Diet for Dialysis Patients

A kidney-friendly diet will help keep your body in balance and make sure that you get the nutrition you need to stay healthy.

Illustration of a man and woman seated at a table

Understanding what you should and should not eat while on dialysis is an important part of managing CKD. A balanced diet – including carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and liquids – will provide you with a good foundation for staying healthy while on dialysis. Listening to your clinician or dietician’s advice about what your body needs is essential, particularly if it means changing some of your current habits. 

Mother daughter preparing dialysis meal together

Adjusting Your Diet for Dialysis

As a patient starting dialysis treatments, you need to make many adjustments to your daily life. This can include switching to a kidney-friendly diet as your kidneys are unable to filter waste and excess fluid from your body as effectively as they should. 

Adopting a more kidney-friendly diet does not need to be a challenge. Being mindful of your dietary needs throughout your treatment journey can help you feel and do your best.

Woman preparing dialysis friendly salad

General Diet Guidelines on Dialysis

The specific dietary restrictions for dialysis patients differ from person to person. However, there are some general guidelines all patients should follow, whether on haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). 

Woman in glasses holding cup thinking about dialysis diet guidelines

Therapy-Dependent Diet Guidelines

Your optimal dialysis diet is determined by your age, weight, level of kidney function, and what type of dialysis you're on, as well as whether you've other health conditions – such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Dietary requirements are the same for people being treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD). However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

image

Couple with dialysis cycling on beach as exercise

Exercise for dialysis patients 

Staying physically healthy can help you get the most out of your treatment. Learn about ways you can be active while on dialysis.   

Couple with camera and luggage travelling while on dialysis

Travelling on Dialysis  

It may still be possible for you to travel while you’re being treated for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Learn more about travelling on dialysis.

Elderly friends happily talking to each other about living well with dialysis

Talking about dialysis 

The support and advice of your loved ones may help you gain a new and valuable perspective on what you are experiencing. Learn more about talking about your condition.