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If your kidneys are not working properly, you must undergo dialysis. Check out these tips for people undergoing dialysis, as it can be a long-term treatment.
Our kidneys have the important job of removing waste products and excess water from our bodies. When the kidneys stop working properly, toxins and waste products can build up in the body. In that case, dialysis will be required. It is not a one-time treatment as you will need to visit the hospital several times a week. People undergoing dialysis must also follow a specific diet and limit their fluid intake. There will be quite a few changes in your lifestyle, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips for those undergoing dialysis.
What is dialysis?
The kidneys are the main excretory organs of our body, and all substances that need to be removed are excreted in the urine after filtering the blood in the kidneys.Dialysis is a process in which the work of the kidneys is replaced by a machine in cases of kidney or kidney failure, explains nephrologists Dr. Mohit Khirbat.
All by-products of metabolism and waste products such as urea creatinine It is removed from the body through dialysis. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. People who develop kidney failure due to acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 receive intermittent dialysis until kidney function recovers. Patients with stage 5 CKD whose kidney function is irreversible will undergo lifelong hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, especially if they are unable to receive a kidney transplant.
According to a 2020 study published in kidney 360 According to the journal, the number of people undergoing chronic dialysis in India is around 175,000.
What are your top tips for people undergoing dialysis?
Experts say people on dialysis can live relatively normal lives, but there are some adjustments and considerations to make.
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1. Follow the treatment plan
Adhering to your dialysis treatment schedule is critical to effectively managing your symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to complications and worsen your health condition.
2. Monitor your water intake
Dialysis patients often need to limit their fluid intake to avoid fluid accumulation between treatments. Monitoring your fluid intake, including drinks such as water, juice, and coffee, can help prevent complications such as swelling and high blood pressure.
3. Eat a kidney-friendly diet
Working with a nutritionist to create a kidney-friendly eating plan can help you manage your condition and improve your overall health. This often includes limiting intake of sodium, phosphorus, and potassium while ensuring adequate protein and calorie consumption, Dr. Kirbat says.
4. Take prescribed medicines
It is important to take prescribed medicines exactly as directed by your doctor. These medications may include medications to manage blood pressure, control phosphate levels, and treat other health conditions.
5. Stay active
Do regular physical activity as recommended by your doctor. It helps improve your overall health and well-being. It can also help manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are common in people with kidney disease.
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6. Monitor your blood pressure
High blood pressure is a complication of kidney disease and can lead to further kidney damage. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly and taking steps to keep it within a healthy range will help protect your kidneys and overall health.
7. Manage stress
Living with a chronic disease such as: kidney disease Having regular dialysis treatments can be stressful. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, hobbies, or talking to a counselor, can improve your quality of life.
8. Stay up to date
Learning about your condition and treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your health. Ask questions, stay informed about advances in kidney care, and be an active participant in your treatment plan.
9. Thorough hygiene management
Maintaining good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands frequently and properly caring for catheters and access sites, can help prevent dialysis-related infections.
10. Stay connected
As you navigate life on dialysis, it’s important to build a strong support network of family, friends, and doctors who can provide emotional support and practical help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and stay connected to others who understand what you’re going through.
Foods to eat and avoid during dialysis
If you are undergoing dialysis, it is important to follow a kidney-friendly diet to manage your condition and prevent complications. Here are some general guidelines about foods to eat and foods to avoid:
something to eat
- High quality protein sources: Incorporate plant-based protein sources such as lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu and legumes into your diet. They provide essential amino acids without contributing to excess waste accumulation in the body.
- Low potassium fruits and vegetables: Choose fruits and vegetables low in potassium, such as apples, cauliflower, cabbage, and green beans. Watch portion sizes and consider cooking methods like boiling or soaking to further reduce potassium content, experts say.
- Low phosphorus foods: Choose foods low in phosphorus to prevent complications such as bone disease. Examples include white bread, rice, pasta, green beans, peppers, and carrots. Limit your intake of foods high in phosphorus, such as dairy products, nuts, seeds, and processed foods.
- Limited sodium: Reduce your sodium intake to manage blood pressure and fluid retention. Choose fresh or minimally processed foods and avoid adding extra salt to your diet.
- Healthy fats: Include healthy fat sources in your diet, such as olive oil. These provide essential nutrients and help maintain overall health.
- Controlled fluid intake: Carefully monitor your fluid intake and adhere to prescribed limits to avoid overhydration and bloating. Limiting water-rich foods such as soups, ice cream, and juicy fruits can help you manage your fluid intake.
foods to avoid
- High potassium foods: Avoid or limit your intake of foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, and avocados. These can contribute to elevated potassium levels in the blood, which can be dangerous for people undergoing dialysis, experts say.
- High phosphorus foods: Limit your intake of foods high in phosphorus, such as dairy products, processed meats, nuts, seeds, and carbonated drinks. These can contribute to increased phosphorus levels in the blood, which can lead to complications such as bone disease and cardiovascular disease.
- Foods high in sodium: Avoid processed and packaged foods, canned soups, sauces, and salty snacks, which are often high in sodium. Consuming too much sodium can cause high blood pressure as well as fluid retention.
- Excess liquid: Limit your fluid intake, including water, juice, soda, and other beverages, to the prescribed amount to prevent overhydration and bloating.
- Phosphorus additive: Check food labels for phosphorus additives such as phosphoric acid and sodium phosphate, which are often found in processed foods. These additives can contribute to increased blood phosphorus levels.
Follow these tips for a healthy adaptation to dialysis life.
