It is challenging for the body to go through the dialysis treatment if not properly nourished, urologic specialists believe, eating right is imperative in managing one’s health better. Persons with renal problem who are under dialysis may be able to improve their health through the aid of a good meal plan prepared by a renal dietician, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Loss of kidney function may only worsen when the patient does not eat correctly. Too much fluid intake in-between these dialysis sessions will increase the risk of having heart problems, hence, it is imperative to regulate fluid intake.
Three of the minerals found in food that needs to be regulated are potassium, phosphorus and sodium. Too much of these three may result to severe health complications but a healthy kidney is often able to manage decreasing excess amounts of these minerals. Too much sodium may make the person thirsty and lead to more water intake, too much potassium may lead to heart problems and too much phosphorus may cause bone and skin problems. Men and women who are under treatment need to monitor their sodium, potassium and phosphorus intake.
Those who are undergoing this procedure are also advised to increase protein intake as there are small amounts of protein loss after the treatment. There is also a change in the body’s metabolism that allows protein breakdown even before the body has any need for it. Still, it is important to monitor the waste products of protein breakdown by only eating protein with high biological value (HBV) to prevent its build-up before the next treatment session. Urea is the by-product of protein breakdown and it may increase in large amount in the blood if not regulated properly. Eggs, poultry, meat and fish contain protein with HBV but patients are advised to choose lean meat because it has less fat and phosphorus.
The daily calorie consumption varies depending on the needs of the patient. Others may need to reduce their intake while some are advised to gain more weight. Vegetable oil is often recommended as it helps in increasing the weight without increasing the risk for health problems. There are some who may need to cut down on their daily caloric intake and a renal dietician may be able to help in making appropriate meal plans. Dialysis treatment is an option for those with advanced kidney problems but there are also some complications linked to this procedure.
URL References:
kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/eatright/#affect
nephron.org/nephsites/adp/protein.htm
kidney.org/atoz/content/dietary_hemodialysis.cfm
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