Nutrition education handout for dialysis patients

1. Nothing Beats a Healthy Heart
People on dialysis are at higher risk for heart disease. It is the
leading cause of early death for dialysis patients. It is a challenge to follow a traditional
heart healthy diet when you are on dialysis because many heart healthy foods are also
high in potassium and phosphorous. The dietary guidelines below will help to protect
your heart.
Include these foods
 Lean meat such as white meat of turkey
and chicken (without the skin), fish,
canned tuna, lean ground meats.
 1 whole egg a day plus egg whites, and
egg substitutes
 Fruits – apples, grapes, berries
 Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, onion,
green beans, zucchini, cabbage, bell
peppers
 Choose healthy fats like safflower oil,
olive oil and canola oil
 Include omega-3 fatty acids. Good
sources are fish, such as salmon and
tuna

2. Limit these foods
 Limit high fat/high sodium meats such as
bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and luncheon
meats (pastrami, bologna, ham)
 Limit saturated fats. Examples of
saturated fat are butter, shortening, fried
foods, fast food, and whole milk
 Avoid trans-fats. This “hidden” fat is
found in many processed foods. Be sure
to look at the nutrition facts panel on
your snacks for trans-fat.
These tips will also help keep your heart healthy:
• Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
• Keep high blood pressure controlled by
taking your medications as instructed and
talking to your doctor and dietitian about
fluid and sodium restrictions.
• Talk to your doctor about your physical
activity and what exercise plan is right for
you.