Can You Eat Dairy Products When You Are on Dialysis

Dialysis is needed after a patient goes into Kidney Failure. In the case, doctor will remind all patients that they should have a balanced eating plan so as to protect residual renal function and strengthen immune system. Well then, can you eat dairy products when you are on dialysis?

What are dairy products?

A dairy product is food produced from the milk of mammals. Dairy products are usually high energy-yielding food products. Additionally dairy products including cheese, ice cream, milk, butter, and yogurt, that can contribute significant amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat to diet.

Can dialysis patients eat dairy products?

Actually, dialysis patients have to limit dairy products in their kidney diet because there are too much phosphorus and potassium in these food. For renal failure patients with dialysis, high potassium levels can cause muscle cramps and heart problems; high phosphorus levels can lead to weak bones. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain high levels of both minerals, and patients should limit or completely avoid these foods while on dialysis. Besides, dairy foods high in fat can increase the risk of heart disease and can cause other serious health problems. There is a daily intake’s reference value: dialysis patients should limit their dairy intake to 1/2 cup of milk, or 1/2 cup of yogurt or 1 ounce of cheese per day.

Through the above analysis, we can see that dialysis patients should be careful when they choose dairy products.

Other foods that need to be avoided by dialysis patients.

Foods that are rich in whole grain like whole wheat bread, bran cereal or brown rice.

Foods that high in sodium level such as canned food, pickles, bacon, etc.

Nuts and Seeds

Fruits that high in potassium level such as banana, oranges and dried fruits.

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