Why do dialysis patients need more protein

It is also important to take your phosphate binders when eating high protein foods. Talking with your healthcare team will give you the information you need to make the best eating choices when trying to increase protein in your diet.

Skip to main content. Getting More Protein While on Dialysis. What is protein? Protein is an important nutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and fight infection.

Why do I need dietary protein? Why might I need more protein if I am on dialysis? This can cause: Fatigue extreme tiredness and lack of energy Higher chance of infections Weight loss or muscle wasting How do I know if my protein level is too low?

How do I increase protein in my diet? Are there different types of dietary protein? Since too little protein can lead to malnutrition at any stage of kidney disease, ask your healthcare professional about meeting with a kidney dietitian to find out the amount and type of protein that is right for you, even in the earliest stages of kidney disease.

Your healthcare professional will watch your kidney function for any necessary diet or medicine changes. Skip to main content. CKD Diet: How much protein is the right amount? CKD Without Dialysis: Limit Protein The more protein waste that needs to be removed, the harder the kidneys need to work to get rid of it. On Dialysis: Increase Protein On the other hand, once a person has started dialysis , a higher amount of protein in the diet is necessary to help maintain blood protein levels and improve health.

Know the Right Amount of Protein for You The exact amount of protein you need depends on your body size, your nutritional status and your kidney problem. COVID patients can become kidney patients. You may need to take a phosphate binder such as sevelamer Renvela , calcium acetate PhosLo , lanthanum carbonate Fosrenol , or calcium carbonate to control the phosphorus in your blood between hemodialysis sessions. These medicines act like plastic bags with zip tops. Limiting phosphorus and getting enough protein can be difficult.

Renal dietitians encourage most people on hemodialysis to eat high-quality protein because it produces less waste for removal during dialysis.

High-quality protein comes from meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and canned chili, which have high amounts of sodium and phosphorus. A regular serving size is 3 ounces, about the size of the palm of your hand or a deck of cards. Try to choose lean, or low-fat, meats that are low in phosphorus, such as chicken, fish, or roast beef. If you are a vegetarian, ask about other ways to get protein.

Low-fat milk is a good source of protein. However, milk is high in phosphorus and potassium. Milk also adds to your liquid intake. Talk with your renal dietitian to see if milk fits into your food plan. Sodium is a part of salt. Sodium is found in many canned, packaged, frozen, and fast foods. Sodium is also found in many condiments, seasonings, and meats. Too much sodium makes you thirsty, which makes you drink more liquid.

Try to eat fresh, naturally low-sodium foods. Do not use salt substitutes because they contain potassium. Talk with your renal dietitian about spices you can use to flavor your food. Your renal dietitian can help you find spice blends without sodium or potassium.

Your renal dietitian can help you find spices and low-sodium foods you might like. List them here:. All foods contain calories, and you need calories for energy. Many people on hemodialysis do not have a good appetite and do not get enough calories. If you find you do not feel like eating, talk with your renal dietitian to find healthy ways to add calories to your diet. Vegetable oils—such as olive oil, canola oil, and safflower oil—are good sources of calories and are the healthiest way to add fat to your diet if you need to gain weight.

Use them generously on breads, rice, and noodles only if your renal dietitian tells you to add calories to your diet. Butter and margarines are rich in calories; however, they are mainly saturated fat. Saturated fats and trans fats can clog your arteries. Use them less often. Soft margarine that comes in a tub is better than stick margarine.

Choose a soft margarine with less saturated and trans fats. Talk with your renal dietitian about the types and amounts of fat you need in your diet. Everyone will have different needs that a renal dietitian can help address.

Hard candy, sugar, honey, jam, and jelly provide calories and energy without fat or adding other things that your body does not need. Mix hardboiled eggs, tuna, salmon, shrimp or chicken into a pasta salad. Spread a spoonful of peanut butter on toast. Eat protein bars or add protein powders to food. Ask your dietitian which ones may be best for you. Touch base with them regularly to see what needs to be adjusted.