Introduction

This information will help you choose foods to keep you well on dialysis. You may also be given some extra information if needed. Your dietitian may change the advice in the future if your health, blood tests or appetite changes.

Contents

Protein foods

Fluid

Salt

Potassium

Phosphate

Small appetite

Vitamins

You will be able to talk to your dietitian regularly about your eating. You can contact your dietitian at any time. See the bottom of the page for contact details.

What can I eat? 

Beans, lentils, fish, eggs, meat and other protein foods

Dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks and yoghurts)

Potatoes, yams, cassava, plantain, bread, rice, pasta, cereals and other starchy carbohydrates

Fruit and vegetables

Fatty and sugary foods

Fluid

Salt

Potassium

Phosphate

Small appetite?

If yes, the following information may help.

Eat little and often throughout the day. Try three meals and 2 - 3 snacks every day.

Eat small nourishing snacks between meals such as cereal and milk, cheese and biscuits, cakes, biscuits, desserts, pastries.

Have a snack, sandwich or a milky drink if you cannot manage your normal meal.

Try easy to prepare high protein meals such as cheese, scrambled egg, poached egg on toast or omelette.

Use full fat and full sugar versions of foods and drinks such as full fat milk, full fat yoghurt instead of diet or low fat ones.

Try to eat more on days or at times you feel better.

Spread butter, margarine, honey, jam and marmalade thickly on bread, croissants, and crumpets.

Add honey or sugar to cereals and puddings.

Eating well is important to help you feel better and cope with dialysis.

Some of these foods are high in salt, sugar, phosphate and potassium which may not be in line with the diet you have previously been advised to follow. If you have diabetes or you are limiting potassium or phosphate, speak to your dietitian for more information.

Vitamins

Water soluble vitamins are lost during the dialysis process.

Your GP can prescribe a multivitamin tablet (Renavit) suitable for people with kidney disease; this helps to replace the vitamins lost during dialysis.

Renavit contains a beef product so if you are unable to take this, we can recommend an alternative.

You will need to take Renavit after your dialysis session (three times a week for most people).

You are recommended to discuss any other vitamin, mineral, herbal or fish oil supplements with your dietitian or doctor before taking; some can be harmful for kidney patients.

Can I eat during dialysis?

Some people find it more difficult to eat well on dialysis days. This can be due to lack of time and being away from home.

Many people take a packed lunch or snack with them to dialysis. This can be particularly helpful if you have diabetes, or if your appetite is poor.

Eating during your dialysis session can help you get nourishing food even on busier dialysis days.

Try to include high protein foods such as a sandwich with a meat or fish filling.

If you normally choose low potassium or low phosphate foods, you should continue to choose these for meals and snacks during dialysis.

If you experience nausea or low blood pressure whilst on dialysis, consider eating smaller amounts more often during your session.

How can I eat more sustainably?

Many people want to eat food that is more environmentally friendly. Below are some ideas you could consider.

Try some plant food sources of protein such as beans, lentils, soya mince, Quorn, tofu.

When buying fish look for the Marine Stewardship Council or Aquaculture Stewardship Council symbols.

Try calcium fortified plant milk such as soya or oat instead of cow’s milk.

Opt for wholemeal breads and wholegrain versions of pasta and cereals.

Choose local and seasonal produce.

Avoid chopped, ready prepared and packaged fresh fruit, veg and salads if you can.

Reduce food waste, especially of fresh fruit and veg, by choosing tinned and frozen alongside seasonal fresh produce.