On Dialysis? This is Why You Need Protein in Your Diet

When you’re on dialysis, it’s easy to feel like there’s a lot of restrictions.
You need to avoid or limit phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. Drinking water is limited. Dialysis can even limit you from certain activities.

It’s important to avoid these things to protect your health. But there’s something you need to make sure you get enough of in your diet….protein.

Why? Dialysis filters your blood, removing toxins, waste, and excess fluid. But it also removes protein in the process. And that’s a problem:

• Your body needs adequate protein to support your bones and muscles.
• You need protein for healthy skin and hair.
• Protein helps keep your immune system healthy.
• Your body uses protein to give you energy and carry oxygen in your blood
• And it has many other functions.

If you’re on dialysis, you need to replace protein lost in the process by eating protein-rich foods.

These foods are high in protein:

Poultry, including chicken and turkey. Try:

• Roast Turkey Pizzaiola & Rice Pilaf
• Roast Turkey with Gravy & Mashed Potatoes with Peas
• Turkey Chili with Brown Rice - Individual Meal
• Chicken Paprika with Brown Rice & Green Beans
• Chicken Parmigiana, Rice & Carrots
• Breaded Chicken Patty, Spring Vegetables & Corn

Lean beef. Try:

• Beef Lasagna with Peas & Carrots

Seafood, including fish and crab. Try:

• Crab Cake, Brown Rice & Mixed Vegetables
• Salmon & Vegetable Linguini
• Baked Tilapia, Brown Rice & Minted Carrots

Eggs, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try:

• Fried Egg Patties, Sweet Potatoes & Asparagus

Hungry for more Dialysis-Friendly foods? Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your diet, medication, and ask for help.

You can also find more Dialysis-Friendly meals here, all made from fresh ingredients, and ready to eat in minutes with no mess and easy clean up.