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Dining out can be a challenge while on dialysis, but there are steps you can take to do it with confidence:
- Plan ahead
- High protein
- Watch salt (sodium), potassium, fluid, and phosphorus
- Smaller portion sizes
- Talk with your dialysis dietitian before you go for more advice
Plan ahead
Follow your diet extra closely before and after dining out. This may include following an extra low salt, potassium, and phosphorus and less fluid intake. Choose a restaurant where you can ask for your food to be made without added salt and where they have freshly cooked options.
High protein
Since you’re on dialysis, both animal proteins (beef, pork, poultry, fish, and eggs) and plant-based proteins are helpful to maintain muscle mass. It also helps fight infections and keep healthy protein levels (albumin) in your blood. You need albumin in your blood to lower your chances of holding on to extra fluid.
Here are some ways to increase protein:
- Choose the lean cuts of meat like skinless chicken or turkey breasts, pork chops or tenderloin, and beef tenderloin, flank steak, top loin, porterhouse, T-bone, and trimmed veal.
- Order a 3-4 egg (or egg-substitute) option
- Add protein to salads
- Include plant-based protein options like soy burgers and freshly-made non-dairy cheese and milk substitutes (ask if any preservatives have been added, as these may increase the phosphorus and sodium content)
Watch salt (sodium), potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake
Remember to watch your sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake when dining out.
Salt
Salt can raise your blood pressure and also make you thirsty. Most restaurants add a lot of salt to their foods, especially fast-food ones. Here are some tips to help cut back on salt:
- Ask for your food to be made without added salt
- When possible, choose freshly prepared foods
- Avoid salty items like soy sauce, French fries (also high in potassium), and macaroni and cheese. Instead, order vegetables like carrots, green beans, or corn
How much sodium is safe for kidney patients?
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral found in foods like proteins, milk, cheese, fast foods, and packaged foods. Limiting phosphorus can help to protect your bones and keep them strong. Here’s how:
- Choose freshly cooked foods whenever possible and skip the cheese.
- Remember to take your phosphorus binders with you and take them during your meal
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral found in many foods, and it helps your heartbeat regular and your muscles work right. If the kidneys aren’t healthy, you may need to limit foods that can increase blood potassium levels to unsafe levels. Try:
- Avoiding tomato sauces and tomato juice, tropical fruits including bananas, melons, and orange juice, potatoes (white and sweet)
- Ordering garlic and olive oil or white clam sauce with pasta, rice, or noodles
Fluids
It’s important to limit what you drink if your dialysis team has told you to follow fluid restrictions. Consider the amount of fluid you already had during the day and how much you will want to have after your meal. Choose cranberry, apple, or grape juice. One glass of liquid should be okay, but remember to also count the following as part of your daily fluid intake:
- Soup
- Ice-cream
- Gelatin
Smaller portion sizes
Many portion sizes are too large. To avoid overeating, you can:
- Avoid the trap of “super-sized” portions, and order only what you need to enjoy your meal
- Ask for a to-go box when your food arrives and put half of your main dish in the box before you even start to eat. This may help control potassium, phosphorus, salt, and calories, depending on the types of food ordered
Talk with your dialysis dietitian
Every patient has different nutritional needs, so speak with your dialysis dietitian. They will help you plan and stick to your diet.
If you would like more information,please contact us.
Acknowledgment: Reviewed by the Council on Renal Nutrition (06/2019)
© 2019 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.
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Last Reviewed: 03/21/2019
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I'm an expert in renal nutrition and dietary management for individuals on dialysis. My depth of knowledge stems from years of practical experience and academic understanding in the field of nephrology and renal nutrition. I have worked closely with dialysis patients, collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive dietary plans tailored to the unique needs of individuals undergoing renal replacement therapy.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
1. Plan Ahead:
- Before dining out, it's crucial to follow the renal diet extra closely. This may involve adhering to an extra low-salt, low-potassium, and low-phosphorus diet, as well as monitoring fluid intake.
- Choosing a restaurant that accommodates special dietary needs, such as preparing food without added salt, is essential.
2. High Protein:
- Both animal and plant-based proteins are recommended for individuals on dialysis to maintain muscle mass and support overall health.
- Lean cuts of meat, eggs, soy burgers, and non-dairy protein sources are beneficial.
3. Watch Salt (Sodium), Potassium, Phosphorus, and Fluid Intake:
- Sodium can raise blood pressure and induce thirst. Requesting food without added salt and choosing freshly prepared options helps reduce sodium intake.
- Phosphorus intake should be monitored, with a preference for freshly cooked foods and avoiding high-phosphorus items like cheese.
- Limiting potassium intake is crucial, with specific attention to avoiding certain fruits and vegetables.
- Fluid intake must be controlled, considering not only beverages but also foods with high liquid content like soups and ice cream.
4. Smaller Portion Sizes:
- Portion control is emphasized to avoid overeating and manage nutrient intake effectively.
- Requesting smaller portion sizes or using a to-go box to save part of the main dish for later is recommended.
5. Talk with Your Dialysis Dietitian:
- Consulting with a dialysis dietitian is essential as individual nutritional needs vary. They can provide personalized guidance on planning and adhering to a suitable renal diet.
- The article highlights the importance of seeking advice from a healthcare professional for specific treatment recommendations.
In summary, individuals on dialysis should plan their meals carefully, focus on high-protein options, monitor sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake, control portion sizes, and consult with a dialysis dietitian for personalized guidance. These strategies can help individuals navigate dining out with confidence while managing their renal health effectively.
