Kidney-Friendly Diet Guide for Dialysis Patients

Why Diet Matters on Dialysis

Your diet is one of the most important factors in how well you feel on dialysis. The right foods help your treatment work better, keep your labs in range, and give you more energy. The wrong foods can cause uncomfortable symptoms between sessions and even dangerous complications.

Key Nutrients to Monitor

Sodium (Salt)

Limit sodium to 2,000 mg or less per day. High sodium causes thirst (making it harder to limit fluids), raises blood pressure, and leads to fluid retention between sessions. Avoid processed foods, instant noodles, canned goods, and soy sauce. Use herbs, garlic, and calamansi for flavor instead.

Potassium

Potassium is found in many fruits and vegetables. While essential for your heart, too much potassium between dialysis sessions can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems. Limit high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and coconut water. Choose lower-potassium options like apples, grapes, cabbage, and green beans.

Phosphorus

Dialysis cannot fully remove phosphorus. Excess phosphorus pulls calcium from your bones, causing them to weaken. Avoid dairy in large amounts, processed meats, dark sodas, and foods with phosphate additives. Always take your phosphate binders with meals.

Protein

Dialysis patients actually need more protein than most people because the treatment removes some protein from your blood. Good sources include chicken, fish, eggs, and pork. Aim for 8-10 ounces of high-quality protein daily, or as recommended by your dietitian.

Kidney-Friendly Filipino Food Tips

• Use fresh garlic, onion, and ginger instead of salt and MSG for flavor
• Choose sinigang with kangkong and string beans (lower potassium) over spinach and kamote
• Opt for plain rice over garlic rice (less sodium)
• Grill, steam, or boil instead of frying
• Limit bagoong, patis, and toyo — use calamansi and vinegar-based dips instead
• Ask your dietitian about kidney-friendly versions of your favorite dishes