Kidney diseases have become very common in today’s world and dialysis is an effective treatment for malfunctioning of kidneys.  It is very essential to know what dialysis is and which foods to avoid during dialysis.

Dialysis will be done to filter your blood from wastes and toxins, excess salt, and water.

During dialysis treatment, you need to follow a specific diet and focus on certain foods.

Here are few foods to be avoided by those on dialysis.

Foods containing Proteins:  Protein foods are the main foods to avoid during dialysis.  The main function of proteins is to build and repair tissue. Foods like meat, poultry seafood, dairy products, and eggs are best sources of proteins.  Proteins produce more excess waste in the body than other sources so it is best to avoid the foods which contain proteins during dialysis.

Foods containing Potassium: Foods containing potassium are among the other important foods to be avoided by those on dialysis. Potassium regulates nerve and muscle function. Usually excess potassium in the body is removed by the kidneys. Potassium foods should be avoided by those under dialysis because during dialysis if you accumulate too much of potassium it might cause heartbeat irregularities. You should avoid foods like bananas, avocados, oranges, tomatoes, winter squash, dried fruits, milk and nuts.

Foods containing Calcium and Phosphorous:  Phosphorus foods are among the best foods to avoid during dialysis. Consuming foods with high phosphorus content can increase the content of this mineral in your blood, and dialysis cannot remove all of it. More phosphorus in your blood can absorb calcium from your bones resulting in to weakened bones that are prone to breaks and fractures.  According to The National Kidney Foundation, it is best to take phosphate binders with your meal in order to keep your phosphorus levels at a healthy level.

Foods containing Sodium:  Sodium foods are the foods to be avoided by those under dialysis treatment. Sodium helps to regulate the fluid balance in your body. High-sodium foods may disturb this balance in kidney disease. Foods which are rich in sodium are cured, processed, and smoked meats and cheeses, snack foods like potato chips, pretzels, corn chips, salted nuts and pickles. Some foods like soups, ketchup, mustard, relishes which do not taste salty have a lot of sodium. When you cook food you can control the amount of sodium used, like salt, for instance. It is also important to avoid using salt substitutes because they’re most likely to be high in potassium, and it’s more harmful to you than sodium.

So, above are few foods to avoid during dialysis, please consult your doctor before starting on any diet plan.

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