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Before dialysis is needed, there's no special "kidney diet" that will slow the disease — but eating a healthy, balanced diet can help support your overall health and energy levels.

What Does a Healthy, Balanced Diet Look Like?

Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

🍎 Eat Plenty of Fruit and Vegetables

Try to include some fresh fruit, vegetables, or salad with every meal. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

🥛 Include Dairy or Dairy Alternatives

Choose low-fat milk, yogurt, or plant-based alternatives like soya milk — they’re good sources of calcium and protein.

🍞 Choose Wholegrains When You Can

Opt for wholemeal or wholegrain bread, pasta, and rice. These provide more fibre and nutrients than white varieties.

🍗 Add Protein to Every Meal

Include a source of protein such as beans, lentils, eggs, fish, or lean meat to help maintain muscle and strength.

🧈 Use Healthy Fats in Small Amounts

Choose unsaturated fats like olive oil or vegetable-based spreads. Keep portion sizes small.

🥩 Cut Back on Red and Processed Meats

Try to limit red meat (like beef and lamb) and avoid processed meats like ham, bacon, and sausages — they’re high in salt and saturated fat.

💧 Stay Well Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise by your healthcare team.

I've started dialysis - will my diet change now?

🧂 Diet and Fluids at Advanced Kidney Disease

As kidney function declines, it's essential to be even more mindful of your diet and fluid intake. At this stage, the kidneys are less able to remove waste products and excess minerals from your body — which means substances like potassium and phosphate can build up and make you feel unwell.

⚠️ Why This Matters

When the kidneys aren't working properly, excess levels of certain nutrients can lead to:

  • Tiredness or weakness

  • Nausea or poor appetite

  • Heart rhythm problems (from high potassium)

  • Bone and joint issues (from high phosphate)

👩‍⚕️ Will I Need a Special Diet?

Not everyone with kidney disease needs a restricted diet — but if you do, your nursing team or a renal dietitian will guide you. You may be asked to follow a:

  • Low potassium diet

  • Low phosphate diet

  • Fluid restriction plan

  • Or other specific dietary adjustments

These plans are personalised to your needs — please don’t make dietary changes unless advised by your healthcare team.

📄 Helpful Diet Sheets

You can find useful dietary information and printable guidance using the links below:

Need to lose weight?

⚖️ Check Your BMI

Click the button below to use a BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator and see if you're currently in a healthy weight range.

✅ To be eligible for a kidney transplant, your BMI must be 35 or below.

Knowing your BMI can help you and your care team plan the best next steps for your treatment.

🥗 Need Support with Weight Loss?

If you're a renal patient and would like to lose weight — support is available.

Our renal dietitians are here to help. They can offer personalised advice and guidance on safe, effective weight management tailored to your kidney health.

📞 Contact details below to get in touch with a member of our team.

💻 Prefer to Start on Your Own?

There’s also a FREE 12-week NHS weight loss plan available online. It includes:

  • Meal planning

  • Easy-to-follow tips

  • Activity tracking

  • Motivational support

Kidney Care Norfolk

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