Since learning that I would be needing to start dialysis in the (perhaps near) future, I felt it would be a good idea to make some of the lifestyle changes that I will ultimately need to. My rationale was that starting dialysis will be enough of an adjustment and that needing to additionally adjust my diet would make the transition doubly onerous. So, I consulted a renal dietitian and asked her to help me understand the changes I should make to my food options.
Here are the changes I’m starting to make as a result of her advice.
I’m limiting the amount of potassium and phosphate I consume. This has meant starting to double boil certain vegetables like potatoes and sweetcorn to leech out some of the potassium. It takes a lot longer than simply cooking them in the microwave but is otherwise not a big adjustment.
I am also significantly reducing the salt in my diet, both in the way I cook and my meal selections when we visit restaurants. This is to ensure good heart health. I now seldom add salt to vegetables when they are boiling, and definitely do not add salt to cooked meals and salads. I am also trying to restrict the number of pre-processed meals and vegetable substitute products I eat, as they are often high in salt.
I used to carry small bottles of cola with me when leaving the house, in case my sugar levels were to drop while I was out. I have since learnt that dark colas are high in phosphates, which are not good for my kidneys. Instead I’ve switched to light sodas and fruit juice instead. So far, I haven’t put these to the test as I haven’t experienced a sugar drop on my recent trips out.
The hardest changes for me to adapt to so far are the recommendation to reduce the amount of tomato, avocado and cheese I consume. These have all been staples of my vegetarian diet for so long that I seem to almost inevitably have at least one if not more of them in my meals.
It’s taken creativity to find alternatives. I’ve started replacing cheddar cheese with cottage cheese, which I am allowed. In many instances it makes for a good and tasty substitute. I’m adding carrot and peppers to my salads and other dishes where I typically use fresh tomato and am rethinking meals that have cooked tomato as a primary ingredient. Sadly, I haven’t found anything that comes close to avocado, which is one of my favourite tastes. I’m hoping that cutting down the amount of avocado I consume and the frequency with which I eat it will be enough.
Thankfully, I am still able to eat all of these foods. I simply need to minimise how often I indulge and how much of them I eat on any one day.
As a matter of choice I’ve also reduced my consumption of alcohol. While I am allowed to drink adult beverages in my diet, I have found myself generally choosing not to do so. I occasionally indulge in a glass of dry white wine but go teetotal more often than not.
Ultimately, I’m managing to adjust my diet without huge changes to what I’m eating. At least I know that my dietary choices will be established by the time I eventually begin dialysis, and that they won’t impact on my treatments.
As with all my articles related to my health, this does not constitute medical advice. Any dietary changes you consider should be done in consultation with a qualified dietitian or a medical doctor.
