Stay Healthy on Dialysis With Chronic Kidney Disease

Your doctor might recommend taking one of these medicines, which include: 

• Bexagliflozin (Brenzavvy)
• Canagliflozin (Invokana)
• Dapaglifloxin (Farxiga)
• Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
• Ertugliflozin (Steglatro)

Eat for Healthy Kidneys

Making a few dietary changes could help your dialysis work better. Some experts recommend the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet because it helps to lower blood pressure. DASH is a generally healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. This diet is helpful for people with chronic kidney disease because it's low in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat. 

Your doctor might suggest that you eat less of nutrients like these, which can build up in your body when your kidneys aren't working very well:

• Phosphorus, found in milk and other dairy products, bread, processed meats like hot dogs and bacon, chocolate, and cola. Too much phosphorus can weaken your bones.
• Potassium, found in bananas, Swiss chard, spinach, squash, and sweet potato. Too much potassium in your body can be harmful to your muscles and heart.
• Calcium from dairy foods, collard greens, salmon, and fortified cereal and orange juice. Too much calcium in the blood can weaken bones and cause kidney stones.
• Sodium, found in processed foods like snack chips and fast food. Extra salt makes your body hold onto more fluid, which forces your heart and kidneys to work harder.

When you're on dialysis, limit how much you drink because you don't pee as much as usual. If you drink too much, the excess fluid will build up in your body and cause problems like swelling and high blood pressure. 

Your doctor might have recommended that you cut back on protein because damaged kidneys are less efficient at removing protein waste products. As a result, excess protein waste products can build up in the blood. Also, too much protein in the diet may also make your kidneys work harder and cause worsening of kidney function in the long term. But while you're on dialysis you actually need more protein because the machine removes protein from your blood. 

Protein is important to help your body heal and keep your muscles strong. Skinless chicken breast, eggs, fish, beans, and tofu are good sources. Ask your doctor how much protein you should eat each day.

Other nutrients you need more of while on dialysis are:

Omega-3 fatty acids. You'll find these healthy fats in foods like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Research finds they help protect the heart in people who are on dialysis.

Fiber. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are good sources of fiber, which may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Stay Active

Regular exercise could help slow the progression of kidney damage and improve your quality of life while you're on dialysis. Being active also: 

• Gives you more energy
• Improves blood pressure and blood sugar control
• Promotes weight loss
• Helps you sleep better
• Relieves stress, anxiety, and depression
• Reduces the risk for heart disease

Although experts don't know exactly how much exercise you need to help your kidneys, the government's Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is a good guide. It recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. You can break that up into 30-minute sessions or 10-minute sessions if it's easier for you. 

Walking, swimming, or cycling are all good ways to reach your fitness goals. Do strength training with weights, resistance bands, or your body weight twice a week to keep your muscles strong. 

Check with your doctor before you begin any new fitness program and start slowly to avoid injury. Ask how much fluid you should drink when working out to stay hydrated without overloading your kidneys. You may need to avoid very strenuous exercise, especially in hot weather, because it can damage the kidneys even more. 

Stick to a Healthy Weight

Having obesity or being overweight increases the risk for end-stage kidney disease. Getting to a healthy weight with your doctor's help might improve your kidney function. Be careful not to cut back too much, though. You need a balanced diet with enough nutrients to keep your body strong and healthy during dialysis treatment.

Care for Your Mental Health

Living with a chronic condition can be hard on your emotional health. Up to 40% of people with chronic kidney disease also have depression. Seek help if you need it.

Ask your doctor to recommend a support group or other mental health resources in your area. The National Kidney Foundation offers online support communities. The organization also has a peer mentoring program that connects you with someone who has used dialysis and can offer advice.