The Renal Diet

For those of you wondering what the most healthy diet and lifestyle is for Patrick, here are some excellent educational resources.  The main foods that he needs to avoid are those that contain sodium, potassium, and phosphorus (his blood already contains levels that are too high in these elements).  It is tricky to avoid these things, because many foods that we think of as "healthy," that are low in sodium, are high in potassium and/or phosphorus.  Basically, whole grains are NOT allowed for people on dialysis. White rice, white bread and enriched pasta are good carbs for Patrick- he needs to bulk up after losing weight over months in the hospital.  Meats can be prepared in a low sodium recipe, and he needs to be getting plenty of protein because he is losing a lot in his urine (one of the obvious signs of kidney failure).  Fruits and veggies are limited according to a specific list of what's allowed (bananas, melons, beans, potatoes and tomatoes are NOT okay.  Apples, berries, mushrooms, peppers and cooked greens are alright).  For the most part, dairy is NOT allowed. 

There are different diets to be adhered to during different stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.  Patrick has already started hemodialysis, and the link to reading about this specific diet plan is below...

http://www.davita.com

About sodium intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/sodium-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/481

About potassium intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/potassium-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/479

About phosphorus intake:
http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet-basics/phosphorus-and-chronic-kidney-disease/a/478

As the disease evolves and different treatments are required, his dietary needs will change.  This is confusing and hard to stay on top of.  Anyone who has tips on low sodium/potassium nutrition, please share!  There are a lot of health benefits to reducing sodium- I know of plenty of people who have maintained a similar diet, and felt much better for it.    

In terms of exercise, it would help to find a good physical therapist who is familiar with kidney issues.  By late January, Patrick was really worn down (losing weight and muscle, unable to be even moderately active).  February and March have seen a major turn-around due to he dialysis treatments three times a week.  Now that he feels motivated to move again, he is ready to start achieving some goals, such as bike riding, lifting weights, even practicing a little yoga :)