When feeding for haemodialysis, it is essential to control the intake of fluids and proteins and avoid foods rich in potassium and salt, such as milk, chocolate and snacks, so as not to accumulate toxins in the body, which worsen the functioning of the body. Thus, the diet should be guided by a nutritionist so that the patient can ingest the right amounts of nutrients and stay healthy.
In some cases, after the hemodialysis session, which is a treatment to filter blood and remove toxic substances from the body, the patient develops nausea and lack of appetite, having to eat small amounts of food and consume light meals to replenish lost energy. . .
- Patients in hemodialysis may eat carbohydrates.
- Such as rice.
- Pasta.
- Flour.
- Unsalted crackers or bread.
- Without limitation if you do not follow a weight loss diet.
- In addition to providing energy.
- These foods contain little or no protein.
- Sodium.
- Potassium and phosphorus that can only be consumed in small amounts.
Thus, the patient in hemodialysis has changes in the functioning of the kidneys and therefore needs:
Protein consumption can be done but the amount ingested at each meal depends on the weight and functioning of the patient’s kidney and therefore the values are indicated by the nutritionist, and should always be respected. For this reason, in most cases it is necessary to use a balance to weigh the allowed amount, and is generally recommended from 0.8 to 1 g / kg / day.
The main source of protein should be of animal origin such as chicken, turkey and egg whites as it is better tolerated by the body and, in some cases, it may be necessary to take nutritional supplements such as Secure Plus, Nepro, Protein powder Promod. , for example, as indicated by the nutritionist. Learn more Protein-rich foods.
Potassium intake, present in most vegetables, fruits, milk and chocolate, needs to be controlled because excess potassium in the blood causes heart problems and muscle weakness.
The following is a table with foods to avoid and foods that can be eaten.
Dried fruits such as nuts, concentrated fruit juices, cooking broths and light salt or salt substitutes are also high in potassium and should therefore be removed from the diet. See these foods you should avoid because they are foods high in potassium.
How to control the amount of potassium: Some of the potassium leaves food, so you can soak them in water 2 hours before cooking or eating them, or cook them in boiling water.
Sodium is usually ingested through salt-rich foods and in excessive amounts, it can accumulate in the body, causing a feeling of thirst, swelling of the body and high blood pressure, which is very harmful to the health of the patient on dialysis.
A patient on haemodialysis can generally consume only up to 1000 mg of sodium per day, but the exact amounts should be indicated by the nutritionist. Therefore, the patient should not add salt to food, as most foods already contain sodium.
How to control the amount of salt: Read food labels, avoid buying salt-rich foods, such as canned, frozen fast food and cold cuts, opting for fresh foods. Another strategy is to use herbs, seeds, oil and vinegar to season. Get tips on how to reduce salt intake.
The amount of fluid you drink daily varies depending on the amount of urine produced by the patient. However, the amount of liquid to be drunk per day should not exceed 800 ml, including water, ice, juice, gelatin, milk, tea, squeak, ice cream, coffee or soup, it is important to record the liquids ingested daily.
Fluids build up easily in the body, causing swelling because the kidneys malfunction, resulting in high blood pressure and heart problems and excess fluid in the body results in weight gain that should not exceed 2.5 kg between sessions.
How to control the amount of fluids: Use a bottle and drink this amount during the day; If you are thirsty, put a piece of lemon in your mouth and rinse with water but do not swallow it. In addition, you need to breathe more through the nose than through the mouth, this helps not to dry the mucous membrane. Learn tips on drinking water for chronic kidney failure.
The patient on dialysis must keep the values of phosphorus, calcium, iron and vitamin D balanced for the body to function properly, being important:
The nutritionist should create a menu tailored to the needs of the patient with kidney problems found in hemodialysis, indicating the most appropriate foods and the correct amounts for each case.
Also learn how to feed after a kidney transplant.