Navigating the Renal diet is no easy task for the dialysis patient. As clinicians, it is easy to provide endless amounts of handouts that show lists-on-lists of what not to eat and nutrient contents of foods to avoid. However, from the patient’s perspective, putting all of these lists into practice can be overwhelming, and the difficult task of building their own menu ideas may further deter the patient from actually following a Renal diet.
In addition to educating on the constituents of the Renal diet–low phosphorous, low potassium, low sodium, fluids, and increased protein–this handout is perfect to tie it all together to provide the Dialysis patient with real meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks too!
Meal ideas that you will find on this handout don’t simply include conventional items such as an omelette or oatmeal for breakfast, but how about a homemade sausage! For lunch ideas you’ll find soups, salads, and even quiche– and dinner foods include pizza, pasta, and tips for creating the perfect Renal friendly sheet pan meal! All ideas are delicious, nutritious, and sure to help your dialysis patient construct the right Renal appropriate meal plan!
No need to recreate the wheel Save time by downloading this handout from the Renal Education Library or by going to RD2RD.com
How much milk are we allowed each day. I like the Lactaid milk but have tried almond,soy,coconut and their not my cup of tea taste wise.. same with breads,starrches? I’m at CKD Stage 4 and my nephrologist just says keep drinking water. Has never mentioned eating any certain way. I’ve been searching by myself. I don’t have the symptoms for him to say I need dialysis but need to improve my numbers.
Hi Sharon.
Thanks for your question! We know that there is a lot of confusion around what to eat and most don’t get a lot of guidance from their Nephrologist.
Unfortunately, we can’t make any recommendations via comment because everyone has such individual needs. If you are looking for some clarity we have several great options that you can find right on the home page of the KidneyRD.com! You can download our free Mini Nutrition Guide to Preserve Kidney Function, book a nutrition strategy call for individualized help, or join our free monthly class .
My mother n law is now on dialysis and all her doctor said was watch your salt. Never said anything else. We are now on the renal diet. She is allowed 1/2 cup of milk. If you have ice cream that counts as milk. She has to be very careful of phosphates and potassium. Now she is on a fluid restriction and if you cook things with water that counts. It is a very very hard diet to follow. No salt…no tomatoes, tomatoes sauce, catchup, anything with tomatoes. No potatoes. Wish the doctor had shared a little more about what she:should have been eating.
Hi Betty,
We know that all of the diet restrictions can be quite overwhelming when starting dialysis. Each person with kidney disease is unique, and potassium and fluid needs are different for everyone. Fortunately, there is a Registered Dietitian at each dialysis facility that can help your mother-in-law (and you) understand what foods she may need to limit and how much fluid she should aim for each day. Please feel free to contact us if we can help with anything!
I am an 84 year old diabetic well controlled on 500mg metformin daily. About 5 years ago I have hand two stents implanted due to two blockages in my coronary arteries. I have had arrhythmia due to atrial fibrillation. The frequency is now less following the discovery and treatment of hypothyroidism and electrolyte imbalance – hyperkelemia with hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia and diagnosed as having Chronic Kidney Disease. The dietary restrictions have left me having to eat bland meals. I hope you can advise and help me.
Hi Kirthi,
We’d love to help! You can book a Nutrition Strategy Call to find out more about how we can help!
I was told that all beans are bad for ckd.. Also egg yolks and beans as well. I am really confused. Why then do your recipes include them.
Hi Sonia, there are differences in opinion about the use of beans for people with CKD. We love including beans because they are a great plant-based source of protein and fiber. This great article highlights why plant based phosphorus is not fully absorbed compared to phosphorus additives and animal based sources of phosphorus such as dairy and meat. If you would like further clarification on this we’d love for you to join our monthly class!