Dialysis Dietary Tips

Nephrology

Reasons to Avoid Starfruit

tarfruit contains two natural toxins that significantly affect patients with kidney disease, particularly neurotoxins. Even consuming one starfruit can lead to poisoning, which may result in coma, muscle weakness, or even death. Symptoms typically appear within 8 hours, and affected individuals may require dialysis to remove the toxins. Another toxin found in starfruit is oxalate, which poses risks to those with impaired kidney function.

Reducing Phosphorus Absorption

Limit intake of high-phosphorus foods (refer to chart).
Avoid processed foods, as they often contain phosphate additives.
Consume only appropriate amounts of meat daily, as it is high in phosphorus.
Avoid dark beverages such as coffee, milk tea, and cola; opt for coffee creamer instead of dairy.
Take phosphate binders before meals to prevent intestinal absorption of phosphorus.

Reducing Potassium Absorption

Limit intake of high-potassium foods (refer to chart).
Since potassium is water-soluble, cut high-potassium vegetables, boil them in plenty of water for 10-20 minutes, and discard the water before consuming.
Do not use microwaves or steam cooking methods for vegetables.
Canned fruits are an option, but drain the syrup first; diabetics should avoid them.
Avoid fruit and vegetable juices.
Do not use low-sodium seasoning products, as they may contain potassium instead of sodium.
Patients on peritoneal dialysis should note that some potassium is lost during dialysis, allowing them to eat high-potassium foods without restriction.

Reducing Sodium Absorption

Limit intake of high-sodium foods (refer to chart).
Use alternative spices like lemon, pepper, and garlic instead of salt.
When dining out, be aware of your dietary restrictions to choose suitable foods.
Avoid dishes with strong flavors.
Inform family and friends about your dietary limitations.
Avoid consuming large amounts of food at once; if necessary, take leftovers home for later consumption.

Main Categories of High Phosphorus, High Sodium, and High Potassium Foods:

Food Category	High Phosphorus Foods	High Sodium Foods	High Potassium Foods
Fruits and Nuts	Dried fruits: prunes, apricots, raisins, figs, dates. Nuts: peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts.	Preserved fruits: preserved plums, dried longan, salted ginger, salted nuts.	Bananas, coconuts, durians, jackfruit, mangoes, prunes, guavas, melons, papayas, longans, all nuts and dried fruits.
Vegetables and Legumes	Vegetables: corn, potato chips, fries, spinach. Dried beans: soybeans, red beans, black-eyed pea, black beans, fava beans, adzuki beans, mung beans。 Mushrooms	Pickled vegetables: preserved mustard greens, pickled vegetables, pickled cabbage, canned vegetables.	Vegetables: spinach, watercress, water spinach, seaweed, broccoli, garlic, zucchini, goji berries, mustard greens, turnips, tomatoes, vegetable soup. Root vegetables: sweet potatoes, potatoes, taro, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots. Dried beans: soybeans, red beans, black beans, lotus seeds. Mushrooms: dried mushrooms, lily flowers, wood ear mushrooms, snow fungus, white mushrooms, straw mushrooms, button mushrooms.
Meat and Fish	Organ meats and fatty fish: sardines, fish roe, fish that can be eaten with bones, dried shrimp, and scallops.	Processed and cured meats: cured duck, cured meat, salt-baked chicken, soy sauce chicken, barbecued meats, ham, sausages, bacon, salted fish Canned foods: meat sauces, meats, poultry, sardines, fermented black bean fish. Eggs: salted eggs, century eggs.
Grains and Snacks	Whole grain products: bread, oat flakes, digestive wheat biscuits.	Salted crackers.
Dairy Products	All dairy: Whole milk, skim milk, semi-skimmed milk, plant-based fats, and refined options like sweetened condensed milk. (Please follow the nutritionist's instructions) Dairy products: yogurt, cheese (follow dietitian's instructions for portion).
Sugars	Chocolate		Gummy sweet, syrup, brown sugar, maltose.
Beverages	Nutritional drinks, Horlicks, Ovaltine, chocolate drinks (e.g., Ovaltine).	Nutritional drinks, canned beverages, chocolate, Ovaltine, Horlicks, canned soup, paper-packaged soup.	All fresh fruit juices, instant coffee, strong tea, nutritional drinks.
其他	Stews, slow-cooked soups, meat broths.	Dim sum: shrimp dumplings, siu mai, baked buns, turnip cake, prawn rolls, cheese balls Condiments: salt, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, Worcester sauce, barbecue sauce, foreign sauces, fermented bean curd, meat tenderizers, monosodium glutamate, baking soda. Salt-preserved soy products: fermented tofu, miso, black bean paste.	Salt substitutes, curry powder, ketchup, tomato paste, salt-free soy sauce, Chinese medicinal herbs.

Common Complications

High Phosphorus: Bone pain, itchy skin, increased risk of fractures, reduced blood circulation, calcification of body organs.
High Sodium: Swelling in ankles and face, high blood pressure, cramps or painful spasms during dialysis, heart disease/discomfort.
High Potassium: Irregular heartbeat, risk of cardiac arrest.

The content of this article is for reference only and does not constitute final diagnostic or treatment advice.

Kidney

Kidney Disease