nutrition

In the early days of dialysis, the thought was that the person would not be living a very interesting or fun life – that they would only face clinic visits, doctors and nothing more. This is not true any longer, especially in those patients who are otherwise healthy and active. There is an estimated 217,000 Americans who are going through dialysis on an ongoing basis, with a cost of just over 11 billion dollars (Source: Williams, Web MD)

The first stages of kidney disease usually bring a restriction on the amount of protein you are allowed to have. This will change a great deal as the disease progresses. You will always have to be careful about which nutrients you get and in what amounts when living with kidney disease. The amount of fluids you can have also must be considered, and you will probably have to increase your intake of protein. Your nutritionist will know the exact details you need to keep you as healthy as possible. It is vital to follow your nutritionist’s advice very carefully once dialysis becomes necessary.

Kidneys are a very important part of the human body. Sometimes, however, they don’t quite work for whatever reason. There are a number of serious conditions linked to the kidneys, many of them potentially fatal. A good way to help stave off kidney disease or help to treat some existing conditions is with a balanced diet, healthy and protein-rich.

A diagnosis of kidney disease means more doctor visits, various lab tests, changes in diet, and the likelihood of dialysis or even a kidney transplant in the future, should the disease progress far enough.

There are five stages of kidney disease, and the dietary needs of patients vary from stage to stage. For example, during the earlier stages, patients actually need less protein than the average person. But, in the end stage of renal failure, it is important that patients receive quite a bit more protein. It is essential that patients in renal failure heed the dietary advice of their physicians, dietitians and nutritionists in order to maintain a healthy diet that caters to their nutritional needs. No two patients are the same, so it only stands to reason that no two diet plans for patients are the same either.