Balancing Taste and Health

Dietary management is crucial for hemodialysis patients. A proper diet not only provides adequate nutrition but also alleviates the burden of dialysis and improves quality of life.

1. High-Quality Protein Intake

After dialysis, patients can moderately increase their protein intake to compensate for the nutrients lost during the process. High-quality protein sources include lean meat, milk, eggs, etc. Patients should note that while protein intake increases, the total amount still needs to be controlled to avoid excessive intake that could burden the kidneys.

2. Controlling Salt and Fluid Intake

Hemodialysis patients need to strictly control their salt intake, with a recommended daily intake of less than 3 grams. Avoid consuming preserved and processed foods such as cured meats and dried fruits. Additionally, fluid intake should be adjusted based on the amount of fluid removed during dialysis, bowel movements, and sweating. Avoid excessive drinking to prevent worsening edema and heart strain.

3. Potassium, Phosphorus, and Other Mineral Intake

Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, but hemodialysis patients need to control their intake of potassium, phosphorus, and other minerals. High-potassium foods such as bananas, grapes, and potatoes, and high-phosphorus foods such as egg yolks, organ meats, and seafood should be consumed in small amounts or avoided.

4. Cooking Methods

Patients can adopt low-salt, low-sugar, and low-fat cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, and stewing, which preserve the natural flavors of the food while meeting health requirements. Additionally, patients can try preparing some delicious and healthy recipes, such as vegetable salads and lean meat porridge, to make their diet more varied and enjoyable.