A renal dietitian offers specialist evidence-based dietary advice to patients with kidney disease, after careful consideration of the individual’s blood results, nutritional status and fluid needs.
Renal dietitians work alongside the renal team including consultants and nurses to help patients with kidney disease to protect their remaining kidney function, continue to feel well, and reduce their risk of developing other complications such as cardiovascular disease. In certain cases, patients may need to follow more specific dietary restrictions, and the dietitian will advise on how to do this safely.
The dietitian can advise on how to make changes to eat for your stage of kidney disease, it is therefore important to discuss your blood results with your team.
If you are post-transplant, the dietitian can help you adjust to any changes you need to make for the life of your transplant.
It is recommended to eat home-cooked meals and avoid processed food as much as possible. By choosing to cook fresh foods at home, you can make necessary changes based on your own needs.
Too much salt can be harmful for people with kidney disease. High intake of salt, from the diet, can cause problems with blood pressure control and fluid retention, causing kidney disease to get worse. The amount of salt found naturally in foods is enough to keep a healthy level in your body. It is advised to avoid adding any salt to meals and also to reduce the intake of very salty foods such as processed meats, bacon, sausages, soup and packet sauces. See the following video for further information https://www.irishkidneydiet.ie/salt-intake-video/
You may be advised to limit potassium levels in your overall diet. If this applies to you, discuss with the dietitian. See the following link for further information:
PDF file potassium
You may be advised to limit phosphate levels in your overall diet. If this applies to you, discuss with the dietitian. See the following video for further information https://www.irishkidneydiet.ie/phosphate-control/
Some people with kidney disease may need to limit their fluid intake. The amount of fluid you will be advised to drink depends on you kidney function and the amount of urine you produce. You will be advised on a fluid allowance that is designed for you as an individual to suit your own specific needs. You can reduce your fluid intake by using small cups/glasses, and spacing out your drinks throughout the day. You can also help prevent thirst by limiting the amount of salt and salty foods that you eat.
The Irish Kidney Diet website has further educational information and recipe ideas: https://www.irishkidneydiet.ie/
Over 100 special recipes created by Ireland’s top chefs for adults living with kidney disease: https://ika.ie/product/truly-tasty-cookbook/
The Kidney Centre have specialist renal dieticians who can advise and help you with any aspects of your diet. Please speak to your renal doctor or renal nurse for a referral.
Dietetic Office phone number: 01 809 2357
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