By Marisol Avila, DaVita Nutritionist, RD, CDE
Nutrition is a vital part of treatment for those on hemodialysis. For people diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) but not yet on dialysis, a specific renal diet is recommended to help protect kidney function. If you have CKD, what you eat is not only the fuel that keeps your body running, it is also part of the formula for staying as healthy as possible.
People on hemodialysis work with a nutritionist who specializes in kidney disease, who assesses their clinical condition, develops meal plans, and provides all the information they need to make informed choices. This support is highly personalized and tailored to the needs of each patient and their formal or informal caregivers.
Below are some tips for shopping at the supermarket when you have chronic kidney disease and undergo hemodialysis:
Before going shopping
- Prepare in advance and it will make your trip to the supermarket much easier.
- Review your meal plan and stick to it. Talk to your nutritionist whenever you have questions.
- Make a list of all the foods/food products you will need. Check that you have the ingredients, including herbs and spices, to prepare your recipes. Stick to this list at the supermarket. Just because a food is on sale or looks appetizing doesn't mean it's a good choice.
- Eat before you go to the supermarket. Studies show that when people are hungry, they are more likely to buy less healthy foods. Eat beforehand and it will be easier to avoid these “impulse purchases.”
At the supermarket
When shopping, keep the following tips in mind to get the most out of your experience:
- Walk around the perimeter of the store. Most fresh foods are located in the outer areas. The center aisles are filled with packaged and processed foods. As you may know, packaged or convenience foods typically have more sodium, more food additives, and fewer vitamins/minerals. Foods high in sodium can raise your blood pressure and cause you to drink more fluids, which in turn affects your heart and kidneys.
- Read the labels. Your meal plan may involve reducing certain nutrients, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and calcium. Sodium is easier to find in the ingredient list or the “Nutrition Facts” table. Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium may only appear as a percentage of the “Recommended Daily Intake” or as “added vitamins and minerals.” Your nutritionist can help you identify foods that are high in phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and calcium.
- Avoid processed foods. This will help reduce your sodium and phosphorus intake. Phosphorus is widely used in processed meats, leavening agents, or as anti-caking agents in some powdered drink mixes. Phosphates and polyphosphates are also used as emulsifiers in some frozen fish and chicken products.
