What you eat while undergoing dialysis treatment directly affects the success of the therapy and your daily quality of life. Ensuring the proper balance of carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, and fluids helps your body receive the energy it needs and supports the prevention of possible complications. During this process, following the recommendations of your doctor, nurse, or dietitian is extremely important. Some habits may need to change, and these changes are necessary for your health.

Why Do Dialysis Patients Need a Special Nutrition Plan?

When the kidneys cannot perform their functions adequately, waste products and excess fluid begin to accumulate in the body. Over time, this can lead to health problems that make daily life more difficult. A conscious nutrition plan combined with dialysis helps slow the progression of the disease and reduces potential risks. Balanced and proper nutrition supports energy needs, reduces the burden on the body, and improves overall quality of life.

How Should Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Be Fed?

The kidneys play an essential role in maintaining the balance of water, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. When this balance is disrupted, complications such as swelling, heart rhythm disorders, and other health problems may occur. Therefore, nutrition for patients with chronic kidney disease should be based on the following core principles:

• Protein intake should be controlled
• Foods high in potassium, sodium, and phosphorus should be limited
• Processed and packaged foods should be avoided
• Vegetables and grains should be selected carefully

Plant-based protein sources are generally considered more suitable, and vegetables with lower potassium content should be preferred. Packaged and processed products are not recommended due to their high salt and mineral content.

Which Fruits Should Kidney Patients Prefer?

When kidney function declines, the body has difficulty removing potassium. For this reason, fruit consumption should be approached with caution. Since most fruits and vegetables contain potassium, portion control is extremely important. Fruits with high potassium levels should be limited, and consumption should always be moderate.

Suitable Bread Choices for Kidney Patients

Whole grain and bran breads are rich in potassium and may not always be suitable for kidney patients. For this reason, white bread made from refined grains may be a more controlled option. In addition, store-bought bread may contain high amounts of salt, so if possible, homemade bread prepared without added salt should be preferred. Bread consumption should also be moderate to support weight control.

What Can Kidney Patients Eat for Breakfast?

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Although protein intake may be restricted depending on the stage of the disease, meeting the body’s protein needs remains essential. Therefore, at breakfast:

• Moderate amounts of cheese or eggs
• Salt-free or low-salt bread
• Avoidance of foods with high salt content

are important. If salty foods such as olives are consumed, portion size should be carefully monitored.

How Should Nutrition Be Managed in Kidney Failure?

The kidneys also play a role in maintaining the body’s acid–base balance. When kidney function decreases, the acid load in the body may increase. For this reason, foods with more alkaline properties are recommended. In addition:

• Protein intake should be controlled
• Daily salt intake should be reduced (generally below 6 grams)
• Foods rich in phosphorus and potassium should be avoided

Ready-made meals, processed meats, canned foods, and snack products are high in salt and should be limited. Instead of salt, meals can be flavored with herbs and natural spices.