will need to take special considerations with this food group.

 

Pasta and rice when boiled absorb water; it is best to leave the pasta and cook until pasta is so that they contain as little water as possible, and the rice without passing.

Carbohydrates not recommended

Whole products
Soybean and its derivatives
Oats and musli
Breakfast cereals
Industrial bakery
Savory cookies
Snacks of appetizer

Proteins

Proteins

This group is made up of meat, fish, eggs and legumes. Proteins are an essential part of the body that has, among others, the structural function of tissue formation, maintenance and repair. Some of them, along with vitamins, are lost through the dialysis process. Foods that are high in protein also tend to be in phosphorus, so we will limit the consumption of any of them.

 

It is recommended to eat foods of this group 2 times a day. Eggs 2 times a week. Legumes occasionally (2 times a month).

When the cooked legumes are cooked, the so-called double-cooking system must be done after soaking, which consists in putting two pots with plenty of boiling water and, in the middle of cooking, changing the pots. When done, drain the water.
 

Protein advised

Birds (chicken, turkey, ...)
White fish
Egg (preferably clear)
Low-fat meats (pork, rabbit, beef tenderloin ...)
Serrano ham / pollaste / turkey

Limited protein

Beans
Chickpeas
Lentils

Protein not recommended

Sausages
Patés
Viscera
Blue fish
Smoked and salted fish
Shellfish, crustaceans, molluscs
Meat or fish concentrates (Avecrem, Starlux, ....)
Canned foods

Dairy products

Dairy products

Dairy products are a good source of protein, but are high in calcium and phosphorus so you should restrict your intake. Phosphorus is a mineral that is involved in the formation and maintenance of bones. Phosphorus and calcium must be balanced in the body, as their abundance or lack affects the absorption capacity of the other.

Excess phosphorus results in lower calcium assimilation. When this imbalance occurs and phosphorus is elevated, long-term alterations in bone composition may occur with progressive bone deterioration. One symptom of hyperphosphoremia is itching (itching).

It is difficult to correct this imbalance. Keep in mind that foods rich in phosphorus are also calcium. That is why the doctor usually prescribes the intake of phosphorus chelators, drugs that prevent their absorption.

 

It is advisable to drink ½ glass of milk a day, as well as eat 2 or 3 yoghurts a week.

Dairy products not recommended

Cured and creamy cheeses
Powdered milk
skimmed milk
Chocolate smoothies
Chocolate ice cream

Fruits and vegetables

El potassium is a mineral necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems. In renal failure potassium from the diet is not properly eliminated.

If potassium levels in the blood are high (hyperkalemia), disturbances occur, especially at the heart level. Hyperkalemia has some initial symptoms such as tremor, weakness in the legs. If left unmanaged, you are at high risk for major cardiac abnormalities that can lead to cardiorespiratory arrest.

Fruits

Fruits are made up of simple carbohydrates, vitamins, mineral salts and fiber. Among these mineral salts is high potassium, which is why we need to significantly reduce its intake.

 

It is recommended to eat 1 piece of fruit daily.

Recommended fruits (poor in potassium)

Pear, Apple, Apple / pear compote, Watermelon, Fruit in syrup (without syrup), Lemon

Limited fruits (moderate in potassium)

Apricot, persimmons, cherries, plum, pomegranate, strawberry, figs / bacon, tangerine, mango, peach, melon, blackberry, orange, nectarine, eves, pineapple, grapefruit, white grape

Recommended fruits (high in potassium)

Banana, Kiwi, Avocado, Black Grape, Commercial Juices, Coconut, Dates, Nuts, Olives, Syrup Liquid

verdures

They are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and especially potassium. There is a special preparation that will reduce your potassium intake. Water in contact with vegetables loses potassium.

When it comes to raw vegetables, whether in salads, or for baking or stews, they need to be chopped (small pieces) and soaked for about 8 to 12 hours by changing the water at least 2 times.

When the boiled vegetables are cooked, the so-called double-cooking system must be done after soaking, which consists in putting two pots with plenty of boiling water and, in the middle of cooking, changing the pot vegetables. When finished we will have to reject the water.

 

It is recommended to eat 1 medium plate of cooked vegetables or one salad a day.

Recommended vegetables (poor in potassium)

Aubergine, Asparagus (without broth), Onion, Fresh asparagus, Lettuce,
Cucumber, Green Pepper, Red Pepper

Limited vegetables (moderate in potassium)

Sweet potato, Growing, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Cabbage Lombarda, Cabbage, Potato without soaking, Leek, Radishes, Cauliflower, Endives, Escarole, Fresh beans, Green beans, Turnips, Beets, Fresh tomato, Carrot

Recommended vegetables (high in potassium)

Artichoke, Brussels sprouts, Zucchini, Mushroom / mushrooms, Chard, Borage, Thistle, Spinach, Shredded or fried tomato, Vegetable pickles

Sugars and sweets

Sugar and sweets

Sugars are fast-absorbing carbohydrates. Avoid consuming, especially chocolate and cocoa because of its high potassium content. 

 

Suggested sugars

White sugar
Mel
Jam

Suggested sugars

Pastry and confectionery
Chocolate and cocoa
Brown sugar
 

Greases and oils

Greases and oils

Some of them must be present in the diet (essential fatty acids) because the body cannot make them. We must moderate the consumption of those of animal origin present in meats, fish, eggs, sausages, butter, etc., as they are associated with cardiovascular diseases due to their high cholesterol content.

Those of vegetable origin (oils) are preferable because they are cardioprotective and also help with intestinal transit.
 

 

Recommended oils and fats

Extra virgin olive oil
Sunflower oil and seeds
Homemade mayonnaise
Margarine

Greases and oils not recommended

Commercial mayonnaise
Butter and pork bacon
Sausages

Water and salt

Water and salt

El sodium (salt) is a component of common salt and is found naturally in foods. Its function is to retain water inside the body and its excess produces thirst, fluid retention and increased blood pressure.

L'water is the main component of all living things. Under normal conditions, a balance is maintained between the water that is ingested and the one that is eliminated through the urine, sweating, breathing ... In renal failure, due to the inability to eliminate excess fluid by the lumen 'urine, this fluid builds up causing:

  • blood pressure rises
  • edema (swelling in the legs, face ...)
  • in more severe cases, acute pulmonary edema

An alarming symptom is respiratory distress, and if this occurs you must urgently go to the hospital.

To avoid complications and better tolerate hemodialysis sessions, it is important that between 1,5 and 2 kg of fluid measured by body weight not be accumulated between sessions.

 

Remember that patients on a hemodialysis program cannot properly remove the fluid they drink, so they will have to limit themselves.

An approximate daily fluid intake of 500cc + amount of residual urine is recommended. Liquids are considered: Water, infusions, milk, juices, jellies, ice cream, soups, broths, soft drinks and carbonated drinks.

Taulí salt should be removed.

Recommended

Toast or biscuits have less water than daily bread.

On hot days take ice cubes with a few drops of lemon to reduce the feeling of thirst.

Use as little water as possible to take the medication.

Salty foods and industrial foods should be avoided.

Instead of salt they can be used as seasonings, lemon vinegar, oregano ...

Not recommended

Taulí salt
Dietary salts (rich in potassium)
Bread or bisque with salt
Canned or preserved foods
precooked dishes
snacks
Refreshments with gas
energy drinks
Baking drinks (Vichy Catalan)
soups ready
Broth pills (Avecrem)
Commercial sauces (Ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard)