Protein and Your Peritoneal Dialysis Diet

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis from a physician.

As a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient, your diet is different than other dialysis diets. One of the ways your diet differs from hemodialysis diets is that you may require more protein. Learn why you may require more protein, the best kind of protein to eat, how to ensure you are getting enough protein and how to manage your phosphorus intake.

How much high-quality protein should I eat?

Your dietitian will be able to help you decide how much high-quality protein you should eat during the day. Generally, you may want to eat high-quality protein at every meal. You can also add protein into your diet throughout the day by choosing snack foods that are rich in high quality protein.

In order to keep up with how much protein you are eating, you can use a scale to weigh your food or you can estimate the amount of high-quality protein present in common serving sizes. This table can help you estimate:

Protein supplements and powders are also a good way to add protein to your diet. They can be added to various foods in order to increase the amount of protein in your meals without increasing the amount of food you eat.

Why do I have to eat so much protein just because I am on peritoneal dialysis?

Since you are on peritoneal dialysis, you need to consume more protein than the average hemodialysis patient because you lose small amounts of protein every time you drain the dialysate from your abdomen.

Protein is important because it builds your body tissues, heals wounds, fights infections and prevents swelling by helping fluids to stay inside your blood vessels. To keep your body from breaking down its own tissues to get protein, you have to make sure to include plenty of high-protein foods in your daily diet.

What kinds of foods have the best protein in them?

It's important that most of the protein you eat is high-quality protein, a form of protein that is easy for your body to utilize. High-quality protein can be found in some nutritional supplements and in foods that come from animals, such as:

• Beef, pork, veal, lamb
• Poultry
• Fish, shellfish
• Eggs, egg substitutes

It's important to note that while you want to make sure you are getting enough protein, it should be the right kind of protein. Foods such as soy beans, nuts, peanut butter, dried beans and dried peas offer you a lower quality of protein. These kinds of foods are also high in phosphorus, a mineral that you may be advised to limit in your diet.

What can I do to manage my phosphorus intake?

Phosphorus, a mineral found in the food you eat, is present in high quantities in dairy products, whole grain breads, processed foods, cola beverages and chocolate. Too much phosphorus in your diet can lead to bone and heart problems, bone pain, itching, and low blood calcium, among other things.

Here are some ways to manage your phosphorus intake:

• Get all of the dialysis you are prescribed

Shortening or skipping dialysis treatments results in a buildup of phosphorus in your blood. So be sure to get the full amount of dialysis your doctor has prescribed for you.

• Take your phosphate-binding medication with every meal and with snacks if prescribed

Phosphate binders such as PhosLo®, Renvela®, Fosrenol® or TUMS® may be prescribed by your doctor and should be taken in the correct dose every time you eat. These medications bind to the phosphorus in your food to keep it from entering your bloodstream.

• Control the amount of high-phosphorus foods you eat

High-phosphorus foods that you need to limit or avoid include cheese, dried beans, dried peas, liver, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter and cola beverages. In addition, you may need to limit your intake of dairy products and whole grain products.

Summary

The peritoneal dialysis diet differs from other dialysis diets as it may require more protein. Talk with your doctor and dietitian for more information on your particular protein needs.