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Why are phosphorus binders important?
Phosphorus is a mineral necessary to maintain good health; however, people with chronic kidney disease who are on dialysis are not able to eliminate excess phosphorus efficiently. High phosphorus levels can lead to heart disease, brittle bones, itchy skin and other complications so a low phosphorus diet as well as phosphorus binders are prescribed to help block […]
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The Obesity Paradox and Kidney Disease
The January 2013 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published findings from an analysis of data from 97 research studies to determine risk of death based on body mass index (BMI). Surprisingly, the results show that people who are overweight (BMI 25-<30 kg/m2) and mildly obese (Grade 1 obesity, BMI 30-<35 kg/m2) […]
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Kidney Diet Tip: Phosphate-free Kool-Aid®
I grew up before the plethora of canned and bottled beverage choices. In our household thirsty kids had 3 beverage choices: water, home brewed iced tea or Kool-Aid®. Coca cola®, aka Coke® was an occasional treat. I preferred the orange or punch-flavored Kool-Aid over water or sweet tea. Fast forward to 2013: water is enhanced […]
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Kidney Diet Tips: Our Ever-Changing Food Supply
Have you noticed the changes occurring in our foods? I am amazed every time I walk through the grocery store. A few examples are: Cool Whip® is no longer non-dairy; it now includes skim milk and light cream. Cottage cheese, half and half and milk with expiration dates 1-2 months ahead. Sugar and low calorie […]
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Preventing diabetes and kidney disease: Link to canned meat
Canned meats always show up on the list of high sodium foods. Products such as Spam®, Treat®, Vienna Sausage® and Potted Meat® are processed canned meat products represented on this list. Yet, it can be tempting to use canned meat products because they are inexpensive, convenient and a familiar dish to many kitchen tables. A […]
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How to deal with thirst when it’s hot
July and August are two of the most challenging months for people following a limited fluid allowance. When the weather heats up, you may find yourself getting thirsty. In addition, a diet high in sodium will increase thirst. Here are some suggestions for dealing with thirst while adhering to your fluid restriction on the dialysis diet. While increased […]
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Labor Day Weekend: Tips for Kidney Patients to Stay on Track
Who doesn’t look forward to a 3-day weekend? (Perhaps that’s why we officially celebrate most of our holidays on Mondays.) For some people, however, a holiday weekend can be a challenge. Following your health plan is easier when you are on the regular, weekly routine. Getting out of the usual schedule can be stressful and derail your […]
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Dietitian’s Best Kidney Diet Tips
Several weeks ago I was traveling to a meeting in North Carolina with two other DaVita dietitians. Our conversation led to discussion about what is helpful to patients following a kidney diet. Some people seem to embrace changes and incorporate the diet easier than others, and some kidney patients have long time struggles with adapting […]
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Kidney Diet Tips: What’s the Best Kind of Squash?
Food lists can make deciding what to buy for your kidney diet easier, but can also be a source or confusion. Squash is one example, since it appears on both low and high potassium food lists. Today’s post gives you some squash facts to help select the best choices for your kidney diet. Squash varieties fall […]
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CMS-Proposed Cuts to Dialysis Payment: The Impact on Nutrition Care for Dialysis Patients
If you are a renal dietitian, you have most likely heard about the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposal to cut payment for dialysis treatment by nearly 10 percent. I encourage you to join the other members of the kidney care community who are responding in protest and even outrage that such a […]