By Renal Dieticians, Kent & Canterbury Hospital 

Good kidney function is essential to remove waste products from blood. If the kidneys are not working properly, these waste products may build up, causing some of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease.

By altering your diet, you may be able to decrease the levels of several of these waste products and reduce the severity of some symptoms, helping you to feel well.

The main aims are to eat as healthy and varied a diet as possible and to keep well nourished. This is important at the pre-dialysis stage and once on dialysis.

            The need to change what you eat is based on some of your blood results and is only advised once these are different from the norm. You should not alter your diet without advice from your renal dietitian. Every person will have different dietary needs and what is fine for one individual may be harmful for another.

The renal dietitian will find out what your normal pattern of food intake is, look up your blood results to decide if changes are needed, and then suggest an appropriate diet. This diet will be individually tailored for you, taking into account your own food preferences together with medical and social factors.

Without doubt most dietary recommendations will involve some sort of restriction and have an impact on daily life. The dietitian is there to help you and make it as easy as possible.

Waste products that affect your health

 POTASSIUM   

This is a mineral found in the cells of the body and the kidneys normally remove any excess. Too high a level of potassium is bad for the heart.

 PHOSPHATE

Is a substance found in many foods. The healthy body keeps the balance of phosphate and calcium in balance. High phosphate levels can lead to bone disease, damage blood vessels and occasionally cause intense itchy skin.

 SALT / SODIUM

You may be advised to reduce your salt intake to help control high blood pressure and / or prevent thirst.

Other factors that need to be considered

 CALORIES / ENERGY

You need sufficient calories to keep healthy. If you are losing weight and / or have a poor appetite the dietitian will suggest ways of increasing your calorie intake.

 PROTEIN

Protein is vital for maintaining muscle and other body tissues. The dietitian will suggest ways of ensuring you have the right amount of protein in your diet.

VITAMINS

It is common to need B and C vitamin supplements, particularly if you require a potassium restriction. Your kidney doctor will prescribe these. Do not buy over the counter vitamin supplements.

 FLUID

The amount of fluid allowance depends on your urine output and how much fluid is removed on dialysis. Advice will be given by your doctor, nurse or dietitian.