Living Well on Dialysis: A Cookbook for Patients and Their Families

Good nutrition is the key to good health for everyone. It is especially important for people with chronic kidney disease. Even with the help of artificial kidney treatments (dialysis), you cannot get rid of all the wastes and fluids that build up in your body from what you eat and drink.
You can work closely with your renal dietitian to decide on a meal plan that is best for you and includes some of your favorite foods. Your individual meal plan will be based on your age, your weight, foods you like, your dialysis treatments and other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. It will be tailored to your needs but may not meet the specific needs of other patients. Most people with kidney disease must modify their
intake of certain nutrients such as protein, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and fluid. Each person has different needs. Following the meal plan suggested by your renal dietitian will help you feel your best.